SEILLANS: MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
Seillans is located 45 km from Cannes in the Var department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
This small village captivates it’s visitors with its medieval heritage: it’s feudal castle, it’s 12th century church, it’s Sarasin gate, cobbled alleys and it’s fountains shaded by its centuries Platanus.
Concerts are held in August in the Saint-Léger church: classical, choral and orchestral music are on offer throughout the season.
An open-air festival of local music is held every summer in Seillans, as well.
Wines produced in this region are certified with the appellation Cotes de Provence and IGP Var.
SEILLANS: HISTORY
Before the Roman conquest, Seillans was inhabited by the Ligurian and Celto-Ligurian populations.
In Roman times, the village was built on a plain.
In the Middle Ages, the village was relocated to the slopes of the Auzières: a fortification was built to protect the site against enemy attacks. The village was redeveloped around fortifications and a castle.
At the same time, monks of the Abbey of Saint-Victor of Marseilles settled in the village.
The famous Sarasin gate was built in the 12th century to enclose the village walls. It’s locale is now also classified as an historical monument.
Sarasin Gate
Built in the 12th century, it enclosed the first lines of defense against invaders. Over time, the medieval houses between the door and the castle collapsed, leaving the "Two Rocks" appearing for all to see.
Fontaine Font d'Amont or Font d'Amour
Situated before the Sarasin port, this fountain is one of the village's oldest fresh water sources. It is adorned with the coat of arms of Lord Bouquier, Lord of Marseilles, co-lord of Seillans and knight of the Order of Malta.
Valat street
Built in the 12th century, this street follows the lines of the ancient moats of the medieval castle. It served as a bastion of defense and secured the village by three doors located under the vault. The building of the Town Hall located on the rue du Valat was built in the 12th century.
The church of Saint Léger
Built in the 11th century, the Romanesque church preserves a marble holy water font from the 15th century, paintings from the 16th and 19th centuries, a triptych from the 16th century, and two altarpieces from the 17th century. It bears the name of the martyr Léger, bishop of Autun. The marble holy water font is classified also as a historical monument.
The feudal castle
The ‘castellaras ligure’ then rebuild in ‘ford gallo-Roman’, became in the 9th as ‘castle-ford’, fief of the abbey Saint Victor of Marseilles. It included the cloister house, a dungeon, with the priory affixed to the church.
The castle became the residence of the lords and the co-lords of Seillans in the 12th century. Following the religious wars (Crusades), the castle was rebuilt in the 17th century.
The castle as we see it today consists of a tower, the baptismal house of the bishop, and a building from the 17th century. At the back of the facility is located the 11th century dungeon, flanked by buildings dating from the 14th and 15th centuries.
The interior of the Castle cannot be visited, but observed only from the outside looking inward.
Thouron square and its fountain
Shaded by Platanus, a beautiful 17th century fountain is located in the center of Place du Thouron.
Previously, on this square, there existed an oil mill, shops and Ulmus minor ater replaced by Platanus.
Tourist office is located here.
Square Font Jordany
This street is an integral part of the second rampart that protected the village. It was the very high and the contiguous dwellings which formed the enclosure of the village and served as fortifications.
The paving stones of this plot and a few alleys are classified as historical monuments.
Butcher street
Formerly, the upper part of the ‘rue de la boucherie’, was called rue des Tripoux. The Butcher's trade was one of the most important professions in its day. It was comparable in importance to professions such as those like notaries and glassmakers. The monopoly on the sale of meat was granted by the Communal Council. During the 15th century, butchers knew how to make the best their golden age by selling leather at a handsome profit to the tanners of Grasse.
CLOSE TO SEILLANS - CHAPEL OF OUR LADY ORMEAU
The Provençal Cistercian building of the second half of the 12th century is located 2 km from Seillans. It contains a remarkable altarpiece entirely carved out of polychrome wood from the 16th century and a Madonna and Child of the 9th as well as several ex-votos.
FINE DINING IN NEARBY SEILLANS RESTAURANT CASTELLARAS
Provencal gourmet and traditional French cuisine
This gourmet restaurant "Le Castellaras" has been the recipient of a Michelin star for 25 years. It has held the title of ‘Master Restaurateurs’ since September 2010.
Notable for its fine cuisine, a friendly atmosphere, a beautiful dining room containing decorations from a local castle, and tables situated in the garden for meals during the summer months invariably makes one’s visit to this place memorable.
Address: 461 Chemin de Peymeyan, 83440 Fayence
WINE TASTING VISITS IN NEARBY SEILLANS
Château des Selves
The estate is located in a quiet rural area. Among suggested wines of the Appellation of Protected Origin and IGP Var:
Pleasant rosés produced from the grape varietals Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault and Syrah.
Fresh whites produced from 100% Rolle grape, and strong reds produced from the Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grape varietals.
Address: Chemin de l'Oratoire, Seillans, 83440
Val d'Iris
The estate is located in a quite valley planted by irises. The estate wines are honored with several medals.
Address: 341, Combe path, Seillans, 83440