Provencal music and dance
In the Var, the Provencal culture is omnipresent. In the same way, music and dance inherited from Provencal traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. Provençal music is performed by drummers who play simultaneously the drum and the galoubet - or flûtet -, a small flute with a sour sound, and sometimes the musette, an air musical instrument quite similar to the bagpipes. Couples dance the gavotte, a kind of lively bourrée that requires great agility. The Provençal costume is quite elegant. The men wear a vest often embroidered - the taiolo-, a wide belt most often of red flannel, a black felt hat and very tight pants. As for the women, they wear a cotton or percale headdress covered by a large straw hat, a bodice topped by a kerchief thrown over the shoulders, and a full skirt protected by a large apron that goes down to the ankles.
Theatres and music scenes
In the Var, there is no lack of theaters and it must be said that the cultural life is rather dense and animated throughout the year in the department.
The most famous stage of the Var is without any doubt the one of Chateauvallon-Liberté in Ollioules, near Toulon, which is built around a fort of the XIth century. It is a national stage with a high quality program. It hosts both contemporary dance shows and theatrical performances. Famous artists such as Charles Berling and Fanny Ardant come to perform there regularly for example.
In Toulon, you should not miss going to the Opera. Inaugurated in the 19th century, it has been well restored and retains its original structure. A choir and a ballet perform there all year long. The Toulon Opera also participates in co-productions with the French and European opera network, notably with the Leipzig Opera or the Opéra Comique in Paris. As for the concerts of French or international stars, they take place at the Zenith of Toulon which has a capacity of nearly 10,000 people. It is one of the largest venues in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
In Hyères, the Casino des Palmiers and the Espace 3000 are the venues for most dance shows, concerts by well-known artists and one-man shows. To attend a play or more confidential concerts, jazz or world music for example, you will have to go to the Théâtre Denis, in the old town of Hyères. It is a beautiful historical theater built in the Italian style in the 19th century.
In Sanary-sur-Mer, it is at the Galli Theater that most of the theatrical performances and concerts take place. With a capacity of about 1000 seats, it is installed in the former Cité de la Jeunesse, formerly managed by Abbé Galli, who chose to donate it to the commune, which transformed it into a theater.
Some festivals not to be missed in the Var
Many music, dance or theater festivals take place in the Var every year, mainly in summer. Here is a selection of our favorite festivals.
Jazz Festival in Porquerolles
Every year, in July, the jazz festival of Porquerolles welcomes great names of jazz in its pine forest. After being held for a long time at Fort Saint-Agathe, it took place for the first time at the Fondation Carmignac during the summer of 2021. Let yourself be lulled by a singular and surprising program. If you can't attend the evening concerts, take advantage of the off-festival program with some special daytime events to fill up on music. For example, you will have the opportunity to meet some musicians, to enjoy the singing workshop or to dance in the water with a brass band. If you're sleeping on the island, don't forget to bring your instruments to participate in the after hours jam sessions . Good mood guaranteed!
Festival of Ramatuelle
Created in 1985 by the late Jean-Claude Brialy and Jacqueline Franjou as a tribute to Gérard Philipe, this festival programs, during twelve days, classical or contemporary plays, alternating with singing tours of French variety artists and renowned comedians. It usually takes place between the end of July and the beginning of August.
Pointu festival
This festival takes place on the island of Gaou in Six-Fours and is the successor to the late Voix du Gaou and Grand Gaou festivals. This festival, with outdoor seating, takes place in a very pleasant paradisiacal setting, between creeks and pine forest, on this charming island in the commune of Six-Fours-les-Plages. Prestigious names have already been announced and the program is quite alternative, with a rock tendency, with international bands that we are not used to see. Magic setting and beautiful emotions in sight.
Moko Festival (Ex Rockorama Festival)
At the end of June in Toulon, in a magical place, in front of the sea, at the foot of the royal tower, a tower classified as a historical monument since April 11, 1947, enjoy 2 days of concerts under the sun... On the program, you will have the right to concerts in musical styles derived from the Rock: pop, electronic music, garage, noisy, lo-fi, post rock.
Urban Colors
Founded in 2009, this festival, which takes place in La Seyne-sur-Mer, presents through its programming a sample of urban music of the moment. It mixes well-known artists and young talents in a friendly atmosphere. In previous editions, big names of urban music have performed at this festival including: Massilia Sound System, Idir, La Rumeur, Oxmo Puccino or Kenza Farah ...
