Located 13 km from Grimaud, Le Plan-de-la-Tour features a square shaded by plane trees, a late 18th-century church, and 25 Hameaux scattered throughout the Maures Mountains. From our 4-star campsite in La Garde-Freinet, in the Var department, this village is perfect for a morning at the market, a walking tour, or a hike through vineyards and oak groves.
What to see? When to visit? Where to go for a walk? Here are our answers, from the market to the trails.
Le Plan-de-la-Tour in 5 Points
- Le Plan-de-la-Tour is located in the Maures Mountains, 9 km from the sea.
- The town comprises 25 Hameaux surrounding the main village.
- Every Thursday morning, the Provençal market brings life to Place Foch.
- A free, signposted trail connects the town hall, the fountains, and Saint-Martin Church.
- Three marked trails start at the tourist office, including the 1-hour Gorgues trail.
A village in the Maures surrounded by 25 Hameaux
Le Plan-de-la-Tour lies in the Maures Mountains, 9 km from the sea and 11 km from La Garde-Freinet. Its history is closely tied to that of our municipality: the village was founded on May 26, 1792, when it separated from La Garde-Freinet. According toINSEE, just over 3,100 residents—known as Plantourians—live there today.
Their territory is made up of 25 Hameaux scattered among vineyards and forests, such as Les Ricards and Vallaury. Oak and pine trees cover the hills, while vineyards surround the village. As for the town’s name, it appears on its coat of arms, which features a red tower.
The village walking tour, from Place Foch to Saint-Martin Church
To explore Plan-de-la-Tour on foot, follow its free, signposted discovery trail. The loop begins at Place Foch, in front of City Hall—a former school dating back to 1860—and then winds through cobblestone streets lined with flowers: the town has been awarded the “Villes et Villages Fleuris” designation. Along the way, here are the highlights to look out for:
- The war memorial stands on Place de la Victoire.
- Saint-Martin Street leads to its fountain.
- The former rectory on Place Clemenceau hosts exhibitions and artists’ workshops.
- Since 1921, Saint-Martin Church has featured a wrought-iron bell tower.
- Near Rue de l’Horloge, the Haut Puits fountain rounds out the tour.
Our team recommends: “Start the loop on a Thursday morning at Place Foch: under the plane trees, the Provençal market adds its stalls and aromas to the walk.”
Market, parade, and mulled wine: the Plan-de-la-Tour calendar
In Plan-de-la-Tour, the calendar follows the rhythm of the seasons, with one regular event each week.
The Thursday market, Place Foch
Every Thursday, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, the Provençal market sets up in Place Foch , under the plane trees. And this happens all year round, summer and winter!
Festivals throughout the seasons
The highlight comes every two years in March with the Corso de la Bruyère (Heather Parade). Floats adorned with heather from the Maures mountains parade through the village: it’s the town’s flagship event . In spring, the Foire aux Plantes (Plant Fair) kicks off the gardening season in April. In May, the Saint-Pons festival, the village’s patron saint’s day, is followed by a blessing of the animals. Summer brings the evenings to life: night markets and the Festival dans les Vignes (Vineyard Festival) enliven the village. Finally, September brings the locals together for the Fête du Vin Cuit (Cooked Wine Festival ).
The village wines
On the vineyard side, 2 addresses produce reds, rosés and whites: the cooperative winery Les Vignerons du Plan de la Tour and the Beaucas estate.
A little extra: In September, the Fête du Vin Cuit celebrates a Provençal drink that families traditionally serve at Christmas, along with the 13 desserts. For late-season vacationers, it’s a chance to sample a local tradition, far from the coastal hotspots.
Hiking around Plan-de-la-Tour: 4 marked trails
Plan-de-la-Tour can also be explored on foot. Starting from the tourist office on Place Clemenceau, three marked trails circle the area surrounding the village:
- Les Gorgues is an easy 5.2-km loop that takes about 1 hour to complete, passing through vineyards, the ruins of the Saint-Pierre Chapel, and the Prat Bourdin menhir.
- The Hameau loop connects Préconil, Les Roubauds, and Le Vernet in 1 hour over 4.5 km.
- For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Vallaury Mine Trail climbs toward the old lead and silver mines, offering panoramic views of the gulf.
For a day trip, a fourth trail—marked in yellow—connects La Garde-Freinet to the summit of San Peïre via La Mourre. Here’s what’s on the itinerary: 19.5 km and 410 m of elevation gain, through the cork oak and chestnut forests of the Maures, a vast forest range in the Var.
Our tips: We recommend setting out early and bringing at least 1.5 liters of water per person. In the summer, the sun quickly heats up the ridges of the Maures; the early morning hours are still the most pleasant for hiking.
How about starting your next Thursday at the market on Place Foch? Book your mobile home at our campsite, Camping Miremer, then spend the day visiting the market, taking a walk through the Hameaux, and enjoying a spa session—all in one day.
Illustrative images generated by artificial intelligence
FAQ – Your Questions About Plan-de-la-Tour
Where is Plan-de-la-Tour located?
Le Plan-de-la-Tour is located in the Var department, in the hinterland of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The village lies in the Maures Mountains, 9 km from Sainte-Maxime, 13 km from Grimaud, and 19 km from Saint-Tropez.
Where can you go swimming near Plan-de-la-Tour?
If you want to go swimming near Plan-de-la-Tour, the easiest option is to head to Sainte-Maxime, 9 km away. Its beaches line the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, across from the town of Saint-Tropez.
What are the residents of Plan-de-la-Tour called?
The residents of Le Plan-de-la-Tour are called Plantourians and Plantouriannes. Since a decree issued on October 3, 2008, their municipality has officially been known as “Le Plan-de-la-Tour,” with the definite article.
What historic sites are worth seeing in Plan-de-la-Tour?
In Plan-de-la-Tour, several ancient sites dot the hills. The Prat Bourdin menhir can be seen along the Gorgues trail, while the San Peïre oppidum overlooks the hills. The town is also home to the Saint-Sébastien dolmens.