Seillans
Seillans | |
|---|---|
 An overhead view of Seillans | |
.svg) Coat of arms | |
Location of Seillans  | |
| Country | France |
| Region | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur |
| Department | Var |
| Arrondissement | Draguignan |
| Canton | Fayence |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2001–2008) | René Ugo |
Area 1 | 88.66 km2 (34.23 sq mi) |
| Population (2006) | 2,535 |
| • Density | 29/km2 (74/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| INSEE/Postal code | 83124 /83440 |
| Elevation | 366 m (1,201 ft) |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
Seillans is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.
It is a ville perché (perched hill-top village) overlooking the plain between the southern Alps and the Esterel, which borders the sea between Cannes and Saint-Raphaël. It has been recognized as one of the prettiest villages of France.
Seillans has a steeply-inclined medieval centre, accessible only on foot, and a number of small squares and old buildings. It is the westernmost of a line of such towns and villages (including Montauroux, Callian, Tourrettes and Fayence) that face south and attract tourists and each offer a variety of cultural pursuits. They are most striking when viewed from the plain below. Other local attractions include the nearby Lac St. Cassien.
Seillans is also a destination for holiday-makers, retirees and second-home owners from other parts of France and northern Europe, lured by the charming houses and scenery combined with the sunny climate and proximity to the Mediterranean and Nice International Airport. Seillans features a castle and C13 church at its summit. Nearby are rustic chapels, vineyards, forests and olive groves.
Seillans has an annual Pottery Market and many concerts and occasional events throughout the year, as well as the annual international Musique-Cordiale Festival, a fortnight when the church, the salle polyvalente and outdoor venues resound to a variety of high quality classical, choral and jazz music from international artists, soloists, choirs and orchestras each August, when the area is at its most popular.
In the late Sixties and early Seventies Max Ernst and Dorothea Tanning made Seillans their home. The village hosts a substantial Max Ernst collection, including several sculptures in open air.
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