To visit Sanary-sur-Mer is to discover all the charm of the Côte d'Azur. The Var offers some of the most beautiful vacation destinations of the year: go for it! The magnificent harbor, with its colorful boats, is a marvel to behold. The colorful buildings lining the harbor add a touch of positive vibrancy to this magical place. As everywhere in the Var, palm trees are also present, creating an exotic atmosphere into which we plunge with delight. Let's discover the 15 must-do activities in Sanary-sur-Mer, one of the Var's most beautiful coastal towns.
1. Stroll along the port and admire the pointus boats
If Sanary-sur-Mer is one of the 23 must-sees in the Var, it's largely because of its splendid harbor. As soon as you arrive, you'll be drawn to this colorful palm-fringed promenade. The buildings lining the harbor are decked out in 1001 colors, but that's not all! In the harbor, adorable little boats, the "pointus", proudly uphold a local tradition, creating a beautiful harbor landscape. Some of these small Provencal boats, originally used for sea fishing, are now classified as "Buildings of Heritage Interest".
2. Discover the narrow streets of Sanary-sur-Mer
Provencal houses, with their colorful facades and equally colorful wooden shutters, punctuate every step you take in the narrow streets of Sanary. Narrow, charming and typical of the region, they invite you to stroll along to the sound of crickets chirping. Here, you want to take your time. Take the time to stroll through the craft stores, stop off at a bookshop, or simply contemplate the lively architecture... You could well make some wonderful discoveries, like the excellent restaurant La Brise, which serves pasta browned in a huge wheel of Parmesan cheese, all made before your very eyes. Surely one of Sanary's best addresses, far from the crowded restaurants of the busy high streets!
3. The Tower of Sanary, between archaeology and beautiful views
Originally built in the 13th century to protect the rear of neighboring Toulon, the Tour de Sanary is now a museum. Standing 21 meters high, it offers a fine view of the town and its surroundings. Its eventful history has seen it go from military tower to prison, then to granary, before finally becoming home to the Musée de la Plongée Autonome Frédéric Dumas. Magnificent and sometimes unusual archaeological and underwater exhibits are on display all year round.
Good news: open house is totally free !
4. Montée des Oratoires, panoramic view of Sanary
One of Sanary-sur-Mer's must-see walks is the Montée des Oratoires. Oratories, found throughout France, are small stone monuments housing statues of saints or the Virgin Mary. Sanary has 16 of them, including the famous path leading to the Notre-Dame de Pitié chapel. This original escapade offers a beautiful walk through the local vegetation, punctuated by 4 oratories and 8 stations of the cross. A panoramic view awaits you at the top!
For more information on this and other walks in Sanary, please contact the Tourist Office.
5. Notre-Dame de Pitié chapel, or Chapelle des Marins
As we mentioned earlier, at the very top of the Montée des Oratoires is the Notre-Dame-de-Pitié chapel, founded by fishermen and other local residents. As early as the 16th century, it was home to a hermit, whose vocation was to warn boats at sea of danger, thanks to his bell. Today, curious visitors can discover a beautiful polychrome wooden piéta, as well as ex-voto offerings made to God by local fishermen . A wonderful discovery!
6. Visit Saint-Nazaire church
As you stroll through the narrow streets of the town center, you'll inevitably come across the church of Saint-Nazaire, dedicated to the saint of the same name. In 1650, Saint-Nazaire's relics were brought here in grand ceremony. All in white, both inside and out, it offers a far less austere setting than most churches. Its greatest asset, however, is its superb organ, which at times resonates with majesty.
7. Square Kennedy in Sanary-sur-Mer, a bucolic break in the Var region
Take a green break in Sanary-sur-Mer, in the heart of Parc Kennedy. The palm-lined paths create a bucolic setting, ideal for a romantic stroll. Fountains, water games and other children's play areas await you, to complete this little family outing. Nearby, you'll also find a mini-golf course and a mini-kart track, to the delight of the kids! While you're relaxing on a bench, sniffing the surrounding flowers, the younger ones are having fun, creating vacation memories for the whole family.
8. Take part in the Mediterranean tradition of nautical jousting
Ever seen medieval jousting on horseback? Water jousting, a tradition dear to Provence, is based on the same technique. Here, the jousters are not on horseback... but on a dedicated boat! While the Sète jousts are certainly the best-known, you can also attend a jousting demonstration in Sanary-sur-Mer.
