Seillans is listed as ‘one of the prettiest villages of France’, an accolade shared with only 130 others. You will know why when you reach it. It is a village of artists, and has been home to Max Ernst, Dorothea Manning, Robert Doisneau and many others. The foundations are Roman and there is still evidence of building from the beginning of the second millennium. The chateau and church are in the centre of the village, which harbours an exquisite square under a natural dome of plane trees. At the top of the village there is an extensive open ‘place’ which is the local arena for the national sport of ‘boules’, and where there are frequent art markets in summer. Picturesque narrow cobbled paths lead down through the village past artists’ shops and galleries. The village is also a destination for gastronomes. There are several good restaurants, suitable for families.
The village has a sizable supermarket with foreign and French foods and wines, and a petrol station which also sells gas for barbecues. There is a medical and dental surgery, as well as a pharmacy and post-office. There are also 3 all-weather tennis courts (easily bookable) and a large municipal swimming-pool. For the aviators, France’s largest gliding centre is 3 miles away, on the way to Lac Saint Cassien with its swimming, boating and shore-side restaurants. It has also been used for training by the UK Olympic rowing teams. There are two golf courses within about 30 minutes, including the prestigious Terre Blanche course at Tourrettes. The area is also a paradise for cyclists and ramblers, with interesting trails from the properties.
