Rians, Var
At 335 meters above sea level, Rians is a large town located between the Sainte-Baume and Sainte-Victoire massifs. Built in a spiral around its Clock Tower, it has preserved a rich heritage that will delight history and archeology lovers. Rians is a pleasant place where life is good.
What makes this village special?
The village was built around the old fortified castle of which only the Clock Tower remains. Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth dominates Rians. This Romanesque church, which dates from the 12th century, is very beautiful and renowned for its great organ, built by M. Leray, patron and organist, and installed in 2004. With its 1,456 pipes and 5 keyboards, it exudes powerful extraordinary sound. It is possible, on request, to attend a recital, given every Sunday afternoon from 3 p.m., with a visit to the church. (Contact Mr. Leray: 06 87 46 55 85).
Rians is surrounded by vineyards producing the delicious Côteaux-d'Aix-en-Provence. The countryside invites to beautiful walks, on foot, by bike, on horseback or even on the back of a pack donkey. Every year, the second weekend of October, the Pumpkin Festival is the event not to be missed! The streets of the village come alive and fill with gourds of all kinds. Competitions of sculptures, recipes, decorations are launched. Visitors can attend the parades of floats, brotherhoods, folk groups... A festive village and guaranteed atmosphere!
