Tortoise village in Carnoules
On the border of the nature reserve of the Plaine des Maures, the turtle village is a refuge for the survival and protection of France's only endemic turtle species, the tortoise Hermann*. The Turtle Village of Carnoules Coeur-du-Var is a unique educational and conservation centre for the protection of turtles. It houses scientific and conservation activities.
Alone or with your family, it is a unique experience to visit this park of two hectares for more than 50 species from all over the world. You will be amazed and learn how to protect turtles and contribute to their conservation.
*tortue de terre grecque Testudo hermanni
VILLAGE DES TORTUES
Quartiers des Plaines, 1065, Route du Luc D97 83660 Carnoules
Tél : 04 89 29 14 10
Opening times : 15th March - 15th October, daily from 10 am to 6pm;
October 16th March - 14th October all Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays 10 am - 5 pm.
30 km or 30 minutes drive from Domaine des Féraud.
Botanical Gardens in Rayol-Canadel
The large botanical gardens are beautifully situated on the coast just to the south east of Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. A walk through the area – known as the “Domaine du Rayol” or “Le Jardin de la Méditerranée” leads through various gardens divided into different botanical regions of the world and featuring different vegetation from the Mediterranean Basin. It takes about one and a half hours to follow a 2km marked itinerary. Guided tours can be reserved or audio guides are available. A small open-air restaurant – “ Le Café des Jardiniers” - offers meals inspired by the gardens. A bookshop is available for botanical literature and gift items.
Le jardin botanique de Rayol-Canadel
Domaine du Rayol, avenue des Belges, 83820 Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer.
Tel : 04 98 04 44 00
Opening times: February to 15th November every day, except Sundays, from 9.30am to 6.30pm.
50 km or one hour drive from Domaine des Féraud.
Honey from Draguignan
Not only can delicious honey be bought at the “Miellerie Mandard”, one can also learn about beekeeping, making a beehive or harvesting honey. During a tasting session one can taste the variety and richness of the typical plants and flowers of the region. More than 10 different types of honey are available, ranging from chestnut to rosemary or from thyme to strawberry (Miel d’Arbousier). The lavender honey and the flower honey (Miel de Provence toutes fleurs) have both been awarded the “Label Rouge”.
LA MIELLERIE MANDARD
Le Mas de Salles, chemin de Saint-Michel, 83300 Draguignan
Tel : 04 94 68 05 10. Rendezvous by telephone only.
20 km or 35 minutes drive from Domaine des Féraud.
Le Plateau de Valensole
A somewhat longer excursion leads us to the Plateau de Valensole, a valley in the hilly Provence, surrounded by lavender fields, wheat fields and almond trees. When in flower, these combine to become a unique sea of lilac and yellow colours. The highlight of the summer is the lavender festival on the third weekend in July. The buzzing of the bees in the middle of the lavender fields is unforgettable. There are plenty of opportunities to buy the famous lavender honey from Valonsole.
We can also recommend a visit of the Museum of apiculture "Musée Vivant de l’Abeille" and Jean-Paul Angelvin and his lavender distillery.
VALENSOLE
95 km or 1 hour 40 minutes drive from Domaine des Féraud