Le Var from the Var being well known for its spectacular surroundings and countryside you can't help but smell the fragrant scents of perfumes and it's many flavours.
Above all else the colours in this area reach their highest intensity. It is also famous for having the 2nd biggest forest in France after the Landes. It also boasts the title of being the first horticultural region. There are also 37000 hectares of wineyards which belong to 450 caves.
It produces honey from 27 000 beehives.
The Var has 300 kms of Mediterranean coastline and holds a record of nearly 2 800 hours of sunshire a year.
ALBIZZIA Julibrissinn (silk tree)
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Bougainvillée (Bougainvillea)
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Fennel (in Provençal dialect : fenoun)
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The Cannas
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Agave Americana Â
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The temperatures
 - Lowest temperature: -9°C
- The coldest day: 02/02/1956
- Highest temperature: 40,1°C
- The hottest day: 07/07/1982
- The hottest year: 1994
It's imperative to : Drink lots of water in order to avoid dehydration, Use high factor protective sun creams suitable to your skin type. Never leave an animal, baby or child unattended in a car even in the shade.
Respect the environment and don't forget that because of the very dry climate, our worst enemny is the outbreak of fire.
YELLOH! VILLAGE LE DOMAINE DU COLOMBIER **** - 1052, Rue des combattants en Afrique du Nord – 83600 FREJUS
Tel.: + 33 (0)4 94 51 56 01 et + 33 (0)4 94 51 52 38 - Fax: + 33 (0)4 94 51 55 57
Camping near the Bay of Fréjus - St Raphael, Frejus in the Var on the Côte d'Azur.
Yelloh Village Domaine du Colombier, camping holidays on the Riviera near Frejus and St.-Tropez.
Although the three differ greatly from each other they are all indigenous to our region. Only the Pubescens Oak has deciduous leaves. The Holm Oak can grow to up to 10 to 15 metres high. It grows at a very slow rate but can live for a long time. Many of the oak forests which once existed in our region have unfortunately since been damaged. The Pubescens Oak (white, black or truffle) is the largest and is famous for harbouring truffles - found by its roots. The third of the oaks the Cork Oak is easily identified with its knotty trunk. The bark is used for making corks and for insulation. Its wood is also valued in carpentry construction and as firewood. Wild boars find the acorns that it produces a delicacy.
Can be seen in many Mediterranean regions. Its elegant candle shaped silhouette often lines residential areas or is planted as hedges as a protection against the wind. It has an extremely resistant wood and can last for as long as 3000 years, which is why it is often used in replanting forest areas. In Provence, planting 3 cypress trees in a triangle, signifies hospitality.
The leaves of the young tree are round in shape but become more elongated as the tree matures. It does not withstand frost. It has an easily identifiable fragrance which is commonly used in pharmacopoeia. It is another wood sought after by carpenters and florists alike, being very hard and heavy but also finds its place in flower arranging and decorating bouquets. There exists more than 600 different kinds of eucalyptus with the main majority originating from Australia and Tasmania.
The white Mulberry tree was brought back from Constantinople in the 9th century, at the same time as silkworm breeding first appeared in France. The silk worms were kept in buildings and were fed with large quantities of mulberry leaves, the unique food of the silk worms) The berries are used for culinary purposes (syrups and jams) and for medicinal purposes as it contains high does of vitamin C, useful in treating sore throats. This tree itself is characterised by short trunk and a round dense foliage. The blackberry tree is very similar although its berries are not as appreciated by the silk worms. The Platane Murier is a grafted tree resulting in a parasol shape with large, wide, dark green leaves offering very effective shade from the sun.
This tree comes from the Middle East but has become a typical Provencal feature. Its foliage is silvery grey in colour and there is no mistaking its gnarled and knotty trunk. Its fruit, the olives are used for producing oil and its wood is popular with craftsman. An Olive tree can have a lifespan of up to a 1000 years.
Probably the most beautiful of the conifers, it can be recognised easily by its shape, hence the name. Its pine needles have a strong and distinctive fragrance and its seeds are frequently used in cooking, (cakes & pastries) It has a wood that is widely used in both carpentry and in for construction.
The deciduous leaves of this tree can grow to be anywhere between 25cm and 28cm wide. The male and female glands (in the form of ping-pong sized balls) are located at the end of its branches. The Maple is a tree which has a strong resistance to pollution. When left un-pruned it takes on a very impresive air. Unfortunately, it is particularily prone to fungus attacks On visiting 'Place des Lices' in St Tropez, its possible to see them protected by metal hoops to prevention to stop the trunks from splitting.
