New construction in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is quite rare; the closer you get to the coast, the higher the prices. But if you’re smart and don’t want to spend every day dancing on the tables at Club 55, you can choose villages just half an hour from the sea, like Cogolin or the even lesser-known La Garde Freinet. Locals know La Garde Freinet well, as its fresh produce market with organic products is well-known to residents of Grimaud, Cogolin, and Le Plan de la Tour.
We sell new-build detached villas in La Garde Freinet with the option of installing a swimming pool in the lower garden. It already looked great on paper, but now we have photos of how it actually turned out. And they’re even better than the brochure!
Rent a new villa first; then buy it in La Garde Freinet
Our long-standing clients have now put their villas up for rent, meaning you can spend a week in a fantastic setting, close to nature. You’ll overlook a nature park and enjoy wonderful hiking or mountain biking in the mountains. And if you suddenly find yourself with restless legs, Saint-Tropez is nearby!
Book a holiday villa in La Garde-Freinet in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez here.
Would you also like to buy and rent out a villa in la Garde Freinet? Then please contact us! We have 3 bedroom villa’s available.
More information about La Garde-Freinet and the surrounding area
La Garde-Freinet, a charming Provençal village in the heart of the Massif des Maures, is a hidden gem just a stone’s throw from the bustling Gulf of Saint-Tropez. This picturesque village combines authenticity, nature, and culture, and offers numerous positive aspects:
La Garde-Freinet is bustling with cultural activities, especially during the festive season. A highlight is the Bravade in April, a traditional Provençal festival that brings the village to life with parades and celebrations. The village also hosts intimate concerts, art exhibitions in the Chapelle Saint Jean (especially around December/January with an impressive nativity scene by local artist Maxime Coudou), and other events that reflect the village’s rich artistic history.
Local Market
The Provençal market on Sunday and Wednesday mornings in Place Neuve is a lively attraction. Visitors will find fresh local produce such as vegetables, walnut bread, handmade chestnut cream, and local art, including jewelry made by village artisans. This market is small, well-organized, and perfect for experiencing the authentic atmosphere of the region.
Distance to the beach:
La Garde-Freinet is located approximately 15-20 km from the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, such as the iconic Pampelonne Beach or the beaches of Sainte-Maxime. The coast is about a 20-30 minute drive away, via scenic roads like those through Plan de la Tour. This makes the village ideal for those seeking peace and quiet yet still wanting to stay close to the glamorous coast.
Population: The village has a small, close-knit community of approximately 1,800 residents (called Fraxinois or Gardois), which contributes to its charming, authentic atmosphere. In 1872, the village had a population of 2,687, thanks in part to the thriving cork industry, but today the smaller population offers a peaceful and welcoming experience.
With its medieval charm, nature trails like the one to Fort Freinet with breathtaking views, and proximity to the bustling coast, La Garde-Freinet is a perfect destination for those seeking authenticity and relaxation in Provence.
La Garde-Freinet is located in the heart of the Massif des Maures, a beautiful nature reserve in the Var region of Provence, renowned for its biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. This nature park offers an ideal environment for hikers and nature lovers, with well-marked trails and spectacular views, especially around Fort Freinet and the surrounding hiking trails, such as the Sentier de la Garde-Freinet. Below is additional information about the nature park and its trails:
Massif des Maures Nature Park
The Massif des Maures is a wooded mountain range stretching between Hyères and Fréjus, with dense forests of cork oaks, chestnut trees, and pines. The area is rich in bio-diversity, with wildlife such as wild boars, deer, and various bird species. It is not an official national park, but a protected nature reserve that attracts hikers and cyclists with its unspoiled beauty and tranquility.
La Garde-Freinet is centrally located in this area, about 15 km from Saint-Tropez, and offers direct access to nature via numerous trails. The hilly landscape, with altitudes ranging from 300 to 800 meters, provides panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Argens Plain, and even the Alps on clear days.
