Best things to do in Cogolin

The 2 hectare (5 acre) Le village des Tortues was established in 1998 to protect the Hermann Tortoise. Today, this village provides shelter for more than 2500 tortoises. You can observe the creatures and explore the tortoise clinics, nurseries, and hatcheries.

Garden enthusiasts will want to spend time at Domaine du Rayol, a 20 hectare (49 acre) botanical garden. Plant and tree species hail from the Mediterranean basin, California, Chile, Australia, South Africa, Asia, Mexico, and the Canary Islands. The garden, which is divided into geographical segments, is registered with the Ministry of Culture. The botanical park and arboretum are open year-round.

Sheltered from the wind and nestled in a small cove between two rocky outcrops, Plage de Sylvabelle attracts visitors with its fine sand and crystal water providing good snorkeling opportunities. The beach can be reached via a long flight of steep steps, so it's safe from traffic and large crowds. The beach remains unsupervised, which can be problematic for families with small children. Amenities are scarce, so bring your own refreshments.

Also known as Vézelay Abbey, Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is a Benedictine and Cluniac monastery. The largest Gothic religious building in Provence, this is considered a masterpiece of Burgundian-Romanesque art and architecture. Study the complex imagery in the sculpted capitals and portals, as well as many relics of Mary Magdalene. (If you have traveled across Europe, you may notice that the tympanum of the central portal is different from its counterparts across Europe.) The church and hill at Vézelay are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overlooking the bay of Saint-Tropez, Plage des Marines offers a perfect break from the city bustle. This small, crescent-shaped slice of sandy shore slopes gently into the sea, which makes its shallows perfect for toddlers. In addition to waterfront restaurants, the beach attracts sports enthusiasts with a volleyball court and a range of water sports options, including jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, and wakeboarding. A few tall palm trees provide some natural shade, but bring a sun umbrella if you plan to stay longer.