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Thursday, November 14, 2024
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Collobrières
Marrons glacés, Collobrières, France (cc)
Photo: "passamanerie" / flaviab
Collobrières
Collobrières, often considered the capital of the Maures, is tucked away at the center of more than 2,200 acres of sweet chestnut and cork oak forest. It is hard to imagine now, but in the 19th century this quiet village of 1,600 was a regional center of industry.
A local man, named Aumeran, brought the secret of turning cork oak into bottle corks. By 1850, the town had 17 cork factories, numerous sawmills plus lead, copper and iron mines. That industry is gone, leaving signs of 19th-century prosperity among the medieval, Roman (and possibly pre-Roman) ruins scattered around the town. Nearby, on the Plateau Lambert, menhirs or standing stones (the largest in France) testify to very ancient settlement. The Réal Collobrières River flows right through the center of town.
Today, Collobrières has turned to exploiting its natural resources – great forest walks and the noble chestnut. You’ll find chestnuts made intoMarrons Glacés ice creams and jams, bottled in syrup or brandy, combined with fruits in jellies and made into creams, liqueurs and candies. If you have a chance to taste chestnut honey, don’t pass it up – it has a strong, dark taste unlike any other honey you are likely to find. The town also produces a respectable red wine.
Last updated March 15, 2012
Posted in France | Western Côte d’Azur
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