Rocbaron is a town in the Var, in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, 33 km north-east of Toulon and the Mediterranean coast.
Integrated in the community of Provence Verte, labeled Country of Art and History, the municipal area of 20 km² is located on foothills covered with oak forests and culminates at nearly 600 m altitude, the heart of the village locating on a hillside. In the last three decades, the population has grown significantly, with the habitat reaching the lower valley (270 m above sea level). Rocbaron now has more than 4900 inhabitants.
Crossed by a river, the Issole, and several streams, the locality where traces of human occupation from before our era were brought to light takes its rise in the twelfth century with the construction of a seigniorial castle, and a church, on a small summit distant 600 m from the current old heart of the city. The fief then depends on the same lordship as Forcalqueiret, a few kilometers to the north.
At the beginning of the eighteenth century, a new church was built and the initial site of the town is abandoned.
Rocbaron remains a village of a few hundred people until the early 1960s, then it becomes popular with families looking for a green setting away from the bustle, while being accessible and commercial.
Today, besides its heritage, Rocbaron has preserved a certain quality of life and its terroir remains famous (vineyards). Pastoralism (goats, cheese production) and crafts are also alive and well. Many assets that make the city an interesting stopover for anyone staying in Provence.
A discovery of Rocbaron can begin with a tour including its main historical sites. In terms of heritage, we will begin this walk with the ruins and remains of the romantic old castle and church, on the heights of the current village. Erected in the twelfth century, this fortress was then abandoned for the castle of Forcalqueiret, under the same lordship. There are still ditches and loopholes. The site enjoys a panoramic view that allows to observe the plain of Puget, the Massif des Maures and even the sea...
As for the early church, already dedicated to Saint-Sauveur, it was replaced in 1735 by a larger building but simple style, with a simple nave, no apse, the choir located at the site of the last span. The facade overlooks a square (within the new historic center), simply adorned with a bull's eye and with a modest door to the frame of stones whose arch is semicircular.
In this area, to see also, the square belfry and its belfry of medieval appearance, near the town hall. Away from the village, other elements are worth a detour, such as the old cade ovens (where were produced medicinal oil made from juniper wood that was burned) and lime kilns, on the site of the Glassworks, or the Romanesque Fountain of La Fardelle.
A trail lined with signs connects these different places. Brochure and information on +33 4 94 72 04 21.
In another register, Rocbaron is famous for its astronomical observation center with one of the largest professional astronomical spectacles in Europe. Located in the Park of the Sun and the Moon, the center offers introductions to the practice of astronomy (observation) and scientific activities for all audiences. In summer, the beautiful starry sky of Provence is obviously more suited to this discipline... Open all year. Information on the animations and reservation in +33 6 74 32 59 88.
For lovers of hiking, the medieval remains, the picturesque heart of the "new" village, the elements of small heritage (fountains, ovens) and of course the surrounding mountains, vineyards and stalls of many craftsmen are included in many circuits of varying difficulty. Documentation and information on +33 4 94 72 04 21.
Some of them are accessible by mountain bike. But for mountain bike trails specifically designed by qualified guides, contact the association Sud Bike and Nature at +33 6 22 87 84 52.
Always for athletes, the town has a bowling alley, a skate park and tennis courts. Information on +33 4 94 72 84 72.
Finally, at the cultural level, the media library and the Marc Téti space program throughout the year exhibitions, workshops, meetings... Information +33 4 94 72 84 79.
