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Set in sublime natural sceneries of lush oak forests, vines and olive groves, the village of Bras is a haven of tranquillity and relaxation, an intimate hideaway from it all, allowing you to fully unwind well off the beaten tourist track, discover a land of art and history and share the unique lifestyle of Provence. The name of our village, although equal to the French word for "arm", has no relationship to human anatomy, but rather comes from the Celtic word "Braz" which refers to a water hole. And indeed, the surroundings are characterized by numerous rivers, purling brooks and crystal clear ponds providing humidity and cooling in the height of summer. Located 300 meters above sea level, Bras is nestling in a beautiful setting of rolling hills, small mountains and hidden valleys covered with abundant vegetation, significantly named "Green Provence". In an ever-shrinking world this district still offers pristine, raw nature at its most beautiful with vast areas of untouched wilderness, interrupted only occasionally by a hamlet deeply hidden in the woods or perched like an eyrie on a hilltop. These scenic landscapes, typical for the hinterland of the Var, delight all lovers of nature and authenticity. Due to its elevated situation close to the Alpine foothills, the region also offers a renowned healthy climate with sunny and warm days and pleasantly cool nights. The history of Bras, a thousand years old, is intimately linked to that of the Knights Templar: along with the expansion of the first castrum on the hill of Saint-Pierre, the Templars established here in the thirteenth century an important Commandery including large agricultural estates, which provided during the Crusades in the Holy Land fresh supplies to the Order's bases via the port of Marseilles. Unfortunately the edifices of that period have not survived the ravages of time and nowadays only a chapel (well restored) and some ruins remain. However, despite the disappearance of the old stones, the land on which the people of Bras have built their homes today will forever be loaded with history... Bras is a small village with currently about 2800 inhabitants, and compared to a town, has an understandably limited commercial offer. However, for your catering you will find all that is essential: bakery, butcher, little supermarket, an excellent little restaurant, a cafe, a pub and a pizza takeaway. There is also the Cellier des Templiers wine shop, a pharmacy, a tobacco and newspaper kiosk, and not to forget the small weekly market and the direct sale of local products from the farmers. All are in walking distance from our house down in the village (1.5 km = 15 min walk / 3 min drive). Additionally, a large choice of shops and restaurants is available in nearby Saint Maximin (10 km) or Brignoles (15 km). |
A little walk through Bras in pictures:
(Note: Moving your mouse pointer over a thumbnail picture on the left displays a large version of that photograph in the main image pane on the right.) |
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For any question or issues regarding our guesthouse, B&B accommodation and self-catering apartments, as well as travel, sightseeing and holidays in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, we are pleased to help you with whatever assistance you might need. As a privileged partner of the Green Provence Tourist Council (Office du Tourisme de la Provence Verte) and member of the Provence Guesthouse Associations MHP and Esprit Provence we shall be happy to provide you with useful information and advice for your trip to the South of France. |