Good to know: in the event of bad weather or strong winds, demonstrations may be cancelled. To find out if they are still on, and for the exact dates, contact the Tourist Office.
9. Family fun at Portissol beach
But where to go on beach vacations this year? Sanary-sur-Mer, of course! Every seaside town in the Var has its fair share of beautiful beaches, and in Sanary it's called Plage du Portissol, to name but one. Located near the town center, it's easily accessible and offers every comfort. Accessible to people with reduced mobility, it has another highlight: its underwater trail. You can confidently follow a guide as he leads you on a magical discovery of the Mediterranean seabed!
In addition to Portissol beach, discover Sanary's other beaches:
- la plage dorée,
- plage du Levant,
- la Gorguette beach,
- baie de Cousse beach.
Why not take advantage of the sea to try your hand at surfing? The good news is that Sanary boasts one of the best surf clubs in France:ESM Aloha.
10. Hiking in Sanary-sur-Mer
One of the most beautiful walks in Sanary takes you to several beaches. In particular, we invite you to follow the loop from Baie de la Cousse to Pointe de la Cride, in Portissol. You'll enjoy a lovely view of the island of Les Embiez and the port of Bandol.
Another lovely walk takes you from the hustle and bustle of Sanary to the tranquility of the vineyards. This beautiful stroll takes you through the heights of Sanary, from the departmental road leading to Bandol.
Good to know! this walk is also wheelchair accessible.
You can also discover Bandol's magnificent bay by kayak from the sea on a guided tour, bookable here.
11. Meet the dolphins at Sanary-sur-Mer!
Sanary's beaches are beautiful, but don't just sit on the sand and contemplate the sea: go and meet it! Thanks to service providers such as Sanary Aventure Marine or Découverte du Vivant, you can board a boat for a magical excursion. Keep your eyes peeled for the chance to observe marine species in their natural habitat. Dolphins, whales, turtles, stingrays and rorqual whales are all out in the open sea - the best place to admire them without disturbing them!
12. L'Atelier des Artistes, fascinating encounters on the Côte d'Azur
Art lovers, we invite you to the Atelier des Artist es in Sanary-sur-Mer. More than just an exhibition space, this is a place designed for the creation and production of works of art. Artists and enthusiasts meet to exchange ideas in a relaxed, artistic atmosphere. Here, the artist is king. They are invited to give free rein to their creativity, while being on hand to answer any questions you may have. In short, this is the place to be in Sanary!
13. Stroll through Sanary's markets
Every Wednesday morning, head to the port and allées d'Estienne d'Orves for the weekly market. Producers, designers, local produce and other colorful stalls delight locals and visitors alike.
Did you know? In 2018, the Sanary market was voted France's most beautiful market on TF1!
Another food-only market awaits you near the bandstand, every morning from 8am to 12pm. Finally, in July and August, there's a night market every evening, also on the quayside. It's a delightful gathering of vendors selling jewelry, local produce and other creations, so you can keep strolling after dark.
14. Zoa Parc, the animal kingdom for families
From animals from all over the world to the mini-farm and botanical garden, Zoa Parc is pure enchantment. A wide variety of turtles, fish, crocodiles and monkeys can be found here, as well as rarer and even surprising species. The adorable face of the tamandua or the super "haircut" of the leaning tamarin will never cease to amaze your children! From America to Asia, via Oceania, all continents are represented, in a lovely zoo that's a pleasure to visit with the whole family. The zoo also offers guided tours and immersions into specific worlds.
15. Discover the local gastronomy of the Var!
Before we talk about gastronomy in the Var, let's take a look at the speciality of Sanary-sur-Mer. That's right, the town has its very own Patrice Sciortino delicacy: pavé de Sanary! Let yourself be overwhelmed by the pain of this delicious, crunchy hazelnut praline. Delicately coated in chocolate and powdered sugar, it's a pure marvel. If you're still unfamiliar with the specialties of the southern Mediterranean, we invite you to try bouillabaisse (a fish dish), daube (a dish in beef sauce) or pissaladière (a kind of small pizza, but with anchovies).
In the Var region, cade is an unmissable specialty, often found on the market. It takes the form of a chickpea patty in olive oil, cooked over a wood fire. A delicious aperitif!
Where to stay in Sanary-sur-Mer?
