The Var is a department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. A popular tourist destination, it offers a wide range of outings and visits during your stay in the south of France. Sun, sea, cicadas and good food await you on your next vacation! Planning a future getaway and wondering what to do in the Var? Le Petit Futé presents the 23 must-do activities in the Var!
1. Visit the Port-Cros National Park
The Port-Cros National Park aims to protect the surrounding natural heritage (marine and terrestrial). It encompasses several villages, including Porquerolles, Ramatuelle and La Garde. Of course, it also includes the island of Port-Cros, with its superb beaches. From the top of Port-Man beach, it's easy to see why this natural area is so protected. The waters are superb, as are the surrounding beaches and cliffs. With a good mask and snorkel, set off to discover the protected seabed. Forts can be found all over the island, adding to your day of sightseeing.
If you live in Hyères, you may prefer to visit nearby Porquerolles. Whether on foot or by bike, a visit to the island is a pure marvel! Last but not least, set off to discover Ile du Levant and the Galère cove. Nature here is as superb as it is untamed. Explore the Port-Cros National Park by booking your kayak tour !
2. What to do in the Var? Admire the view from Cap Camarat
Located to the east of the Bay of Saint-Tropez, Cap Camarat offers a superb view of the Mediterranean and the cliffs. To enjoy the view, follow the coastal path towards Pampelonne beach. Once there, climb to the top of the lighthouse. With its square yellow base and white tower, it's impossible to miss! The beach offers pleasant moments of relaxation, and the lighthouse an ideal vantage point from which to take superb vacation photos. Opt for a private water cab to Cap Camarat and enjoy the fastest and most pleasant way to cross the bay!
3. Draguignan, the perfect little Provencal town
When you think of the south of France, certain words come easily to mind: Provence, olive groves, vineyards, sunshine... It's all this and more that awaits you in Draguignan. This small town, with its historic center and pretty streets, is set in the midst of Provencal countryside. You'll still find vestiges of a bygone era (ramparts, chapels, carved doors, etc.). Culture buffs can visit the Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires in Place Georges Brassens.
4. Visit Hyères and the Giens peninsula
What to do in the Var? Hyères and the surrounding area offer a wealth of places to visit. First of all, it's from here that you can reach the island of Port-Cros. It's also the departure point for the Giens peninsula.
If you're traveling with children, you'll also have a great time at Parc Olbius Riquier. It has a very pleasant atmosphere: lush greenery, animals, a children's playground and a pond. It's easy to spend a few hours relaxing with your family. Want to enjoy the beaches of Hyères? Follow the famous coastal path. It will lead you to discover quiet beaches and coves, where the translucent waters invite you to relax and swim away from the crowds.
5. What to do in the Var? Visit the must-see Saint-Tropez!
Who hasn't heard of Saint-Tropez? Whether it's thanks to the cult film starring Louis de Funès or your favorite stars who spend their summers there, you know: it's a must-visit in the Var! The town's port offers a pleasant promenade. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some of the celebrities on their yachts. Every Tuesday and Saturday morning, head to the Place des Lices, for a stroll around its large market.
Those who enjoy cultural visits can head to the Citadelle, which today houses the local Maritime History Museum.
Finally, don't leave without sampling the town's specialty: the tropézienne. This cream-filled cake is a pure delight! Don't miss out on any of the city's highlights tour of Saint-Tropez and Port-Grimaud !
6. Follow the superb coastal path
What to do in the Var? Take a walk along the coastal path! We've mentioned it several times, because it's an absolute must when you start visiting the department on foot. The sentier du littoral stretches from Bandol to Saint-Raphaël, taking in the most beautiful spots: villages, beaches, creeks and cliffs. The trail can be reached from a number of different villages, depending on your location. To quickly locate the different sections, ask for information at the tourist office closest to your vacation destination. All that's left to do is put on some good walking shoes and enjoy the view!
