Discover Var | A Visitor's Introduction to Var

Why is Var Worth a Visit?

Var is worth visiting for its intoxicating mix of coast and countryside, offering visitors a slower, more authentic side of Provence and the Côte d’Azur. Unlike its flashier neighbours, Var boasts a quieter charm where life follows the rhythm of vineyards, village markets, and Mediterranean breezes. It’s one of France’s sunniest departments, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, and a landscape that varies from sparkling coves and sandy beaches to dense forests and dramatic canyons.

Whether you’re sipping rosé in a hilltop winery, kayaking through turquoise rivers, or browsing the colourful stalls of a Provençal market, Var offers that rare mix of relaxation, beauty, and genuine French lifestyle. It’s a place to linger, explore, and fall in love with the real South of France.

Var Highlights: Things to See and Do in Var

Gorges du Verdon

Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe, the Gorges du Verdon is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in France. Carved by the Verdon River, the canyon features towering limestone cliffs and emerald-green water, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, or simply admiring from above.

The drive along the Route des Crêtes offers jaw-dropping views, and active travellers will love the Sentier Martel, a famous hiking trail that descends into the gorge. Don’t miss the lake at Lac de Sainte-Croix, a brilliant turquoise reservoir ideal for swimming and picnicking.

Saint-Tropez

No guide to Var would be complete without Saint-Tropez, the legendary fishing village turned celebrity hotspot. While it can get busy in summer, its charm remains intact: pastel-coloured houses, cobbled lanes, a yacht-filled harbour, and chic boutiques line the old town.

Enjoy a coffee at Sénéquier on the waterfront, explore the Citadel of Saint-Tropez, and relax at one of the famous beaches like Pampelonne, dotted with stylish beach clubs such as Club 55. Off-season, the town regains a peaceful authenticity that’s hard to resist.

Bormes-les-Mimosas

One of the most beautiful villages in Var, Bormes-les-Mimosas is perched on a hillside and draped in flowers, especially its namesake mimosa which blooms gloriously in early spring. Its narrow medieval streets, pink-tiled roofs, and breathtaking sea views make it an idyllic stop.

Nearby beaches such as Le Lavandou offer crystal-clear waters, while the village itself hosts artisan boutiques, traditional restaurants, and one of the best-preserved examples of Provencal architecture in the region.

Abbaye du Thoronet

The Abbaye du Thoronet is a hauntingly beautiful 12th-century Cistercian abbey tucked away in a forested part of inland Var. Built entirely of stone, its austere, minimalist style and near-perfect acoustics create an atmosphere of profound serenity.

Visit early in the day for a peaceful experience, and take time to absorb the calm and historical depth of this remarkable site.

Hyères and the Golden Islands (Îles d’Or)

Hyères is a charming old town with palm-lined avenues, ancient ramparts, and a vibrant market scene. But its biggest draw is the Îles d'Or—the Golden Islands—just offshore: Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Île du Levant.

Porquerolles is the most visited, known for its pristine beaches, clear turquoise water, and cycling trails. Port-Cros is a national park with exceptional hiking and diving, while Île du Levant is a peaceful retreat with a bohemian spirit and naturist tradition.

Ferries run regularly from Hyères and Giens.

Cotignac

Cotignac is a picture-perfect Provençal village backed by towering cliffs and waterfalls. Its central square is shaded by plane trees and lined with cafés, making it a perfect spot for a slow lunch or glass of rosé.

The village has a unique geological setting, with houses built directly into the rock face, and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâces nearby offers incredible views and a serene place for reflection.

Draguignan

Once the capital of Var, Draguignan is a lively and somewhat underrated town in the heart of the department. It has a rich history, with the American Cemetery and Memorial (commemorating the Allied landings of 1944), the Museum of Art and History, and a quaint old town.

The surrounding region is full of olive groves and vineyards, and it makes an excellent base for exploring inland Var.

Wine Tours and Rosé Tasting

Var is at the heart of Provence’s rosé wine country, and no visit is complete without a vineyard tour. The Côtes de Provence AOC dominates the region, producing light, dry rosé that’s perfect in the summer sun.