Portissol is a pleasant neighborhood, but beautiful villas with swimming pools can fetch very high prices. It's best to look for a hotel in a street adjacent to the town center, so you can stay close to amenities without the nuisance.
- The most luxurious
Treat yourself to a high-end vacation at La Farandolea 4-star hotel with a beautiful view over the Bay of Bandol. The wooden terrace with spa, sauna, outdoor pool and inimitable taste of the rooms make this Sanary's finest address.
Book this luxury hotel in Sanary sur Mer
- The greenest
From green electricity to organic food,Hôtel Synaya clearly demonstrates its commitment to preserving the planet. Add to this a high standard of service and a few rooms overlooking the garden, and you've got a great address in Sanary to book here.
- The best value for money
Looking for a hotel in a good location, with a beautiful view and quality services, all at a fair price? It's not a myth, but a reality at theHôtel de la Tourlocated along the harbor. And let's face it: the view is magnificent. As a bonus, the restaurant serves excellent seafood! Click here to book this well-placed hotel.
Did you know? The Var is an ideal destination for camping in France. Between the sea and the wilderness, it's the perfect place to put down your bags in the fresh air!
Which typical villages to visit around Sanary-sur-Mer?
We love medieval villages, but today we'd like to take you on a more unusual tour of the ghost town of Brovès ! Stripped of its inhabitants to make way for a military training camp, the town is no longer a ghost town: nature has reclaimed its rightful place, offering a visit as beautiful as it is interesting.
Between sea and forest, we also invite you to discover Bandol, a seaside resort whose reputation is well established. From its pretty market to its beaches, not forgetting the surrounding countryside, discover the must-sees in Bandol during your Var getaway.
For its part, Bargème welcomes you to its unique medieval atmosphere. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in the PACA region, it reveals the remains of its castle with its eventful history.
Finally, don't miss a visit to Cotignac, one of the most beautiful villages in the south of France to see during your vacation. Situated at the foot of an impressive cliff, its pretty ochre houses invite you to stroll peacefully from lane to lane.
Want to go even further? Discover the most beautiful places to visit in the PACA region, which has 1001 wonderful surprises in store for you.
What to do in Sanary-sur-Mer when it rains?
The Var isn't a department where it rains often, but it can happen! Don't stress, there are plenty of activities to keep young and old busy. Visit aquatic complex is ideal for rainy days. With its large slide and water games, it keeps the kids busy in a friendly atmosphere.
Is it raining in Sanary? Art tours
Art also invites itself into your rainy days! L'Espace Saint-Nazaire, for example, is a mecca for the artistic community, as is the Atelier des Artistes. While you wait for the warm weather to return, you can discover local artists and combine vacations with culture. Other art exhibitions are also on offer at the Barthélémy de Don gallery, located in the town center. If you're in the area, grab an umbrella and indulge in a bit of vacation shopping!
Visit cultural Sanary in the rain
Rain offers a great opportunity to discover the town's museums. The artefacts on display in the Tour de Sanary are just some of the discoveries you'll make. The only drawback is that the view from the top of the tower won't be extraordinary if it's raining. However, as the visit is free, there's nothing to stop you coming back later.
The Musée de la Plongée is another great place to visit on a rainy day. Opened to preserve the memory of Frédéric Dumas, it reveals a sometimes little-known underwater world, including this great man's contribution to the development of scuba diving.
Finally, the Théâtre de Sanary offers a pleasant stopover when it's raining in Sanary. Rest assured, it's not all opera! Music, comedy, theater and even dance: the program is varied. Of course, the best time to visit Sanary-sur-Mer is during the May long weekends or in summer, to take advantage of the fine Mediterranean weather. And if it does rain during your summer vacation, you'll have plenty of ideas to keep you from getting bored!
The Côte d'Azur is not as overrated as some people think! Have you found the perfect summer destination in Sanary-sur-Mer? Without a doubt: yes! Although other Var destinations, such asHyères-les-Palmiers, also have their share of advantages, Sanary's charm is incomparable. As for the big cities, don't miss Toulon's must-see attractions, including the extraordinary Musée National de la Marine. An ideal family vacation destination, the Var offers activities for all tastes and ages. From beaches to parks to cultural visits, there's something for everyone. Treat yourself!
Book in advance below for the hottest activities to enjoy during your stay in the area:
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