Is a very handsome palm tree which grows at a very slow rate. It has palm leaves grow in a semi circular arch shape towards the trunk. It is an unusual blue grey colour which add to its charm and it bears an orange/yellow coloured fruit which tastes of a mixture of kiwi and pineapple. This fruit can be used to make jam or eaten on its own and is sometimes used to make wine.
Or false dwarf palm, has a large trunk and fleshy palm leaves. It grows extremely slowly and bears a huge flower which can measure up to 2 metres in height. This flower can be admired at the top of the trunk, between its leaves.
This Palm tree can be observed in great numners on the Riviera and arrived in France from the Canary Islands. It has a massive trunk and it leaves are supple and very long (approx 5metres). It has grape like yellow flowers and is largely cultivated attaining heights of over 10 metres.
Very similar to the Canariensis but with a thinner trunk and shorter palms. It reaches heights of between 10 and 20 metres. Its dates are widely appreciated in The Middle East and Northen Africa for their nutritional value.
Very similar to the Humilis in colour and the shape of its leaves. It has a very slim trunk and grows up to 8 metres in height. Unlike the Humilis, it has stalks and leaves which are quite smooth to touch and has no spines. It can resist frosts of -10C .
Or Dwarf palm, is the only native palm tree to the Mediterranean. It grows in a bush like manner, producing several trunks which are known as heads. Its stalks are full of small teeth spines which are often used in decoration .
A small palm tree with on original blue grey colour, and a trunk the shape of a Perrier bottle which grows at a slow rate .
Larger in trunk and with bigger leaves than the other species but with a far quicker growth rate this one grows very quickly.
A beautiful climbing plant, its colours vary through mauves, reds and fuchsia to pastel colours like yellow and orange. This plant will only do well if in full sun; its woody stems require support. It must be protected from frost; it is a typically Mediterranean plant, which thrives in hot climates; requires moderate watering and a well drained rich ground.
This is a shrub with attractive green leaves, that produces, in summer, beautiful bunches of yellow pyramid-like flowers on long red coloured branches. It needs sun and a fertile ground. Minimum temperature 5°.
A hardy perennial, tree-shrub which flowers between spring and the autumn in bunches of bright yellow flowers. The leaves are "par pinnate" (several small oblong leaves growing on the same twig). They have several different varieties Needs fertile ground and a lot of sun. Semi-hardy plant.
There are more than 150 different species growing in hot and moderate climate countries. Its foliage is ever-green and very decorative. Its soft green leaves give the impression that they are covered with oil. It is usually used to form hedges, even though it is pretty resistant it is susceptible to mildew.
exist in many colours and in various foliages. The flower (single or double) is in all varieties very decorative and relatively big. The plant is semi-hardy (5 to 15 °) and needs a rich ground, drained well and a very sunny position. Flowers last for one day.
Comes into bloom in the spring and continues right through to the autumn with an amazing abundance of flowers. This is a very resistant shrub that grows naturally near water and in sunny places. It can be found in gardens as just a normal bush, sometimes they are left to grow as big as a tree. Although mostly they are found in rows for terraces and hedges. Its large cluster of flowers are found in many colours: salmon pink, fushia (pink), pale yellow, white and red. The plant itself is very toxic.
Is a smallish bush with dark green foliage. It exist in different colours usually mixed : red/orange, pink/purple, yellow/white there is also a bright golden yellow colour on its own. It has mases of flowers and is very resistant to dry weather conditions and can survive even down to temperatures as cold as -8C.
Originates from Tasmania and Australia. It blooms in winter with masses of flowers that can't be missed as they are a bright yellow colour. The trees cover the hillsides and many gardens on the Riviera. The difference between the two species are the silver colour on the leaves of the dealbata and the green colour on the decurrence. It is pretty hardy, and even if it is touched by frost, new shoots sprout very quickly from the base of the tree.
Originates from Japan. It is a shrub with ever-green leaves used as hedges especially on the coast. It is very resistant to all weathers and it re-seeds itself. In Spring the air is full of the fragrance of the orange blossom scent that is released from the small bunches of pretty white flowers.
Is a conifer that blooms in spring and produces little black berries in summer. These berries when they are ripe, have a strong flavour and are used in cooking cabbage and used in marinades.
