Tourism in Var

Var is a pleasant tourist destination to visit all year round thanks to its pleasant climate and exceptional sunshine. It is the second most wooded department in France after the Landes. Here, many walks along the coast await the visitors. With its 432 km long, you can go on excursions every day without ceasing to be surprised: the beaches follow in the rocky capes and the magnificent wild creeks, where you can relax in complete peace and quiet. The less athletic can rest, during their holidays, on the fine sand of one of the department’s tourist seaside resorts such as Saint-Raphaël or Fréjus. The water is transparent and turquoise on the French Riviera: a real invitation to laze around.

The Var hinterland is not lacking in charm either. The perched villages are true little gems that attract many visitors. Strolling through the cobbled streets, you cannot help but be seduced by the authenticity of the place: the ocher facades of old buildings, the small squares decorated with fountains, the remains of ramparts or a castle, etc.

The department has exceptional natural sites, such as the impressive Verdon Canyon, a popular meeting place for kayakers, the Sainte-Baume, a high place of pilgrimage with its cave which sheltered Sainte Marie-Madeleine during the last years of her life, Port d’Alon, its Madrague and its coastal path, and the Port Cros et Porquerolles National Park, Hyères islands, whose pine forests and cliffs are populated by birds.

Culture is also at the heart of the tourist offer of the destination, with numerous museums, historical monuments, castles, ancient remains in Fréjus… The agenda is particularly rich: in summer, a festival takes place every week or so.

Toulon

In the narrow streets of the center of Toulon, small restaurants offer a rich and tasty local cuisine: ratatouille, daube Provençale, not forgetting the famous bourride, a soup from Toulon made from aioli and white fish. Just a stone’s throw from Place Louis Blanc, you are greeted by the vendors of the Cours Lafayette and their singing accent. In this market, famous throughout the region, you will discover the typical perfumes of the Provencal soil.

In the upper town, the Haussmann buildings bear witness to the gentrification that took place in the 19th century. In Place de la Liberté stands the Toulon Opera House. In this superb neoclassical building, lyric singers still bewitch the spectators who come to watch the show, sitting in red velvet seats.

The Saint-Louis church is unique in its kind, it has everything of a Roman temple. Outside, four massive columns support a triangular pediment. Inside, you can only be surprised by the two rows of white stone columns. The choir is dominated by a sublime dome with lanterns.

As you pass through the door of the Arsenal, you discover the Musée de la Marine (Navy Museum). Toulon being the first French military port, it is not surprising that it was here that the decision to retrace the history of the navy was made.

From Mont Faron, the view of Toulon Harbor (one of the most beautiful in the world) is breathtaking. After taking the cable car, one can admire the city and the Saint-Mandrier peninsula, sitting on the terrace of a panoramic restaurant, a glass of pastis in hand.

Saint-Tropez

When you think of Saint-Tropez you probably think of Brigitte Bardot, famous French actress and singer of the 50’s, 60’s and the early 70’s who inspired “And God Created Woman” by Roger Vadim and made the city mythical. Nestled between the Massif des Maures and the Mediterranean Sea, it attracts celebrities and a cosmopolitan crowd every year. During the “Voiles de Saint-Tropez,” the most beautiful sailboats follow one another in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

From October to May, Saint-Tropez is a small, authentic fishing village. To discover it, take the harbor promenade from the bay of Canebiers and walk along the old buildings to the turquoise waters of the Graniers beach. If you prefer, you can also lie down on the warm sand of LaPonche district, to enjoy the sun in peace and quiet.

From June to September, tourists flock to the area and the ballet of yachts and pleasure boats is unceasing. The city puts on its glitter and transforms itself into a trendy seaside resort, appreciated by celebrities. As you walk around, you can gaze at the windows of the luxury stores that have sprung up over the years. To find some peace and quiet, you have to go to the oldest part of the city. There, in the alleyways, the ocher, yellow and orange-pink facades are the guardians of the city’s history.

Bandol

Bandol is the oldest seaside resort of the coast. Every month, this dynamic town organizes various events: championships, various festivals, concerts and festivities honoring Provençal traditions, etc.

In the heart of a privileged nature, Bandol is a holiday resort appreciated by water sports enthusiasts. The numerous sailing schools and water sports clubs allow beginners to learn about these water activities.

Sheltered at the foot of the hills, the vines of Mourvèdre flourish. By following the wine route by car, on foot or by bike, a real tourist circuit, you can discover the town’s vineyard, which was one of the first to obtain an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (Protected Designation of Origin) in 1941. The wines of Bandol have a worldwide reputation: red wines, rosés and white wines are appreciated for their refinement and subtle aromas.

Staying in Var

In the heart of green Provence or on the French Riviera, prepare your stay in Var. Discover a selection of quality accommodation: hotels, campsites, bed and breakfasts… We also offer ideas for visits, museums, remarkable tourist sites, leisure activities, and unmissable events to help you organize your holiday. You can also contact the Tourist Office of your choice to obtain all the tourist information you need to prepare your stay.

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