The pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is an itinerary that stretches across the whole of Europe. Its origin dates back to the beginning of the 9th century, after the discovery in Galicia (Spain) of the supposed tomb of "Saint James the Greater", the first martyred apostle of Christendom.
From then on, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela was decreed one of the "three great pilgrimages of Christianity", along with Jerusalem and Rome. Hundreds of paths leading to the Cathedral have gradually emerged all over Europe, gathering thousands of pilgrims every year.
The 138-kilometre-long route through the Var region crosses the great massifs of the Estérel, the Maures and the Sainte-Baume. These stages are exceptional because of the breathtaking views and the rich historical heritage of the region.
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
Why is a shell associated with Santiago de Compostela ?
At the beginning of the pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela, the walkers collected shells they found on the beaches of Galicia and proudly wore them on their return as proof of their journey and as a souvenir. Since ancient times, shells were worn to protect themselves from witchcraft, bad luck and disease. For these symbolic reasons the shell became an attribute of the Apostle Santiago, from whom it took its name.
The village of Puget sur Argens is a major stop on the Compostela Trail.
Pilgrims arrive from Fréjus via the Vernède wine estate and the Jas neuf path. The path then enters the heart of the village of Puget sur Argens where several points of interest are indicated by following the golden metal shells :
Built between 1572 and 1577, this church is full of historical treasures including the church bell (1774), altarpieces dated 1696 and restored in 1872, statues of the Virgin and a Roman milestone serving as a base for the baptismal font.
Altarpieces are vertical constructions, used to carry religious works or decorations around the altar. Those of Puget sur Argens have been restored recently.
Fantastic testimony of the feudal system, this oven was built in the 13th century. Today it is located in the library of Puget sur Argens. The term "banality" was used at the time to refer to the technical installations maintained by the lords and made available to the inhabitants of the seigneury at a cost.
Dating back to 1776, it was built on the ancient fortifications whose limits can still be seen today. The clock is surmounted by a belfry dating from the 18th century.
The communal gîte "l'Oustaou de Compostelle" allows pilgrims to stop and regain their strength in an authentic and comfortable place, below the Church of St Jacques le Majeur.
GÎTE L’OUSTAOU DE COMPOSTELLE
99 Boulevard Louis Pasteur
83480 PUGET SUR ARGENS
Phone : +33(0)4 94 19 55 29
Price : 15€ for walkers with pilgrim's passport / 20€ for hikers.
Modalities : stay limited to one night only, pets not allowed.
- On presentation of the pilgrim's passport, you can benefit from special rates at the local authority's partner shops. Get your pilgrim's passport.
- The path then continues on the path of Callas in the direction of La Bouverie (Roquebrunesur-Argens). On the way you will see the Château de Vaucouleurs in the middle of the woods and vineyards.
Office de Tourisme de Puget sur Argens
153 Rue Daniel Isnard,
83480 Puget-sur-Argens
Phone : 04 94 19 55 29
Site web : www.pugetsurargens-tourisme.com
http://www.visitvar.fr/provence-cote-azur/pleine-nature/chemin-st-jacques-compostelle
https://www.camino-europe.eu/fr/eu/fr-fr/jakobswege-fr/f-via-aurelia-fr-CH/f-saint-raphael-le-muy-fr-CH/
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The Pays de Fayence (Fayence district) has many great provencal villages. All of them have a particularity such as the view from Mons or the artistic streets of Tourrettes. Do no forget to stop in Seillans that has the label of "Most beautiful village in France"
North of the A8 motorway, you will find the Pays de Fayence. Saint-Cassien lake, a real oasis of freshness in the Var, awaits you! Take a break at the Lake House before visiting the villages of Bagnols-en-Forêt, St-Paul-en-Forêt or Tanneron.
The city of Roquebrune-sur-Argens is the most westerly of the destination. It includes three districts: La Bouverie, at the foot of Gorges du Blavet; The village, overlooked by its magnificent rock, and Les Issambres, with its nautical activities by the sea.
Les Adrets de l'Estérel is a small town located at the extreme southeastern Var. Bordering the Maritimes Alpes, it is composed of large green forests. The town overlooks the bay of Cannes and has an exceptional view on the Lérins Islands and the Corniche de l'Estérel.
Puget sur Argens is a small village located in the middle of many wineries. Its commercial area, near the village, includes many shopping center. North of the village, the Bois du Defens give rise to several walks.
Welcome to Les Issambres, the district of Roquebrune-sur-Argens located on the coast. True paradise with its 8 km of beaches and creeks, this family seaside resort, already frequented at the time by the Romans, is located between the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and Fréjus-Saint Raphaël.
Frejus, located halfway between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, is at the heart of the Côte d'Azur. Based on a sandstone buttress of the Esterel massif, the town dominates the valleys of Argens and Reyran. Frejus has the appearance of a small Provencal town whose new districts extend to the sea.
65km from Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport, Saint-Raphaël is located between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. This seaside resort on the Mediterranean coast is at the bottom of the great Esterel mountains. Saint Raphael, whose city center is by the sea, is divided into different neighborhoods that have all their characteristics and their personalities.