Top estates include Château Minuty near Saint-Tropez, Château de Berne near Lorgues (with a hotel and spa), and Domaine Ott near Le Lavandou. Many offer tastings and guided tours—book ahead in high season.

Toulon

Often overlooked, Toulon is a historic naval port with a bustling harbour, daily Provençal market, and a lovely old town filled with squares and fountains. Take the Téléphérique du Mont Faron cable car up to the summit for panoramic views of the coast and a visit to the Memorial Museum for the Allied Landings in Provence.

Toulon also has good ferry connections to Corsica and serves as a transport hub for the region.

Massif de l’Esterel

Though technically shared with the neighbouring Alpes-Maritimes department, the Esterel Massif is easily accessed from eastern Var. Its distinctive red volcanic rock cliffs, green pine forests, and panoramic sea views make it a paradise for hiking, cycling, and scenic drives.

The Corniche d'Or coastal road from Saint-Raphaël to Cannes is one of the most beautiful in France—don’t forget your camera.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

By Air: The nearest major airports are Nice Côte d’Azur (to the east) and Marseille-Provence (to the west). A smaller airport in Toulon-Hyères also handles seasonal flights, particularly in summer.

By Train: The TGV connects Paris to Toulon and Les Arcs-Draguignan in about 4–5 hours. Local TER trains serve coastal towns like Saint-Raphaël, Hyères, and Fréjus.

By Car: Var is best explored by car, especially if you want to visit inland villages and the Verdon Gorge. The A8 motorway (La Provençale) runs through the department and connects to other major routes.

Parking

In most towns and villages, parking is plentiful and well-marked, though it can be tricky in high summer. Look for P (Parking) signs and consider using park-and-ride services near larger towns like Toulon or Draguignan.

Beach parking fills quickly—arrive early if you're heading to popular spots like Pampelonne or Porquerolles.

Dining

Var’s cuisine reflects its Provençal roots and Mediterranean setting. Expect dishes featuring olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, herbs de Provence, and fresh seafood. Local specialities include bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and daube provençale (a slow-cooked beef stew).

Enjoy lunch at a village bistro or dine al fresco at a seafront restaurant. Don’t miss the chance to visit a traditional marché provençal, where you can pick up cheese, tapenade, cured meats, and fresh fruit.

Shopping

Markets are central to life in Var. Almost every town has a weekly market—Lorgues on Tuesday, Salernes on Sunday, and Saint-Tropez on Tuesday and Saturday are some of the best. Look for lavender products, honey, olives, soaps, artisan pottery, and Provençal textiles.

Wines and olive oils from the region make excellent souvenirs. Some vineyards and mills offer gift-boxed products to take home.

When to Visit

May to June and September to early October are the best times to visit—weather is warm but not oppressive, and the region is in full bloom or rich harvest. July and August are the busiest months, especially along the coast, but offer guaranteed sunshine and plenty of events.

Spring brings wildflowers, mimosa blossoms, and quieter villages, while autumn offers wine harvests and golden light across the landscape.

Local Events

• Fête du Mimosa (February) in Bormes-les-Mimosas – Celebrating the golden mimosa tree with parades and festivities

• Bravade de Saint-Tropez (May) – A colourful historical festival with costumes and music

• Jazz à Ramatuelle (August) – A boutique jazz festival in an intimate setting

• Lavender Festivals (July) – Celebrated in northern Var villages such as Valensole and Riez

• Night Markets – In summer, many towns hold weekly night markets with crafts, food, and live music

Exploring Beyond Var

Var borders several amazing regions:

• Alpes-de-Haute-Provence: Venture into lavender country or visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a cliffside village known for pottery

• Bouches-du-Rhône: Head west for Aix-en-Provence or the wild landscapes of the Camargue

• Alpes-Maritimes: To the east, explore Nice, Èze, and the Mercantour National Park

You can also take ferries from Toulon or Hyères to Corsica for a longer Mediterranean escape.

Var is a beautifully balanced destination—offering the glamour of the Riviera, the serenity of the Provençal countryside, and the thrill of outdoor adventure all in one. Whether you’re wandering through sleepy villages, kayaking in turquoise waters, sipping rosé under the sun, or soaking up coastal elegance, Var promises a truly immersive and memorable escape in the heart of southern France.