7. Enjoy the most beautiful beaches in the Var
What to do in the Var? Sunbathe on the beaches of the Var, which are superb but very busy! Some have white sand, others pebbles. All face a superb crystal-clear sea. Some of the Var's most beautiful beaches include :
- sylvabelle beach, in La Croix Valmer,
- estagnol and Cabasson beaches in Bormes-les-Mimosas,
- notre-Dame beach in Hyères,
- pampelonne beach in Ramatuelle,
- camp-Long beach in Saint-Raphaël.
If all these places seem too crowded, take courage. If you follow the coastal path, you'll find more hidden beaches and less crowded coves.
8. Water sports in the Gorges du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon are one of the 20 must-sees on the Côte d'Azur, especially for water sports enthusiasts. Canoeing, kayaking, rafting and canyoning will delight even the most athletic. It's great to visit the surrounding area from the water, in the heart of Europe's largest canyon!
Once you've reached the mouth of the canyon, you'll arrive at Lac de Sainte-Croix. This is one of France's largest lakes, where you can enjoy a swim. In addition to the translucent water, there's a wide range of activities on offer at the Étoile nautical base. Discover all the must-do activities on site , so you don't miss a thing during your stay!
9. The pretty basilica of Saint-Maximin
What to do in the Var? A whole host of cultural visits, including several to places of worship. For the first religious building, head for Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume to visit the eponymous cathedral. Although its exterior is rather crude, the cathedral is home to some fine works of art. Paintings, woodwork and sculptures can be admired here, as well as several sarcophagi. The cathedral, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, also contains an unusual item: her skull.
10. What to do in the Var? Visit the Toulon roadstead
It's impossible to visit the Var without passing through Toulon, one of France's sunniest cities! The Toulon roadstead is certainly one of the most beautiful places to visit. It stretches between two peninsulas: Giens and Saint-Mandrier. You can visit the harbor by boat (with Les Bateliers de la Côte d'Azur, for example), or take to the skies to get some superb shots. Put on your hiking boots and climb to the top of Mont Faron.
11. Villa Noailles, a must-see art center
This cube-shaped villa in Hyères dates back to the 1920s. At the time, its forms were modern and highly innovative. With its cubic style, the Villa Noailles has stood the test of time, becoming an art center and a venue for cultural events. In addition to the permanent collections, numerous festivals and workshops are held here on a regular basis. If you'd like to learn more about architecture, fashion, design or simply the history of the residence since its creation, you've come to the right place!
12. A hike along the Corniche Sublime road
What to do in the Var? First of all, let's get away from the city for a twenty-kilometer hike. The route de la Corniche Sublime is aptly named. You walk along the Verdon, from the village ofAiguines, towards Comps-sur-Artuby. On the way, you pass over the Col d'Illoire. You'll be treated to an array of panoramic views of rare beauty on this hike. Your arrival at the Mescla balcony offers a breathtaking view of the canyon below. A pure wonder!
13. Visit the Chartreuse de la Verne... in the heart of nature!
What to do in the Var? Combine a walk in the heart of nature with a cultural visit to Collobrières, and more precisely to the Chartreuse de la Verne, a building inhabited by monks who took a vow of silence. Listed as a historical monument, the building has been rebuilt several times following fires. Today, it can be visited every day except public holidays.
There's a lovely walk to the site, then continue through the undergrowth towards an artificial lake: the Verne reservoir.
14. What to do in the Var? Take on the Lachens mountain!
This time, we're tackling a more challenging hike. Montagne du La chens rises to an altitude of 1,714 meters. The hike is well worth it, though, as from up there you'll have a lovely view of the Sainte-Baume massif to the west, and the Mercantour massif to the east. There are two signposted foot paths leading to this exceptional site: one starts from La Bastide, the other from Séranon. If walking isn't your thing, you can reach the summit by car from the Col de Clavel.
