While some places are famous for their wine or their cheese, Solliès-Pont in known for its fig, more precisely its “violette”. The fig finds in Vallée du Gapeau (which could be translated as Gapeau Valley) the perfect geological and meteorological conditions. Coupled with the know-how of the producers, it has made the “Violette de Solliès” a flagship production of the region and a real pride for a long time. The fig became so renowned that it earned two quality labels: an AOC in 2006 and a PDO in 2011!
In the lower valley, fruits, cereals, vines, and olive trees have been cultivated since the middle-ages. During the 19th century the fruit production was sold to local, national and North-West European markets. We even know that in 1907, 18,000 kg of fresh figs were shipped daily during the peak season! It is in the 1950’s that the fig tree became the dominant and emblematic crop of the Solliès area.
The festival
This fruit became so important in the valley that the last weekend of August has been devoted to it with the “Fête de la figue” for 23 years. The first evening hosts a fig-based meal cooked specially for the occasion by a renowned chef. A must-do in Vallée du Gapeau!
Find out more at the farm!
If you want to find out more about this local treasure, you can visit a family-run farm during the year. The Trucco’s have been harvesting fruits and vegetables here since 1926, and they’ve also been selling home-made local products, such as soup or jam. Benjamin will share his know-how and passion during these visits where you’ll get the chance to taste his local products.
The harvest usually takes place between August 15th and November 15th
Details
Type of excursion
Type of public
Duration of the visit
½ day excursion
All ages | Families
About 3 Hours + Transportation
VIP Tour | Medium group
Segment: Medium | Luxury
Location
Sollies-Pont (20 min drive from Toulon City-Center Cruise Terminal)
Closest ports of call: Toulon / La Seyne
Driving time from...
ports
MIN
KM
SAINT-CYR-SUR-MER
35
40
BANDOL
30
30
SANARY-SUR-MER
30
30
TOULON / LA SEYNE-SUR-MER
20
15
LE LAVANDOU
40
35
CAVALAIRE-SUR-MER
60
55
SAINT-TROPEZ
65
65
SAINT-RAPHAËL
60
85
FRÉJUS
55
80
For more information
The Var Provence Cruise Club remains at your disposal to help you finding new excursion ideas or specific providers and to give you qualified contacts thanks to its extended network.