Le Plan-de-la-Tour, an Authentic Village in the Maures Massi

Le Plan-de-la-Tour is located in the Var department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, inland from the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the entire French Riviera, just a short drive from the seaside resorts while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Maures countryside.

The village is around 10 km from Sainte-Maxime and 15 km from Cogolin, making it easy to reach the beaches.

Several neighbouring villages are also well worth a visit:

• Sainte-Maxime lies on the coast and is known for its long sandy beach and lively marina.
• Grimaud is home to a charming medieval village and a hilltop castle overlooking the Gulf.
• Cogolin, renowned for its handcrafted pipes and traditional rugs, continues the region’s artisanal heritage.
• La Garde-Freinet overlooks the surrounding countryside from the hills, in the heart of the area's forests.

Good to know: On the map of the Var, Le Plan-de-la-Tour sits in a fertile basin crossed by the Préconil River, a small watercourse that flows towards Sainte-Maxime. This geographical setting explains the village’s name: in Provençal, a “plan” refers to a flat area suitable for cultivation, reflecting the village’s agricultural heritage and Mediterranean way of life.

The village is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its prime location in the heart of the Maures Massif. One of the area's most popular hikes leads to the summit of San Peire, 416 metres above sea level, through cork oak forests. From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Estérel Massif. Mountain bikers can also take advantage of seven mountain bike trails certified by the French Cycling Federation.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the surrounding countryside during your stay:

• Hike to the summit of San Peire for spectacular 360° views over the bay.
• Cycle along signposted mountain bike trails winding through vineyards and forests on the French Riviera.
• Explore scenic footpaths leading to the area's peaceful hamlets.
• Visit the nearby vineyards in the heart of the Maures region.

Our favourite tip: Set off early in the morning during the summer, when the temperatures are still pleasant and the scent of the cork oak forests fills the air. Time and again, our guests return from San Peire delighted by the tranquillity of the Maures Massif—worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the French Riviera.

Le Plan-de-la-Tour owes its unique character to its rural heritage and its scattered settlement pattern. The commune was officially established on 26 May 1792, from former districts dating back to the Ancien Régime. As early as the 16th century, farms began to appear near permanent water sources, which were invaluable during the long, dry summer months. Over time, these isolated farmhouses gradually developed into hamlets.

Today, around twenty hamlets still make up the commune, including Emponse, Le Revest, Le Vernet, Les Gastons, and Prat-l'Estagnol. The hamlet of Saint-Martin forms the present-day village centre. This patchwork of settlements reflects the area's traditional way of life, shaped by water, the land, and the rhythm of the seasons. It gives Le Plan-de-la-Tour its peaceful charm, where village life blends seamlessly with the surrounding countryside.

Would you like to discover Le Plan-de-la-Tour and the hidden gems of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez without giving up easy access to the beaches? Stay at Camping L'Argentière in Cogolin, just 15 kilometres from the village, and combine relaxing days by our heated swimming pools with unforgettable excursions through the Maures Massif. Book your stay today and let our team share their favourite local tips and hidden treasures!