15. The Estérel massif, a natural gem
Situated between the Mediterranean and Provence, the Estérel massif is an ideal playground for walkers. 32,000 hectares of land are yours to explore on foot or by bike. You can also visit on horseback. Along the way, take time to admire some superb sites:
- the Estérel massif,
- the Maures massif
- the Roquebrune-sur-Argens rock,
- the bay of Saint-Raphaël,
- the Mont Vinaigre tower,
- the Pic de l'Ours tower.
If you're going for the whole day, you can take the Cap Roux balconies loop, which lasts around 4 hours 30 minutes.
16. Fréjus, its episcopal group and other wonders
What to do in the Var? Visit the town of Fréjus, which is surely as famous as Toulon. For starters, you'll find an unusual episcopal group, comprising :
- the cathedral
- the baptistery
- the cloister,
- the episcopal palace.
Interestingly, Fréjus's town hall is now housed in the episcopal palace, much to the delight of the municipal staff who have the chance to walk this floor every day!
Visiting Fréjus also means discovering its remains. An aqueduct and a Roman amphitheatre are just some of the attractions on offer. You can also choose to visit the Fréjus coastline during a diving course with instructor !
17. The Sainte-Baume massif, for hiking enthusiasts
The Sainte-Baume massif stretches between the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône departments. Your nature walk will take you from cliffs to forests, offering you a landscape as beautiful as it is diverse. Birdwatchers will love hiking in the heart of this state-owned biological reserve, which is home to some one hundred species of birds.
There are some twenty different hikes to be enjoyed in this massif, part of which is located in the Var region. Follow the signposted trails and discover the beauty of the Var countryside in depth!
18. A boat trip for a lazy day out
Wondering what to do in the Var? Where there's sea, there's boat! The main coastal towns in the Var offer you the chance to take to the sea. From Hyères, for example, Vertical Horizon takes you on a cetacean discovery tour. Whales and dolphins can be seen on your sea trip, to the delight of children and parents alike. You can also take a boat from Hyères to go scuba diving, or simply to see the coast from the sea.
If you're vacationing near Le Pradet, other service providers such as Sea Ride Esprit Mer offer private sea excursions. You can book a water-based activity such as wakeboarding, towed buoys or palm-water rafting.
19. Le Castellet, medieval village
There are two ways to enter this fortified village: the Grand Portail to the south and the Portalet to the east. Here, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, you can stroll along narrow old streets, past stone houses typical of southern France. In Le Castellet, discover the history of a village that has been fortified since medieval times. Remains and ramparts can still be seen, as well as a castle and the church of Saint-Sauveur. We invite you to climb up to the trou de Madame, which offers a magnificent view below.
20. What to do in the Var? Visit Le Lavandou, its port and beaches..
With its 12 beaches and large port, Le Lavandou is a must-see tourist resort in summer! There's plenty to do on site:
- follow the coastal path to admire the sea views,
- tour the surrounding area by bike,
- take an excursion to the Golden Islands,
- take a ride on the little Lavandou train along the beaches.
If you're in Le Lavandou on a Thursday, don't miss its market, one of the finest in the Var. You can also discover the sublime seabed by snorkelling! Le Lavandou's interesting beaches include Langlade, Jean Blanc and Layet, to name but a few.
This unspoilt natural setting is ideal for camping in the Var, either in a tent or a mobile home.
21. The must-see Sanary-sur-Mer
If you're away for a week or two and wondering what to do in the Var, a visit to Sanary-sur-Mer is a must. You can climb to the top of the Sanary tower, a fine example of Romanesque military architecture. The view is superb, as is the collection of underwater archaeology. Along the way, take the climb up to the Oratoires. Finally, one of Sanary's must-sees is the port, with its famous "pointus" boats. These pretty, colorful little boats add a special Provencal charm to the area.
