The Pelenc forest from Régusse

6 points of interest

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  Patrimony and history

  A little heraldry

  It could be that the coat of arms of Régusse reminds you of something. These red and white diamonds (called tapered reds in heraldry) are indeed the coat of arms of the Grimaldi family who rules the Principality of Monaco today. A branch of this family from Genoa bought the domain of Régusse in the 17th century and kept it until the Revolution, when their property was confiscated. But the town of Régusse stills holds the arms of the family on its coat of arms.

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  Patrimony and history

  The Windmills

  Provence is a chosen land for windmills that were introduced in this region in the 13th century. Mistral offers here a powerful and constantly renewed energy. The two windmills of Régusse were already indicated on Cassini’s map in the 13th century. Their construction may date from the 18th century – a period of expansion for windmills. But it is possible that their origin dates back to the Templars who helped to spread this technique and had a commandery in Régusse in the 13th century.

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  Patrimony and history

  Memorial to the Resistance

  The Var department played an important role in the liberation of France since it was on its beaches that French and American troops landed. But if during this winter 1942-1943 liberation was a distant hope, the Resistance was preparing it and getting organized. Thus the site of the forest of Pelenc received a group of parachutists 4 May 1944. They were dispersed by the Germans on 18 May, and then reconstituted by Lt. Abiven. The memorial recalls this glorious episode of the member of the Resistance of the forest of Pelenc.

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  Savoir-faire

  Go to coal

  This is a profession forgotten today: charcoal burner. In Provence, we say "carbounié". Its origin dates back to the mid-19th century when energy needs transformed the industry and domestic life. The artisanal technique of producing charcoal is long and requires expertise. It is necessary, needless to say, to cut wood. On communal properties, this activity was subject to authorization and, in order to allow the forest to regenerate, cutting and rest are alternated.

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  Patrimony and history

  The Maquisards’ Tank

  In Pelenc, tanks were used as water reserves at the beginning of last century. One of them is called: the "Maquisards’ Tank". This name refers to a forest site located in the woods during the Second World War. The little troop consisting of forty men were not a kind of "maquis", active and armed people, as it often existed in the Haut-Var at the same time. Most charcoal burners exercised this ancient and traditional activity here.

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  Water and rivers

  Emergency WaterEmergency water

  The ponds are real havens of peace and places where wildlife comes to drink especially during the hot summers. If you are discreet, it is not uncommon to see animals that quench their thirst.