If you want to truly Provence in a town full of tourists, Draguignan might be the place for you.
All regional brands are here: Rocky hills, vineyards, and olive groves and lying villages. But the town’s isolation from the big sights keeps it off the itineraries of most tourists. And yet the old center is very pretty, with a few old lavoirs and a cluster of interesting museums. Draguignan is also labeled as the Gateway to Verdon, and the life-changing scenery of the Gorges du Verdon is tantalizingly close to the north. Discover the best things to do in Draguignan.
1. Tour de l’Horloge
The square Draguignan clock tower dominates the town on top of a hill. From the start of June to the end of September you can go to the top to contemplate the Provençal countryside, and off in the distance to the south you’ll be able to see the Massif des Maures.
The tower roof has bartizans on all four corners, built when it was rebuilt in the 1660s. In fact, the Tour de lorrorHorloge is the fourth tower standing on this mound: This was originally where the Draguignan Castle was once but the fortress was destroyed three times during conflicts between the 11th and 17th centuries.
2. Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires
Essential for anyone who loves the countryside of Provence and its lifestyle, this museum will show you humble craftsmen who shaped the landscape and culture for hundreds of years.
On the ground floor, you will have a window on traditional craftsmanship such as cork production, olive growing and wine growing, and see the antique tools of trade placed neatly.
Head upstairs to sample local food and see traditional furniture, costumes, ceramics, and glassware, as well as learn about the region's famous festivals.
3. Musée de l’Artillerie
The French Army artillery school has been based in the Draguignan since the 1970s, and in 1982 opened the museum to reveal 600 years of French artillery history.
The museum was recently given a facelift, and if you’re into the tactics and technology of warfare you’ll be riveted: Having classic weapons, medals, uniforms, artillery shells and large models representing battles is the key to the development of artillery.
Among the high points are a cannon from 1739 and the gun carriage from the 1770s, by Lieutenant General Gribeauval who revolutionized artillery design at the time.
4. Rhone American Cemetery and Memorial
Operation Dragoon was the codename for the invasion of the South of France, which began a couple of months after the Normandy landings. The worst of the U.S. losses occurred in August 1944 during the fighting for the Rhone, and in 1956 on Dragiugnan’s eastern edge this cemetery and monument were completed.
There are 860 stones in more than five hectares, and a guide will take you into the story of some of the soldiers buried here. Pay a visit to the memorial and chapel, which have murals and stonework by Austin M. Purves Jr.
5. Pierre de la Fée
A few minutes outside town this dolphin has introduced into the Bronze Age about 5,000 years ago. The monument is made entirely from local limestone and has an impossibly large slab for a roof, supported by three tall rocks.
Something that sets the Pierre de la Fée apart from most dolmens is the height of the supporting walls, which are all well above two meters so you can go under without stooping.
For a long time, women having trouble getting pregnant will call on Pierre de Fée for its supposed fertility.
6. Parc Chabran
The Draguignan region from Chabran has held French troops for over 100 years. But recently, when the old barracks became obsolete due to the use of the army, they were transformed into luxurious accommodations and the land around them was landscaped and opened to the public.
The three-hectare Chabran Park is home to sophisticated gardens with lawns, flower beds, boardwalks, and polluted trees, making everything more elegant by the ancient barracks houses. to the park. Make time for easy walks and family picnics.
7. Musée Municipal d’Art et Histoire
With six rooms of painting and artifacts, Draguignan’s museum of art and history is compact but certainly merits a look. Entry is free, and there are pieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Paul Delaroche.
You can also keep an eye out for Art Nouveau vases, elaborate porcelain from Moustiers and Sèvres, Louis XIV furniture and a gilded wooden platform that will be used during the coronation ceremony of Charles VII in 1429 in Reims.
A high point is the 16th-century armor of François de Montmorency, a Grand Officer of the Crown of France. The site of the museum is also worth mentioning because it was the previous summer residence of Bishop Fréjus.
8. Place du Marché
Something you just need to do in Provence visits a local market, and at Draguignan, there are fortnightly on the Place du Marché in the heart of the old town.
The number of traders varies according to the season, but normally you expect to find 100 stalls packing this square, selling all the products that the region is famous for, like honey, olive oil, and herbs.
9. Chapelle Saint-Hermentaire
A couple of kilometers south of the center is a location that has a lot to do with Draguignan’s origin story. According to legend, this is where St Hermentaire killed the dragon that had been terrorizing the Carolingian community in the dark ages.
The small church standing here has existed in one form or another since the 6th century, while the current architecture dates back to about the 1000s. All built on top of a Gallo-Roman-style mansion and bathroom that can stand here from the 1st century BC to the 200s.
10. Malmont Table d’Orientation
Malmont is a limestone peak cresting at 551 meters, eight kilometers north of Draguignan. It is in the Pyrénéo-Provençale chain and is a natural balcony with a beautiful view that extends to all corners of the area.
There’s so much to see from the top that you have an orientation table marking all of the landmarks, both natural and man-made, that are visible on a clear day.
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from : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-draguignan-708390.html
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