Fayence is a hilltop village of 6,157 residents in the Var, the seat of the Pays de Fayence group of municipalities, which brings together nine hilltop villages. Its Fayence-Tourrettes airfield presents itself as Europe's leading gliding centre. In the village: the clock tower and its viewpoint indicator over the Var, the Saracen gate, a remnant of the ramparts, and the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church with its 32 stained-glass windows by Henri Guérin. Lake Saint-Cassien is about fifteen kilometres away. From Tourtour, allow 50 km and an hour.
Key facts
- From Tourtour: 50 km, about 1 hour.
- Gliding: Fayence-Tourrettes airfield, Europe's leading centre for the sport.
- View: viewpoint indicator at the clock tower.
- Night markets: Thursdays in July and August, Place de l'Église.
- Lake Saint-Cassien: about 16 km away.
Fayence at a glance
| Landmark | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 6,157 residents (2023) |
| Status | seat of the Pays de Fayence group of municipalities |
| Gliding | Fayence-Tourrettes airfield |
| Lake Saint-Cassien | about 16 km away |
| From Tourtour | 50 km, about 1 h |
The hilltop village
Fayence is one of the nine hilltop villages of the Pays de Fayence. The old village keeps the Saracen gate, a remnant of the medieval ramparts with its tower, and the clock tower, which offers a viewpoint and a viewpoint indicator over the Var department.
The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church
The church stands out for its 32 stained-glass windows made by the master glassmaker Henri Guérin in 1971.
Gliding
The Fayence-Tourrettes airfield presents itself as Europe’s leading gliding centre. It celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2015 and hosts the international glider Open. For a discovery flight in a glider, ask the airfield’s clubs directly.
Summer markets
On Thursdays in July and August, a night market sets up on Place de l’Église.
From Tourtour
Fayence is the furthest of the villages in this section: 50 km, an hour’s drive east. It combines with Lake Saint-Cassien, about fifteen kilometres away. Closer to Tourtour, see Lorgues and Salernes.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Fayence?
Climb to the clock tower for its viewpoint indicator over the Var, walk through the Saracen gate, see Henri Guérin's stained glass in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, and discover gliding at the Fayence-Tourrettes airfield.
Why is Fayence known for gliding?
Its Fayence-Tourrettes airfield presents itself as Europe's leading gliding centre. It celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2015 and hosts the international glider Open.
How far is Fayence from Tourtour?
50 km, about an hour by road.
Is there a market in Fayence in summer?
Yes, a night market is held on Thursdays in July and August, on Place de l'Église.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Opening times and dates change: confirm before you travel.
- Wikipedia (French), Fayence (population, gliding, clock tower, church, night market), accessed 7 November 2026
- Travel times: OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap, from the centre of Tourtour, accessed 7 November 2026
