With its restaurants, windmills, market and leisure activities, Flayosc is the perfect place for gourmets and sports enthusiasts all year round. Perched at an altitude of 330 metres and winding around its church, the village enjoys an exceptional location between the sea and the mountains, surrounded by greenery.
Flayosc has everything you need
To the east, the Esterel Massif, Cannes, Vence and Nice can all be reached in less than an hour. The prestigious Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix are no more than an hour away.
If you opt for shorter trips, you can circle around Flayosc and choose from a number of excursion destinations, including the Abbaye du Thoronet, Entrecasteaux, Aups, Villecroze and its caves, Sillans la cascade, Cotignac, Lorgues and Les Arcs, not forgetting the nearby hilltop villages of Tourtour, Ampus and Châteaudouble. Forty minutes is all it takes to reach the sea: Saint-Raphaël or Sainte-Maxime; another twenty minutes and you're in Saint-Tropez.
Flayosc has everything you need for everyday life, thanks to its many shops and health professionals.
In the shade of the plane trees on the Place de la République, listening to the murmur of the listed fountain, you'll find yourself on the terrace of one of the cafés, chatting in a mixture of Provençal, English, German, French and Italian.
Heritage
Already occupied in ancient times Flayosc develops in the early Middle Ages on a rocky promontory. Destroyed by the Saracens, it was rebuilt by his lords around the church and its bell tower, surrounded by ramparts strengthened with. Under the old regime, the village is erected into a barony and marquisate, its people enjoying gifts granted from the fourteenth century by Queen Jeanne and Countess of Provence.
During the Revolution, the last lord and marquis Flayosc Alexandre Villeneuve took refuge in Aix-en-Provence. The people took the opportunity to demolish the castle in May 1792. Then, until the early twentieth century, the town enjoyed prosperity through the crafting of the shoe, but also the introduction of pottery and brickworks.
Today, viticulture, production of olive oil (many mills) and tourism boost the economy. With 4300 inhabitants, picturesque heritage and a green environment conducive to hiking, Flayosc has it all as long as we move away from the beaches and major nearby sites.
At the heart of the old village remain heritage features reflecting its rich past. This includes three gates that once marked the ramparts: the Golden Gate near Place Bremond, the Porte de Paris by the former post house, and the Porte de la Reinesse at the eponymous square.
The medieval castle, rebuilt by the barons and marquis until the eighteenth century, remains only a section of wall near the church. It is dedicated to St. Lawrence, built in the eleventh century, has certainly been remodeled but it retains a certain charm thanks to its bell bulb containing eighteenth century bells that dominates the village.
Several chapels also dot the territory, but also wash houses, fountains and wells (in the village or at the discretion of the paths).
In a more contemporary register, isolated in the scrubland, the Orthodox monastery Saint-Michel du Var was built and founded in 1982 in a contemporary architectural style but stripped. It has a Byzantine-inspired church entirely painted Romanesque frescoes on 500 sqm. Visits and retreats are possible, provided you do not disturb the peace of the religious. Information at +33 4 94 73 12 40.
The village, the surrounding countryside (wooded hills, olive groves, vineyards) are the subject of thematic marked trails dedicated to hikers (and who does not present major difficulties). Three are devoted to heritage (discovery along the water, discover historical monuments, the natural and agricultural heritage). Five circuits offer greater magnitude.
Flay'Forest, an adventure park with a tree climbing course, is also available. Open from April to November during holidays and/or by reservation.
Events and festvities
Every Monday morning, the typical Provence market offers a great opportunity to discover the region’s rich local produce. In mid-March, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated with dancing. In mid-August, there is a three-day ‘Fête de la Saint-Laurent’ with traditional entertainment and concerts.
In mid-September, over a weekend, the famous Calado deli Carrillo (soapbox race) and the "Flay-Colour", a friendly race in which participants race through colored clouds with natural pigments. Christmas market is on the first weekend of December.