This small tree can grow several metres high. Its one of the herbs used to make up a 'bouquet garni' it is also used in sauces, marinades and is also used in fish stock.
A perennial plant with aromatic flowers and aromatic leaves. The flower, in the shape of an ear of corn is bluish to mauve; the foliage is silver plated and fine. It is a hardy plant, which develops on well-drained ground, in full sunshine. Seeds itself in hedges or on rough ground. Prune lightly in Spring. Summer flowering (L Munstead syn. Augustifolia).
Is a perennial plant with a strong pepper and thyme smell, used in sauces and for flavouring pizzas. Its flowers are picked from June to September. .
Is a perennial bush and grows on any types of ground and loves exposure to the sun.. Its used to flavour meat and fish. The bees like gathering its nectar, and it is used to make rosemary honey, which is delicious.
Is a small bush with thick smelling leaves, when the flowers start to grow they are then picked and used in a 'bouquet garni', in marinades, stuffings, stews and for seasoning pork.
Is a small and perennial plant which grows on rough stony ground and likes full exposure to the sun. Its used to season grilled meat, in a marinade or to season pate. It is picked in the autumn.
One of the most well known herbs, there are two different types, one has small leaves, the other bigger leaves, these have a stronger flavour and are used a lot to garnish dishes. It is used especially on tomato salad with olive oil and also in the famous local Pistou soup.
From the same family as onions. It is used fresh in omelettes, salads, soups and to flavour certain cheeses.
Is an all year round plant and grows in the form of long stems with dark green leaves, it is picked in summer. It has a very strong flavour, is used in seasoning salad dressings, vinegar, mustard, fish dishes and various cheeses
Is similar to oregano and is used to flavour jams and liqueurs.
Grows both out in the wild and cultivated. Mixed with pepper or just natural, it is well known for its refreshing qualities and taste in both cold drinks and in tea. It is also used chopped up on tomato salads and in courgette bread
Yields large vibrant flowers which are not unlike giant orchids and it has leaves similar to those 0of the banana tree giving it an exotic appearance. Grown in clumps, it would be a difficult plant to overlook. Its roots are known as 'rhizone' a kind of stem which grows horizontally and keeps relatively close to the surface of the ground producing many susiduary plants (eg. iris, bamboo, roseaux)
One of over 350 existing species, a perennium, of which there are several hybrids grown also. It flowers between April and October typically on rockeries or terrasses. The 'zonal' Geranium has thick fleshy leaves and produces hanging 'grapes' of flowers. The Pelargonium hosts large trumpet-like flowers and serrated edged leaves which thrive in shady areas. The 'Ivy or Balcony' Geranium spreads readily in sunny places. It flowers profusely and needs little watering. Its essence is extracted and used by perfumeries.
Petunias flower generously between the month of April and the beginning of the winter frosts. It is most typically seen as a border flower along paths or in flower beds due to its spectacular variety of colours. It can sometimes flower as a double head with wavy edged petals. A new variety named 'Surfinia' has been developped by the Japonaise which has the characteristic of being a climbing plant and one which produces flowing flowers and can measure a surprising 1 metre in height.
Nick-named "the bird of paradise" due to its very original bird-like flowers of orange and blue, with a "flash" of green near the red edge. Its flowers appear in early summer at the end of long stems of tufts and each stem is finished by a single leaf, long, green dark and long-lived. This plant is non-hardy (12° minimum), which is happy in a rich ground, well drained, protected from the sun but well-lit.
A plant found naturally growing in our region. A large impressive specimen reaching 2 to 3 metres in width, it exists in a variety of colours including green, blue/grey, yellow/green or blue and white.
These three very similar plants are commonly found. They flower at differing periods through summer and autumn. Their leaves are very stiff and long and look like knife blades. They are typically either a dull green colour or varigated green and yellow. It bears enormous ivory coloured flowers which hang from vertical stalks some 80cm high.
Perhaps the least exotic in appearance, it is made up of soft green ball shaped leaves and its stems bear cascades of small flowers in the summer. It has little resistance to frost but if it suffers from a frost attack it has the ability to regrow itself from its stump. Radical temperature changes pose little problem to this plant.
Often to be seen in Northern Africa where it takes on the aspect of a hedge, the Barbary Fig with its large racket shaped leaves can grow as tall as 5 metres. The yellow flowers precede the arrival of its fruit or figs which when ripe take on a blackish colour.