The area is known for its cork production, chestnut forests, and traditional crafts such as beekeeping and basketry, which are often highlighted at the Conservatoire du Patrimoine in La Garde-Freinet.
Hiking and the Garde-Freinet Trail
The Fort Freinet Trail to Fort Freinet, a medieval fortified settlement (12th-16th centuries) on a steep hill at an altitude of 450 meters, is one of the most popular hikes in the region. The fort offers a unique panoramic view of the Massif des Maures, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Alps. The ruins, with some thirty carved houses and an 8-10 meter deep moat in the rock, are a historical highlight.
Difficulty: Moderate. The trail is well-marked (yellow lines, GR trail system), but requires sturdy shoes due to rocky and steep sections. Not suitable for flip-flops or very young children (recommended for ages 6 and up). The hike takes approximately 1-2 hours round trip, depending on your pace.
Tips: Bring water, especially in the summer months, and plan the hike in the morning to avoid the heat. A picnic at the fort is highly recommended for the spectacular views.
Access: Start from the small parking lot (max. 10 cars) near the fort or from the village itself. The path to the nearby Croix des Maures (a mission cross overlooking the village) is more accessible, even for the elderly or people with limited mobility, and takes about an hour.
Sentier des Crêtes hiking and cycling route
This is a longer hiking and cycling route that begins in La Garde-Freinet and runs along the ridges of the Massif des Maures. The trail offers continuous views of the coast and the interior, with elevations ranging from 500 to 600 meters. A highlight is the route to Notre-Dame des Anges, the highest point in the region (800 m), approximately 35 km away.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on the length of the route. Suitable for hikers and mountain bikers with a reasonable level of fitness. Some sections are rocky and require sure-footedness. Features: The route is partly unpaved and winds through forests and past viewpoints such as Les Roches Blanches (638 m), the highest point in the municipality, offering unparalleled views.
Other Walks near La Garde Freinet
La Mourre and Miremer: Shorter, easier walks that start in the village and lead to historic sites such as the Saint-Clément Chapel or the Miremer Hill. These are ideal for families and offer insights into the early history of the area.
White Rocks (Les Roches Blanches): A more challenging hike to the highest point in the municipality, with stunning views of the Massif des Maures and the surrounding area. A good level of fitness and sturdy shoes are required.
SityTrail routes: According to SityTrail, there are 83 hiking trails and 3 cycling routes around La Garde-Freinet, ranging from easy paths to more challenging hikes such as the route Pk-oratoire-Serre Long–ruisseau des neuf Riaux–moulin de Blanche–rucher de Blay–Fort Freinet–Croix des Maures. These routes are available via the SityTrail app for detailed navigation.
Practical information
Hiking maps: Detailed maps showing all the hikes, marked with numbers and yellow stripes, are available for purchase at the La Garde-Freinet tourist office (tel: +33 4 94 56 04 93, lagardefreinet@golfe-sainttropez-tourisme.fr). The trails are generally well marked, unlike some other French regions.
Best time to go here is almost the whole year! March to May and September to November are ideal due to mild weather and lower hotel prices. It can be hot during the summer months, so early mornings are recommended.
Gear: Wear sturdy hiking boots, bring plenty of water, and use a GPS app like Komoot or SityTrail for navigation, especially on longer routes.
Additional Highlights
- Viewpoints: In addition to Fort Freinet and Les Roches Blanches, the Croix des Maures offers stunning views of the village and the surrounding area. The Aire de la Planète is a starting point for several hikes and offers an orientation table for an overview of the landscape.
- Cultural heritage: During hikes, you’ll often pass historical sites, such as the Saint-Clément Chapel (15th century) or the Adrech mill, which highlight the rich history of cork production and other crafts. – Photography* For photographers, the views from Fort Freinet and Les Roches Blanches are magical, especially at sunrise or sunset.
The Massif des Maures and the hiking trails around La Garde-Freinet offer a perfect combination of nature, history, and tranquility, ideal for an active and cultural experience in Provence. For more details, contact the tourist office or use apps like Komoot and SityTrail for route planning.
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