Lorgues (French pronunciation: [lɔʁɡ]; Occitan: Lòrgas) is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in Southeastern France.

One, north-south, climbs from the Mediterranean coast into the interior while the other, east-west, is part of the long inland route from Italy to the Rhône Valley that runs along the foot of the high plateaus.

Water is a precious resource in Provence and the relative abundance of springs and streams in the Lorgues area has been vital for cultivating crops and trees.

It is high enough above the plain of the Var to be cooled by summer breezes while being low enough and sufficiently sheltered to avoid the bitter winter winds that sweep across the plateau to the north.

The town long used two nearby water sources: the Canal and the Pond (today, the supply comes from the local springs of Ste Foy and Entraigues).

On the wooded hill of Saint-Ferréol that overlooks the town to the east are the remains of an oppidum: a fortified settlement that acted as a refuge for the community in the troubled centuries before Rome brought stability to the area.

Lorgues’ status as a market town and regional centre began during the long period of stability (over 500 years) which marked Roman rule in Provence.

Latin gave rise to the Provencal language, and the adoption of Christianity was to shape the history of Lorgues, as can be seen from its numerous chapels and other religious buildings.

Despite episodes of epidemics and plagues, and the Wars of Religion, Lorgues continued to grow in the 16th century, with many new religious buildings (some have been converted to other use, others no longer exist) in addition to town houses.

Many houses were built to the south of what is now the Avenue de la Republique, in the area to the west of the new collegiate church of Saint Martin which was the town’s major building project in the early 18th century (1704–29).

A livestock market was held from around the 18th century on the edge of the old town in Les Aires Neuves, now Place Accarisio, where wheat was also threshed.

French olive oil began to face competition from cheaper imports, resulting in a switch to the vine as a preferred crop.

In the confusion of the Allied landings in Provence in August 1944, Lorgues suffered civilian deaths from air attack and also the loss of 22 of its young men by the retreating Germans.

It has changed slightly over the years through Revolution and Restoration, but the emblems of the lion and the dog supporting a fleur-de-lys have been consistent: the animals symbolise the town’s motto “Strength and Fidelity” (Force et Fidélité).

Lorgues is part  of the Dracénie Provence Verdon agglomeration, created in 2000, which groups 23 communes (listed below in alphabetical order).

The remains of Lorgues’ agricultural heritage can be found in the many old mills (flour or olive oil), bread ovens and wine presses.

[11] With the rise in popularity of the area as a place for holidays and retirement, many services have developed to meet the needs of second-home owners and for those wishing to build or maintain their homes.

With its position between the sea and the Gorges du Verdon, Lorgues is ideally situated as a tourist destination, and attracts large numbers, not only from other parts of France but other countries, in the season.

[12][13] As well as a range of shops catering for everyday needs, Lorgues holds the largest market in the Dracénie region every Tuesday morning.

As mentioned in the section on pre-history, Bronze Age tombs (particularly the dolmen of Pey-cervier) and a pre-Roman fortification (oppidum) have been found in the area, although not much remains, particularly of the latter.