La Môle is a quiet village in the Var region, at the foot of the Massif des Maures. It is located just 8 km from our campsite. This small village of around 1,500 inhabitants charms visitors with its authenticity. Between its historical heritage, hiking trails, and wine estates, La Môle in the Var offers a peaceful nature escape. Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit from our campsite in the Var.
Key Points to Remember
- La Môle is located in the Var, 9 km from Cogolin and 18 km from Saint-Tropez, in the heart of the Massif des Maures.
- The village is home to the château where Antoine de Saint-Exupéry spent part of his childhood.
- Several hiking trails start from the village and lead to the Chartreuse de la Verne and the Col du Canadel.
- La Môle has an international airport serving the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
- Local wine estates produce AOC Côtes de Provence wines, which can be tasted on site.
Where is La Môle located in the Var?
What to visit in La Môle?
La Môle in the Var holds a rich heritage for such a small village. The most famous landmark is the château, built in the 16th century by Jacques de Boniface. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of *The Little Prince*, spent part of his childhood holidays there. His maternal family, the Boyer de Fonscolombe, owned the estate. The château is surrounded by a park of around 500 hectares, but it is not open to visitors.
By climbing Sainte-Magdeleine hill, you can discover the remains of the original medieval village. Archaeological excavations carried out in 1989 uncovered a fortified castrum dating back to the 11th century. The parish church from the 19th century, located in the centre of the current village, is also worth a visit.
In addition, La Môle hosts a Provençal market from April to October. You will find local produce and specialties from the Var region, including olive oil, honey, and goat cheese.
Outdoor activities in La Môle
La Môle in the Var is a true playground for nature lovers. The Massif des Maures stretches for 60 km in length and 30 km in width. It surrounds the village with forests of cork oaks and chestnut trees. Here are the main activities waiting for you:
Hiking and marked trails
Several routes start directly from the village. The trail to the Chartreuse de la Verne leads to the dam and the monastery through dense Mediterranean vegetation, via a 10 km loop (468 m elevation gain, around 4 hours of walking). For the more athletic, the path to Canadel Beach crosses the entire massif. It connects La Môle directly to the sea!
Cycling and mountain biking
The roads and forest tracks around La Môle are well suited to both road cycling and mountain biking. The climb to the Col du Canadel reaches 267 metres in altitude. It rewards cyclists with panoramic views over the Bay of Cavalaire.
Vineyards and wine tastings
The commune is home to several wine estates producing AOC Côtes de Provence wines. The Domaine de la Siouvette, a 30-hectare family estate, offers tastings in a typically Provençal setting. Other estates are scattered throughout the valley and form part of the wine route of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez! Want to discover La Môle from the perfect base camp? Looking for a place to stay to explore the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and visit La Môle in the Var? Our campsite with water park in the Var welcomes you in Cogolin, just 10 minutes from the village. Book your stay and discover this preserved corner of Provence!
FAQ — La Môle, Var
La Môle is located in the Var department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The village lies 9 km from Cogolin and 15 km from Saint-Tropez, in the heart of the Massif des Maures. La Môle enjoys an ideal position between the sea and the hills.
No, the Château of La Môle is not open to the public. This 16th-century château, where Antoine de Saint-Exupéry spent part of his childhood, remains a private property. However, it can be seen from the D48 departmental road.
Yes, La Môle hosts a Provençal market from April to October. You can find local products from the Var such as olive oil, honey, and cheese. The market takes place in the village centre.
To reach La Môle from Cogolin, take the D98 westbound. The journey takes around 10 minutes for 9 km. From the L’Argentière campsite in Cogolin, La Môle in the Var is therefore very easily accessible.
Absolutely, La Môle is home to several wine estates producing AOC Côtes de Provence wines. The Domaine de la Siouvette offers tastings of Provençal rosé. Other estates in the valley also welcome visitors.
Sources:
- La Môle Town Hall – Wine estates: https://www.lamole.fr/domaines-viticoles/.
- Official Antoine de Saint-Exupéry website – La Môle: https://www.antoinedesaintexupery.com/lieux/la-mole/.