Fêtes de la Châtaigne de Collobrières

Collobrières, capital of the Var chestnut

In the heart of the Massif des Maures, in the Var region, the town of Collobrières has been intimately linked to the chestnut for centuries. The chestnut groves surrounding the village form the natural setting for an ancestral chestnut-growing tradition, of which the inhabitants are passionate guardians. Every autumn, the chestnut harvest marks the rhythm of the seasons, and the Fêtes de la Châtaigne are the most vibrant expression of this deep attachment to the Maures terroir.

Collobrières is also known for housing the Confiserie Azuréenne, whose candied chestnuts and chestnut creams have acquired national and international renown. The festival is thus an opportunity to discover the entire chain of the fruit: from the tree to the finished product, including harvesting, roasting, and confectionery.

A Centenary Tradition Revived

The Fêtes de la Châtaigne de Collobrières perpetuate a tradition of autumn celebration that dates back several generations. For centuries, the chestnut – nicknamed the "bread tree" – was the staple food for the populations of the Maures, who consumed it roasted, boiled, as flour, or processed into preserved products. Chestnut farming has shaped the landscape, economy, and culture of the Massif des Maures.

With rural exodus in the 20th century, many chestnut groves were abandoned. The resurgence of the Fêtes de la Châtaigne is part of the movement to revalue this natural and cultural heritage, helping to reintroduce the richness of the Massif des Maures to new generations of visitors.

Three Sundays of Outdoor Celebration

The unique feature of the Fêtes de la Châtaigne de Collobrières lies in its format of three Sundays in October, offering visitors multiple opportunities to come and enjoy the event according to their availability. This original formula adapts to family schedules and reaches a wider audience, whether for a Sunday stroll or a day immersed in the culture of the Maures.

Each Sunday, the village transforms: the streets and the central square host the farmers' market where local producers offer fresh chestnuts, artisanal candied chestnuts, chestnut creams, flours, and jams. Stands of roasted chestnuts fill the air with their warm and comforting aromas, irresistibly attracting passers-by. Local gastronomy is in the spotlight with traditional dishes prepared from chestnuts and other products from the Massif des Maures: ceps, olive oil, honey, and goat cheeses.

Entertainment and Crafts in the Maures

The Fêtes de la Châtaigne are not limited to gastronomy. They offer a rich and varied program of entertainment: street performances, traditional Provençal music, exhibitions by local artisans, and demonstrations of ancient know-how related to chestnut groves. Nature walks are organized through the chestnut groves to discover the ancient trees of the massif, identify species, and understand the chestnut cycle.

Children's workshops allow young visitors to learn about chestnut confectionery or discover the fauna and flora of the Massif des Maures, much of which is classified as a Port-Cros National Park and protected as one of the richest biodiversity territories in mainland France.

The Massif des Maures, an Exceptional Natural Setting

Collobrières is the "green heart" of the Massif des Maures, this vast forest area stretching from the Var coast to the foothills of the Provençal Alps. The massif is home to a unique Mediterranean forest, dominated by cork oak, chestnut, maritime pine, and strawberry tree. The Hermann's tortoise, a protected species, finds one of its last refuges here in France. This territory of exceptional natural richness provides a magnificent setting for the festival and invites exploration of the surrounding forest trails.

A Popular, Free, and Family-Friendly Festival

A popular event rooted in local life, the Fêtes de la Châtaigne de Collobrières are completely free and welcome young and old in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The authentic nature of the event – without excessive tourist frills – and the beauty of the natural setting make it one of the most endearing rural festivals in the Var.