Draguignan

Draguignan, a sub-prefecture of the Var department, lies in the heart of inland Provence, between the vineyard-covered hills of the Côtes de Provence and the foothills leading towards the Verdon Gorges. The old town retains a compact medieval layout centred on the seventeenth-century Clock Tower, which overlooks terracotta rooftops, narrow lanes and shaded squares typical of Provençal towns. The town is also home to the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions of Moyenne Provence, dedicated to local rural life, and hosts an artillery school that still shapes its military heritage today. Provençal markets, particularly the Wednesday market, bring the centre to life with regional produce such as olive oil, honey and goat's cheese. Draguignan makes a convenient base for exploring the hilltop villages of the Haut-Var, nearby vineyards and the landscapes of the Verdon, all within an hour's drive. Its Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, supports outdoor activities for much of the year, including walking, cycling and exploring Provençal rural heritage.