Culture
The Musée des Faïences in Varages displays an extensive collection of more than 1,000 pieces dating from the 17th to the 21st century. The museum also explains production and decoration techniques based on clay. It is housed in a typical Provençal village house.
La Faïencerie de Varages en Provence was founded in 1695. At the Faïencerie de la Belle Epoque, clay is processed; the pieces produced entirely in the workshop are glazed and decorated with deep respect for Varages' faience tradition.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Varages can include the town as a specific destination in their plans.
Landscape and Trails
Varages is situated on a rocky travertine spur, at the foot of which a river flows. There is also a significant deposit of pottery clay there.
The “Au fil de l'eau” hike is an easy 4.5 km walk lasting approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes; it starts at the Place de la Libération. Along the route, there are eight information panels about water, rural heritage and astronomy. The hike leads to the Chapelle Saint-Pothin, which offers panoramic views over the village and the Bessillons, and passes washhouses, fountains, a waterfall, a stream and a canal.
As an optional there-and-back route from the village hike, the Source de la Foux can be reached via Rue Molière; it is guarded by a lion. A former railway line in Varages has been converted into a greenway and forms part of the “La Méditerranée à vélo” cycling route.
Olive Oil
By prior arrangement, the Coopérative Oléicole La Varageoise offers guided tours and tastings. It traditionally produces “Fruité noir” olive oil, including French olive oil and Provence AOP olive oil made from ripe olives. For this purpose, it uses granite millstones weighing 2 tonnes each, scourtins and hydraulic presses.
