Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Draguignan, France

If you wish to experience the authentic Provence in a locale that remains serene and less frequented by tourists, Draguignan may be an ideal destination.

This town showcases all the hallmark characteristics of the region: rocky hills, vineyards, olive groves, and charming perched villages.

Moreover, its distance from significant tourist attractions ensures that it often escapes the typical travel itineraries.

Nonetheless, the historic center possesses a picturesque charm, featuring several ancient lavoirs and an assortment of engaging museums.

Designated as the Gateway to Verdon, the stunning landscapes of the Gorges du Verdon are conveniently located just to the north.

Let us examine the top activities in Draguignan:

1. Tour de l’Horloge

Draguignan’s square-shaped clock tower rises prominently over the town from a small hill.

From early June through the end of September, visitors can ascend to the top to appreciate the breathtaking Provençal landscape, including the distant Massif de Maures to the south.

The tower features bartizans on all four corners, a characteristic added during its reconstruction in the 1660s.

Notably, the Tour de l’Horloge is the fourth tower to occupy this site, originally the location of Draguignan’s castle, which was dismantled three times in conflicts spanning from the 11th to the 17th centuries.

2. Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires

This museum is essential for those who appreciate the Provençal countryside and its cultural heritage, offering insights into the craftspeople who have influenced the area’s culture and landscape over the centuries.

On the ground floor, visitors can discover traditional crafts such as cork production, olive cultivation, and winemaking, along with antique tools displayed methodically.

Ascending to the upper level unveils local culinary traditions and showcases traditional furniture, attire, ceramics, and glassware, while also detailing the region’s popular festivals.

3. Musée de l’Artillerie

Since the 1970s, the French Army has maintained its artillery school in Draguignan. In 1982, the school inaugurated a museum dedicated to showcasing 600 years of French artillery history.

The museum has recently undergone renovations, making it particularly alluring for enthusiasts of military technology and tactics: it houses an array of vintage weaponry, medals, uniforms, shells, and large-scale models illustrating pivotal battles in the history of artillery.

Among the highlights is a cannon from 1739 and the gun carriage from the 1770s, designed by Lieutenant General Gribeauval, a pioneer in artillery design.

4. Rhone American Cemetery and Memorial

Operation Dragoon denoted the invasion of southern France, which commenced a few months post-Normandy landings.

In August 1944, the U.S. forces faced considerable losses during the conflict around the Rhône. Consequently, in 1956, this cemetery and memorial were established on the eastern outskirts of Draguignan.

With 860 headstones spread across more than five hectares, a guide can share the narratives of various soldiers interred here.

A visit to the memorial and chapel, adorned with murals and stonework by Austin M. Purves Jr., is highly recommended.

5. Pierre de la Fée

Located just a few minutes outside the town is this dolmen, believed to have been constructed during the Copper Age around 5,000 years ago.

The monument is entirely fashioned from local limestone and features an impressively large slab as a roof, supported by three tall stones.

What distinguishes Pierre de la Fée from many other dolmens is the height of its supporting walls, which exceed two meters, allowing visitors to pass beneath without bending.

Historically, women experiencing fertility challenges would seek the Pierre de la Fée for its purported powers.

6. Parc Chabran

The Chabran area of Draguignan has housed the French military for over a century.

However, following the modernization of the army, the older barracks were repurposed into upscale accommodations, and the surrounding land has been transformed into public gardens.

Parc Chabran encompasses three hectares of meticulously designed gardens featuring lawns, flowerbeds, walkways, and pollarded trees, all enhanced by the historical barracks that overlook the area.

This setting is perfect for leisurely strolls and family picnics.

7. Musée Municipal d’Art et Histoire

Comprising six rooms of paintings and artifacts, Draguignan’s museum of art and history, though compact, is certainly worth a visit.

Admission is complimentary, and the collection features works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Paul Delaroche.

Noteworthy displays include Art Nouveau vases, exquisite porcelain from Moustiers and Sèvres, Louis XIV furniture, and the gilded wooden lectern used during the coronation of Charles VII in 1429 at Reims.

A highlight is the 16th-century armor of François de Montmorency, a Grand Officer of the Crown of France.