22. Taste the local specialities of the Var
It's so good to sample regional specialities on vacation! We've already mentioned the tropézienne, but it's not the only one to delight the taste buds in the Var. Indulge in fresh fish from local fishermen, accompanied by a hearty homemade aioli. Bouillabaisse is another typically local dish. Some chefs, such as Chez Camille in Ramatuelle, do it perfectly. The restaurant La Bouillabaisse, located in Giens, announces the color of the dish in its name! Finally, let yourself be tempted by a good Provence rosé, figs, olives or chestnut products.
23. A visit to the Cistercian abbey of Le Thoronet
Three Cistercian abbeys share the region, the "three Provencal sisters". These are Sénanque, Silvacane and the famous Abbey of Le Thoronet. This Romanesque edifice promises an interesting visit. It combines water, workshops, a mill and a lovely garden, in accordance with Cistercian rule.
You can discover the site any day of the year, with a guided tour lasting around 50 minutes. You'll learn about the history of the site, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
How do I get to the Var?
To get to the Var by car, you'll need to take the freeway. From Paris, take the A7, then the A8, which crosses the department. From the Alps, take the A51, then again the A8. If you prefer to fly, there are 3 airports to choose from:
- Toulon-Hyères,
- Marseille-Provence,
- Nice-Côte-d'Azur.
By train, the main stations are at :
- Fréjus,
- Hyères,
- Les Arcs - Draguignan,
- Saint-Raphaël Valescure,
- Toulon,
- Bandol.
If you prefer to travel by plane or train, remember to book a rental car before you leave.
What villages to visit in the Var?
Bandol is one of the most beautiful villages to visit in the Var. Here you'll find pretty houses with Provencal charm, not far from the port and the area's beautiful beaches. Palm trees, pine trees and coastal paths promise a delightful discovery!
If you love medieval villages, we recommend a visit to Cotignac. It's one of the 10 most beautiful villages in the south of France, nestled deep in the cliffs of the Var. This village of character offers a pleasant visit, as does its pretty Cassole waterfall.
Finally, we invite you to discover Bargème, one of the 15 most beautiful villages in the PACA region. This former feudal village has preserved the towers and keep of its ancient castle. The view from this village, which is the highest in the département, allows you to admire the surrounding green countryside.
What's the most beautiful place in the Var?
The village of Gassinlocated just a stone's throw from Saint-Tropez (8 km), is one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France". It seems that from the top of this village, you can contemplate the most beautiful view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. This small rural commune has been known as "the village of witches" since the Middle Ages. Nestled in the heart of the Maures massif, it offers breathtaking panoramic views .
Its cobbled, flower-filled streets offer a pure change of scenery. You'll enjoy strolling past the period buildings to Marie-Thérèse L'Hardy-Halos' garden or the Notre-Dame-de-la-Compassion chapel.
What to do in the Var when it rains?
Although the weather in the Var is often fine, it can sometimes rain unexpectedly. All is not lost, however! We've already mentioned a few museums that can be visited in the rain. To these we can add the Musée Géologique de Collobrières. Geology, the Var's mining past, paleontology and mineralogy are all on show.
Collobrières is the perfect destination when it rains, as it also boasts the Musée de la Fabrique du marron glacé. Here you'll learn all there is to know about the cultivation and manufacture of chestnut-based products. You can also admire a fine collection of old-fashioned tools and machines used to make this delicious little confection!
Finally, if you're travelling with children, head for the Fun City indoor park in Fréjus. With its 2,000 m² of dinosaur-themed games, you're sure to please! On the program: a bouncy castle, giant structures, a labyrinth, electric go-karts and even a great tree climbing course.
The Var is one of our favorite summer destinations! Of course, its beaches are very popular with tourists and locals alike, and the PACA region boasts some magnificent ones. Hiking enthusiasts will also be well catered for during their stay, as there are numerous trails with varying gradients to choose from. The Var is a wonderful blend of sea, mountains, forests and cliffs, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle. And who knows, maybe you'll want to visit the Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard or Vaucluse on your next vacation in the South of France!
