SAINT ZACHARIE

At Saint-Zacharie, every visit is an invitation to enjoy the village and its unspoilt environment. Between walks, peaceful discoveries and moments of conviviality, there are many experiences on offer to visitors. Go hiking in the surrounding hills, enjoy the freshness of the Sources des Nayes or simply take time to stroll through the village streets.

After a stroll, settle down on a sunny terrace to savour the Provencal atmosphere, or share a warm moment over a game of pétanque in the village square.

Les Sources des Nayes: a peaceful interlude in the heart of the valley

Located just a few minutes from the centre of the village, the Sources des Nayes offers a haven of peace at the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif. Surrounded by a ring of greenery, this site is known for its various clear springs that gush out from the heart of the vegetation.

It’s an ideal spot for a walk in the shade of the trees, following the paths through the forest and alongside the streams. The site is also ideal for a family picnic, nature observation or simply relaxing by the water. In the past, there were even traces of Roman occupation here, reminding us that these springs have always been a point of life and passage through the commune.

Even today, the Sources des Nayes is a favourite spot for locals and walkers alike, where people come to enjoy the freshness of the water and the peaceful surroundings.

Strolling through the streets of Saint-Zacharie

Discovering Saint-Zacharie also means taking the time to lose yourself inthe village streets. Take a stroll through the centre and you’ll discover the authentic atmosphere of a Provencal village, with its shady squares, fountains and typical facades. The hundred-year-old plane trees lining some of the squares invite you to take a break and enjoy the tranquil pace of local life.

As you stroll along, let yourself be guided by the narrow streets and lively squares, observe the local heritage and soak up thefriendly atmosphere of the village. A stroll through Saint-Zacharie is a delightful way to discover a charming area nestling in the heart of the countryside.

A different way to discover the region by bike

In Saint-Zacharie, mountain biking and gravelling are all the rage, thanks to the many paths between the hills and valleys. Routes for all levels alternate between challenging climbs and fun descents, perfect for enjoying the destination in the fresh air!

Saint-Zacharie’s heritage can be discovered along its streets and on its walks. The village is home to a number of emblematic sites, including :

The church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, listed as a historic monument, the chapel of Saint-Clair and the old wash-house, all bear witness to their history. As you stroll through the village, you’ll also come across 16 fountains, including the Marianne, Lion d’Or, Place Dréo, Saint Roch and Place de l’Eglise fountains. In the village, you can also see the Martinet and Tombereau waterfalls. *

For something a little more unusual, take a walk along the Chemin des fées de l’Huveaune, a poetic trail that follows the river and features a number of sculptures inspired by local legends. Among them, Marie, the spring fairy, watches over Saint-Zacharie and makes an original stop-off on your walk. Finally, the village’s industrial history can also be seen in the former kilns used by the ceramics industry, a reminder of the importance of terracotta in the development of the valley. So many sites to explore and discover the many treasures the village has to offer.

The birth of the village

The history of Saint-Zacharie dates back to prehistoric times. Traces of Neolithic occupation have been found on the slopes of the Regagnas, where ancient bones and artefacts bear witness to the presence of the first inhabitants. Later, the Celto-Ligurians and then the Romans settled in the Huveaune valley, leaving behind a number of vestiges, including wealthy villas close to the springs.

Over the centuries, the region was invaded and destroyed. In the IXᵉ century, the village, then called Rastoin, consisted of a few dwellings around a church. After the reconquest of Provence, the site was rebuilt and, in 1034, the hamlet became the village of Saint-Zacharie around a restored church and monastery.

Clay, the wealth of the town

The presence of high-quality clay was to leave its mark on the identity of the village. From the Middle Ages onwards, the inhabitants produced tiles, bricks and pottery. In the XVIIᵉ century, this activity expanded, thanks in particular to Pierre Toche, a ceramics worker from Moustiers. He taught local craftsmen how to make everyday utensils: dishes, jugs and vases. The town became an important centre for ceramics in the region. For a long time, this tradition contributed to the wealth and renown of the village, so much so that in the 1900s, the “appellation de Saint-Zacharie” was created following the birth of the profession.

The kilns of the ceramics industry

Today, the freely accessibleceramic kilns still bear witness to the industry developed in the 18th century. Restored, it is possible to see the battery of four flame kilns. In those days, the kilns ran non-stop, taking almost two days to load, a week to fire and then several days to cool down, making a complete cycle almost two weeks long. So it was impossible to keep up with the pace with just one oven, which led to the creation of many more like these during this period.

At almost 5.80m high and 7m wide, these buildings had a very simple internal structure: a single firing chamber built above the hearths of rubble stone lined with heavily reinforced bricks.