Nestled between Draguignan and the Gorges du Verdon, Trans-en-Provence is a typical Provencal village with a seductive authenticity. This little corner of the Var near Marseille blends nature, heritage and mystery in a rare balance. With its waterfalls, stone streets and strange UFO story, the village is a timeless getaway.
Provencal charm in the heart of nature and waterfalls
Trans-en-Provence may not be by the sea, but water has a special place here. The Nartuby river, around which the village was built, shapes its narrow streets and adds to the charm of this peaceful place. Its tranquil courses and cascades flow through the heart of the village, lulling passers-by to the gentle murmur of water on rock. A picturesque, bucolic setting to discover along the footpath and from the various stone bridges.
To prolong this immersion, you can even enjoy lunch in a real cave, carved into the cliff on the banks of the Nartuby. The restaurant La Grotte offers an unusual experience, where you can enjoy local cuisine in a unique natural setting, right next to the river.
Then add a touch of excitement by admiring the panorama from the Himalayan footbridge. This 70-metre-long suspension bridge overlooks the magnificent Nartuby Gorge at a height of almost 30 metres. The crossing promises a breathtaking view of the village and its lush natural surroundings. It is also located on the Boucle du Calant, an essential 1.5 km hike to discover all the charms of Trans-en-Provence.
Authentic character and heritage
A stroll along the meandering Nartuby river is also a journey back in time, where vestiges of the past appear. Among the stone buildings and bridges, the Roman bridge lends an authentic character to a visit to this Provencal village.
Another part of Trans-en-Provence’s heritage can be seen along the river:old oil mills bear witness to the village’s industrial past. Once organized around the cultivation of olive trees, Trans-en-Provence has long drawn its wealth from the olive oil trade. Before the severe frosts of 1929 and 1956, no fewer than 21 mills were in operation. Today, some of these well-preserved mills are open to the public, revealing their ingenious mechanisms.
The heart of the village is also home to several remarkable buildings:Saint-Victor church, Notre-Dame chapel, built in the 15th century, and thetown hall, with its elegant Louis XV facade. Last but not least, don’t miss the aerial well, an architectural curiosity erected in 1930 by Belgian engineer Achille Knapen.
An unsolved cosmic mystery
On January 8, 1981, while building a shelter in his garden, a retired mason from Trans-en-Provence spotted a “lead-colored contraption in the shape of two upside-down plates”, land and then take off again a few seconds later. Known as the “Trans-en-Provence affair”, this alleged landing of an unidentified flying object made headlines.
Eyewitness accounts, ground traces and scientific analyses led to one of the most detailed investigations in the history of French ufology. While experts have never been able to confirm that it was indeed a UFO, the mystery remains unsolved.
Could the charms of Trans-en-Provence also be coveted by extraterrestrials?