Signes: Trails, Nature and Religious Heritage

Signes can be viewed from several perspectives when planning a stay: hiking trails, a distinctive plateau formation, a water-rich valley landscape and a diverse religious heritage give the destination different points of interest. A nougat tasting is another specifically described option. If you are looking for a hotel in Signes, you can consider which of these themes matter most to you when planning your stay.

Hiking: Circular Trails and Long-Distance Routes

The circular hike “SIGNES – L’éléphant de pierre” is 7.4 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It leads to the many avens and the plateau’s flora. The distance, difficulty and approximate duration give you different points of reference for deciding how to fit the hike into your stay.

The “Balades des Oratoires” offer a different option: Signes has three routes to eleven oratories and three Calvaries. Here, several routes and religious landmarks are the focus, whereas the circular hike “SIGNES – L’éléphant de pierre” is described in terms of distance, difficulty and approximate walking time. This lets you choose between a hike with a specific time frame and routes whose stated focus is on the oratories and Calvaries.

The GR®9 adds a wider regional dimension to these local hiking options. This long-distance trail runs for 966 kilometres between the Jura region and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, passing through Signes. In the Var department, it crosses the Sainte-Baume massif. Signes is therefore also part of a route that extends far beyond the town.

Rock Formation and Water Landscape

On the Siou Blanc plateau lies Roucas Traoucas, a limestone formation resembling a stone elephant. Its striking shape gives the natural area a distinctive landmark. The plateau is also the setting for the circular hike, which leads to the many avens and the local flora.

The Le Latay natural area has a different character: it encompasses a 50-hectare valley along the stream of the same name. Its features include numerous springs, visible and underground waterways, and cascades. The area can be reached from Signes via marked hiking trails. Unlike the striking limestone formation, the focus here is on a valley with various forms of water. Signes therefore offers nature enthusiasts different landscape experiences without requiring both destinations to be combined into a single hike.

Chapels and Religious History

The Chapelle Saint Jean was rebuilt in 1669 on the site of a 12th-century chapel. It is listed as a national monument, and the Saint Jean festival is held there every year. The chapel’s history thus links its earlier origins with its later reconstruction and a recurring local tradition.

The Chapelle de Chateauvieux is also part of Signes’ history. It stands at the village’s original site and is considered its only historical witness. After falling into disrepair, it was rebuilt in 1587. The cave beside the Bergerie des Maigres takes you further back in time: its use is dated to 3500 BC.

The religious heritage also includes the village’s history as a possession of the bishops of Marseille. Signes served as their residence for a long time. Together with the chapels and the oratory routes, this offers a way to explore the town’s religious past, while the different construction and usage dates mark distinct historical periods.

Plan a Nougat Visit

The Confiserie Fouque in Signes offers a visit to its nougat factory, including a tasting of the day’s production. Visits are seasonal and require a reservation. If you would like to include the tasting in your travel plans, book in advance and bear in mind that the offer is seasonal.

You can plan your stay around the things that interest you most while you are there.

Discover more destinations: Comps-Sur-Artuby, Bargemon, Correns, Tavernes, Saint-Paul-En-Forêt, Rocbaron, La Martre, Ollières.

For the wider travel overview: Var.