Callian
Welcome to Callian, one of the hilltop villages of the Pays de Fayence. Located at an altitude of 325m, the village owes its charm to its streets arranged in a spiral around the feudal castle (12th - 13th century). Don't miss this opportunity to discover its rich heritage and surroundings!
The village of Callian
Discover the village of Callian, one of the 9 hilltop villages of the Pays de Fayence !
Callian, a historical village of the Pays de Fayence
The streets of the village, arranged in a semi-circle around the feudal castle, are lined with old houses sometimes century-old. Once an important village, the territory extended to the coast. From the highest point of the town, we discover a striking overview. Facing the sun, overhung by the massifs of Tanneron and Esterel, the sea sparkles. The surrounding hills are covered with a wide forest mantle dominated by oaks and conifers, mixing for all these vegetal scents. This panorama reveals all the diversity and beauty of this privileged land.
Many historical remains confirm Callian's ancient history, such as the Roman cippus inside the town hall.
The castle of Callian is one of the most beautiful monuments of the village. Built on a rocky peak with corner towers from the 12th and 13th centuries, it belonged to noble families from the region. It was completed in the 15th century and partly restored by Henry Brifaut. It is private however it is possible to visit the Guards' Room during the local heritage days.
Churches and chapels that cannot be ignored
The village of Callian is plentiful of monuments between its churches and chapels. Enjoy a guided tour of the village of Callian from the Callian Tourist Information Office. You will discover the architectural and historical heritage of the medieval village.
- The parish church Notre Dame de l’Assomption, of large and beautiful proportions, dates from 1684.
- The chapel of the Penitents: was a chapel that became a parish church with the development of the village around its protective castle.
- The chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Roses is the oldest religious monument in Callian. It is an archaeological site from the Gallo-Roman period.
- The chapel of Saint-Donat, located in the small valley between Callian and Montauroux, is built on a Gallo-Roman sepulchral site (2nd century - 5th century) from which it is possible to visit the outside.
A very attractive village
The centre of the old village is Place Honoré Bourguignon, with its waterfall, a source of freshness. There is also an oil mill dating from 1815 (only open in season). You will see some remains of the Roman aqueduct that supplied the city of Fréjus with water from Mons. A quality environment and a stimulating climate make Callian a very pleasant village.
Many personalities have found in Callian a favourable place to practice their art, such as the painters Fernand and Nadia LEGER (both buried in Callian), the famous couturier Christian DIOR, Anthony BURGESS the author of the book "Orange Mécanique", Edouard GOERG, a painter of international reputation, Mrs Juliette ADAM, woman of letters which is dead centenary at the castle of Camiole.
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