Over 1000m high, Bargème is the highest village in the department Var.
Leaving Comps to reach Bargème is like picking awards along the road until it all gets sublime. The first award would be the Pont de la Souche (Bridge of the Wine Stock), a while after having enjoyed a troll along the structured borders of the river. A couple of signs mention the quality of local genuine hand-workers. Then, Bargème, beautiful, dominating, enlightening through beauty and mystery. From this eagle's nest holding on top the shape of a Roman-style church and ruins of a feudal castle, you will experience a panoramic view you couldn't ever forget, onto the rude, harsh plateau of Canjuers, the Mountains les Maures and the foothills of the Alps.
This magical landscape is covered by a white mantle of snow in winter.
Bargème is a wonderful place for those who like old stones, narrow alleys and ancient chapels in a typical landscape of the land of Haut-Var.

As it was once a busy crossing point and a fairly big market place, the old town of Comps was built on the heights and the Saint-André Church looked dominant from over his rock. Templars from the house of Ruou (see Villecroze) owned there a major commandment. On the verge of the XVIth Century, knights of St-John of Jerusalem became the only lords of Comps, which was part of the Comté de Provence until then.
As succession wars of Queen Jeanne outraged, the village and fortifications were destroyed by Charles de Duras. The inhabitants found a new home in the country and founded nine hamlets: Oribau, Saint-Bayon, Chardan, Don, Doureisse, Guent, Jabron, Sauvechane and La Souche. Once peace came back, the village was built over, following a theater shape on the downing side of the rocks, where it still sits now.
History of Comps sur Artuby, and generally speaking of the Verdon Gorge, is tied to the destiny of Templars in the region. Many people living their passion for this era keep wandering through the hills all around and visiting the abundance of architectural testimonies.

As it was once a busy crossing point and a fairly big market place, the old town of Comps was built on the heights and the Saint-André Church looked dominant from over his rock. Templars from the house of Ruou (see Villecroze) owned there a major commandment. On the verge of the XVIth Century, knights of St-John of Jerusalem became the only lords of Comps, which was part of the Comté de Provence until then.
As succession wars of Queen Jeanne outraged, the village and fortifications were destroyed by Charles de Duras. The inhabitants found a new home in the country and founded nine hamlets: Oribau, Saint-Bayon, Chardan, Don, Doureisse, Guent, Jabron, Sauvechane and La Souche. Once peace came back, the village was built over, following a theater shape on the downing side of the rocks, where it still sits now.
Cultural heritage is wealthy:
Saint-André Chapel
Notre-Dame Chapel
Sainte-Philomène Chapel
Saint-Jean Chapel
Saint-Didier Chapel
and also the 'Mauvais Pont' -the Bad Bridge-, inspiring many thoughts of tragical plots; the publc wash-house and its fountain, another enchanted place...