Fayence

Fayence is a hilltop village in the Var department, set in the Provençal hinterland between Draguignan and Cannes, at the heart of the Pays de Fayence area, which includes neighbouring villages such as Seillans, Callian and Tourrettes. The village retains narrow lanes, the remains of the counts of Provence's castle, and the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church. Fayence is particularly known for its aerodrome, one of Europe's leading gliding centres, drawing pilots and enthusiasts thanks to the region's favourable air currents. The surrounding countryside features olive groves, vineyards and wooded hills, ideal for walking and cycling. Nearby Lake Saint-Cassien offers water sports and fishing opportunities. A Provençal market regularly enlivens the village centre, offering local produce, olive oil and regional specialities. The Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, makes the area pleasant to explore for much of the year. Fayence makes a convenient base for discovering the upper Var and the hills behind Cannes, combining Provençal heritage with unspoilt countryside.