Correns and the Vallon Sourn
Correns, France’s first organic village
The Var village of Correns is just an hour’s drive from Camping Clair de Lune. With its Provencal charm, it lies on the right bank of the Argens river, at the gateway to the Bagarèdes gorges. Labelled organic, its overall transition dates back to 1997, a time when a winegrower and agricultural engineer was in power at Correns town hall.
Since then, the local economy has developed with the greatest respect for the environment, following organic farming and breeding methods.
In this organic village, people make their living from raising chickens and goats, as well as from winegrowing and beekeeping. A quality production that has maintained its reputation throughout the Var region, even beyond Provence. Not to mention the region’s famous white wine, Côtes-de-Provence. You’ll have the opportunity to discover it exclusively at the Cave de Provence.
Thanks to the adoption of an ecological and environmental approach, the village’s agricultural economy distributes organic and local produce to school canteens. A production policy that promotes the optimization of renewable energies. To take advantage of regional products, a major organic fair is held in the village of Correns every August, bringing together some 100 to 150 exhibitors. Conferences, films, testimonials and meetings take place over the two days.
Correns opens onto the Argens river, an ideal spot for swimming, with natural beaches lining the river, crossed by the arch of the stone bridge. To reach Fort Gibron, a 12th-century abbey residence whose Romanesque Provencal campanile dominates the landscape, you have to cross narrow streets and calades. You can visit the village as part of a walking tour, following numbered signposts. The tour takes you to the medieval portcullis Saint-Germain, picturesque quarters and the 18th-century Baroque church. Its altarpiece will not leave you indifferent.
Vallon Sourn or “the dark Provencal
In the Var hinterland, the Vallon Sourn is one of the jewels of the Var between the village of Correns and Châteauvert. A haven of peace in a verdant setting that stretches for 4 km around the Argens river. Ideal for canoeing, lounging on the beautiful beaches, swimming for family fun and fishing on the banks. This natural site is home to significant biodiversity. It is also a breeding ground for wild fario trout. To preserve this exceptional environment, access from the shore is restricted. Alternatively, climbing enthusiasts can venture out onto the steep cliffs lining the Vallon Sourn.
If you prefer outdoor activities, rock-climbing, kayaking, hiking and mountain-biking tours are the way to go. They allow you to explore the Correns area in a fun way. Nearby, there’s a shaded parking area with a canisse roof for your family outings. Just follow the signposted path to the climbing sites and coastal beaches. Following the arrows, the path to your destination runs alongside the river, marked by the scents of Provence.
Next, a flower-filled meadow continues your journey, dominated by the cliffs as a backdrop. A little further on, the wild beach of Grotte aux Fées offers a rather special backdrop for nature lovers. Finally, in the site’s undergrowth, the plants in visitors’ path are protected by a grating bridge. This bridge leads to the large Vallon beach, which is partly sunny and partly shady, hence its dark Provencal name. This sandy, stony beach is ideal for a refreshing swim.