Montferrat: Chapel Trails, Village History and the Nartuby

The paved Chemin Saint-Pierre leads from the village through nature to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel. The northern part of the municipality of Montferrat is occupied by the Canjuers military camp and is off-limits to visitors. Please observe current local and military restrictions. Montferrat preserves religious and architectural history, alongside the riverside landscape of the Nartuby, local crafts and Provençal products. The village is also part of the wider region: Montferrat is one of the municipalities along the Route de l’Olivier du Haut-Var.

Chapel Trails and Religious Heritage

Built of cut stone, the Saint-Jacques oratory stands at the start of the path to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel. The chapel is located at an altitude of 660 metres; its site is associated with Roman settlement. This path thus brings together religious heritage and a cautiously worded historical interpretation.

The Montferrat–Notre-Dame de Beauvoir family hike climbs to the chapel along the Chemin des oratoires. The Chemin Saint-Pierre also leads from the village through nature to the chapel. This paved path is lined with old oratories dedicated to Saint Peter, Saint Francis of Paola, Saint Joseph and Notre-Dame. For the hike to the chapel, there is a car park at the entrance to the village, above the stadium.

The Church of Saint-Roch housed the Confraternity of the White Penitents, founded in 1646. Listed objects in the church include a holy-water font made of white marble and a wooden sculpture of Saint Roch with his dog; both date from the 16th century. Another trace of religious history is the former pilgrimage to Saint Fortunat, which arose from the solemn reception of the saint’s relics on 3 October 1694. The pilgrimage to Notre-Dame de Beauvoir takes place every year on 14 August. Confirm the date locally before your trip.

Village History, the Nartuby and Pierrepont

Only a few remnants of the former village fortifications remain at the entrance to the main street. The water supply also tells the story of the village: the Montferrat fountain dates from 1751 and is fed by the Pierrepont spring. Water reaches the fountain through an underground aqueduct one kilometre long.

The houses of Montferrat stretch along the banks of the Nartuby. The natural landscape of Pierrepont is just a few minutes’ walk from the village. At Pierrepont, a clear, cool river invites quiet contemplation. Together, these places reveal different sides of the area: the village by the river and the natural surroundings at Pierrepont.

Crafts and Honey

The Savonnerie de la Nartuby makes cold-process and kettle-made soaps. The soaps are shaped, cut and packaged by hand. The production area is not open to the public. The products are available online, from retailers, and at trade fairs and markets.

Le Rucher de Montfé offers a selection of Provençal honeys in Montferrat. The offerings also include tastings of honey products, farm-gate sales and sales at markets. Check current local arrangements before visiting.

Discover more destinations: La Cadière-D'azur, Forcalqueiret, Bauduen, Saint-Mandrier-Sur-Mer, Vidauban, Les Claux, Les Salles-Sur-Verdon, Cabasse.

For the main travel overview: Var.