The museum is situated in the former summer residence of the Bishop of Fréjus, adding historical significance to its venue.

8. Place du Marché

A quintessential experience in Provence is to visit a local market, and in Draguignan, there are two weekly markets held in Place du Marché in the heart of the historic district.

The number of vendors typically fluctuates with the seasons, but one can generally anticipate around 100 stalls occupying this square, offering the renowned local produce such as honey, olive oil, and herbs.

Additionally, everyday ingredients like bread, cheese, charcuterie, meats, vegetables, and fruits are available, along with artisan arts and crafts, clothing, and kitchen utensils.

9. Chapelle Saint-Hermentaire

Situated a few kilometers south of the town center lies a site closely linked to Draguignan’s founding legend.

According to tradition, this is where St. Hermentaire vanquished the dragon that posed a threat to the Carolingian community during the dark ages.

The small church that stands here has existed in various forms since the 6th century, with its present architecture dating back to approximately the 1000s.

This structure was erected atop a Gallo-Roman villa and bath that thrived from the 1st century BC to the 200s.

10. Malmont Table d’Orientation

Malmont is a limestone peak rising to 551 meters, located eight kilometers north of Draguignan.

This peak is part of the Pyrénéo-Provençale chain and serves as a natural vantage point, offering breathtaking views that extend throughout the region.

A orientation table has been placed at the summit to identify various landmarks, both natural and man-made, visible on clear days.

The extensive list includes Mont Coudon, the peak dominating the harbor at Toulon, and Mont Vinaigre, part of the Esterel range, located west of Cannes.

11. Tourtour

En route to the Gorges du Verdon, Tourtour is recognized as one of France’s “most beautiful villages” and is referred to as “Village dans le Ciel” (Village in the Sky). Set atop the aptly named Beau Soleil hill, visitors enter Tourtour through a gate originally part of the village’s defensive walls.

From there, a network of ancient streets unfolds, guiding visitors through vaulted passageways to rustic structures like the clock tower, olive press, and circular towers of fortifications.

The highlight is certainly the esplanade that leads up to the Church of Saint-Denis, where the views are spectacular, illuminating why Tourtour earned its nickname.

12. Seillans

A scenic thirty-minute drive to the northeast leads to the charming village of Seillans, recognized among the most picturesque in France.

The village center is remarkably beautiful, perched atop a steep hill, so compact and steep that exploration is best conducted on foot.

Surrounding landscapes epitomize classic Provence, with cypress trees, rugged outcrops, and hills adorned with vineyards and pine forests.

Visitors can explore the residence of the artist Max Ernst, who lived here during the 1960s, alongside a 13th-century castle and church at the village’s summit.

13. Abbaye du Thoronet

This splendid former Cistercian monastery, built at the dawn of the 13th century, provides an unparalleled glimpse into the life of medieval monks, as many of its structures remain intact.

The monastic lifestyle exemplified simplicity and discipline, exemplified by the remarkable acoustics that necessitated harmonious chanting among the monks.

It is recommended to visit during quieter times of the day to fully appreciate the extraordinary acoustics within the church.

Better yet, consider attending a monastic choral performance in the summer for an enchanting experience.

14. Gorges du Verdon

Allocate approximately 45 minutes to reach this breathtaking river canyon, the deepest in France, a journey that is well worth the winding drive along a road carved into steep cliffs.

The stunning scenery along the Verdon River is awe-inspiring, and there are numerous methods to experience this canyon: visitors can enjoy a scenic drive on the D71 or D952, hike along trails presenting an abundance of photograph-worthy views, or navigate the mesmerizing turquoise waters on a raft, kayak, or canoe.

15. Provence Specialities

Experiencing the Provençal lifestyle is best accomplished by exploring the local producers of wine, cheese, honey, and olive oil.

The region boasts a plethora of wine domains within a few kilometers along La Route des Vins de Provence.

For those intrigued by exquisite honey, Miellerie Mandard features 600 hives and allows visitors to meet the beekeeper at a farm enveloped in lavender fields.

Le Moulin de Callas, on the other hand, has been producing Provence’s AOC olive oil for four generations, cultivating nine varieties of olives for its signature blended oil.