The Var
Looking for a getaway that perfectly combines sun, sea, nature and culture? The Var is your ideal destination. Nestled in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'AzurThis department stands proudly between the Mediterranean to the south Alpes-Maritimes to the east, Bouches-du-Rhône to the west and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to the north, and not far from the Vaucluse.
With the title of second most visited département in France, just after Paris, it attracts over 10 million visitors every year.
This guide is your passport to exploring the Var in all its splendor, with its diverse landscapes, rich historical and cultural heritage, culinary specialties and wide range of leisure activities. Whether your heart is set on white sandy beaches, picturesque villages, mountain excursions or the discovery of museums and historic monuments, the Var promises unforgettable experiences.
Ready for the tour? Follow the guide!
Var must-sees
The Var, a region rich in discoveries, promises memorable experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you're looking for relaxation, nature, culture or history, the Var is sure to meet your expectations. Here are some of the highlights to explore during your stay.
The beaches and coastline of the Var
With over 400 km of Mediterranean coastline, the Var is a beach-lover's paradise. From white sandy beaches to unspoilt coves, calanques and picturesque islands, the choice is vast.
Don't miss the famous Plage de Pampelonne in Saint-Tropez, the unmissable Plage de l'Almanarre in Hyères, the magnificent Plage de la Nartelle in Sainte-Maxime or the charming Plage de l'Estagnol in Bormes-les-Mimosas. These locations also offer a wide range of water sports, from sailing and diving to paddle boarding and jet-skiing.
Perched villages
The Var is dotted with hilltop villages of undeniable Provencal charm. These villages seduce with their historic stone houses, flower-decked lanes, refreshing fountains, ancient churches and imposing castles. Gassin, overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Cotignac at the foot of a remarkable troglodyte cliff, Le Castellet with its famous racetrack, Seillans, which charmed the painter Max Ernst, and Tourtour, offering a breathtaking view of Provence, are just some of the most beautiful villages to visit.
The Hyères islands: Porquerolles and Port-Cros
The îles d'Hyères archipelago, located off the coast of Hyères, is made up of three islands, of which Porquerolles and Port-Cros are the best known. Porquerolles, classified as a national park, offers a wide variety of landscapes, from dazzling white sand beaches to verdant pine forests, authentic vineyards and majestic cliffs.
On Porquerolles, as on Port-Cros, a national park renowned for its ecological wealth, you can go hiking, biking, diving or snorkeling to discover exceptional terrestrial and marine environments.
The third island, Le Levant, known as a naturist island, also offers magnificent beaches and wild coves, although it is less frequented than its neighbors.
The Esterel Massif and the Corniche d'Or
Between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes, the Massif de l'Esterel stands out for its impressive glowing volcanic rocks. Discover breathtaking panoramas of the Côte d'Azur on foot, by bike or on horseback.
The Corniche d'Or, a road running along the coast, offers spectacular views of the calanques, capes and islands, completing the wealth of landscapes to be admired in the Var.
Nature and discovery in the Var
The Var department is a veritable oasis of nature and discovery. Whether you're a wildlife lover, a thrill-seeker or an epicurean looking to explore local flavours, the Var is sure to please. Discover the must-sees for your stay below.
Natural parks and protected areas
Rich in biodiversity, the Var's nature parks and protected areas are a tribute to the region's natural beauty. Visit the Parc National de Port-Cros, Europe's first national marine park, home to remarkable flora and fauna. Explore the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, which includes the impressive Gorges du Verdon, Europe's largest canyon, and Lac de Sainte-Croix, the Verdon's largest lake. And don't miss the Parc Naturel Régional de la Sainte-Baume, spanning the Sainte-Baume and Sainte-Victoire massifs, where breathtaking panoramas await you.
Hiking and outdoor activities
The Var is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with trails to suit all levels. Between the mountains and the sea, these trails offer spectacular views. Enjoy water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, paddling, sailing or diving in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean or the Verdon lakes. For unforgettable moments, try your hand at rock climbing, paragliding, canyoning or rafting, activities that guarantee thrills and adrenalin.
The Provence Wine Route
Renowned for its vineyards producing exceptional wines, including world-famous rosés, the Var invites you to explore the Provence Wine Route. Discover the vineyards, their know-how and tradition. Savor wines with delicate aromas, perfect companions to local specialties such as tapenade, anchoïade, ratatouille or bouillabaisse. Don't forget to visit charming villages such as Le Castellet, Bandol, Saint-Tropez or Lorgues, true havens of conviviality and authenticity.
Le Verdon: Adventures around the Grand Canyon du Var
The Verdon, one of the wonders of the Var, fascinates many visitors every year with its spectacular canyon shaped by the river over more than 50 km between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var. An ideal place for nature lovers and adventurers, it offers a variety of activities including hiking, cycling, swimming, picnics, cruises and electric boat excursions. For the more adventurous, climbing, canyoning, rafting and bungee jumping are also available. An unmissable destination for memorable experiences in the Var.
Var culture and heritage
The Var is an area with a rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of attractions including historic monuments, museums, festivals, markets, artisans and culinary specialties. These elements reflect the exceptional identity and diversity of this region.
During your stay, discover the many facets of the Var's culture and heritage.
Historical heritage and museums
Marked by an eventful history, the Var abounds in monuments rooted in its past, including invasions, wars and varied cultural influences. Visit impressive edifices such as Le Thoronet Abbey, a jewel of Cistercian architecture, the Château de la Napoule housing an art collection, or the majestic church of Saint-Maximin, which preserves the relics of Mary Magdalene. And let's not forget Fort de Brégançon, home to the presidents of the French Republic.
Enrich your knowledge by exploring the Var's many museums, covering a wide variety of fields such as art, history, the navy and much more.
Festivals and cultural events
The Var is a cultural hotspot all year round, offering festivals in fields as varied as music, theater, dance and cinema, with artists of both local and international renown. Don't miss such not-to-be-missed events as the Festival de Ramatuelle, the Festival International du Film de Comédie de l'Alpe d'Huez, the Festival International de Mode et de Photographie de Hyères, and the Festival International de Musique de Chambre de Provence.
You can also take part in events celebrating local heritage, traditions and know-how, such as the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) or the Fête de la Lavande (Lavender Festival).
Local crafts and Provencal markets
The Var promotes its local crafts, reflecting the creativity and quality of its artisans' products, working with materials such as wood, glass and leather. Visit workshops to discover and learn the techniques of these arts and crafts.
Provencal markets are an opportunity to savor the conviviality and gourmet delights of the Var, with fresh, local produce and typical Provencal products such as olive oil and lavender.
Var culinary specialties and gastronomy
The Var offers exquisite gastronomy, featuring local produce and Mediterranean influences. Sample specialties such as bouillabaisse or tarte tropézienne, and explore the Provence wine route for a notable oenological experience among the Var's wine estates, renowned for their quality rosés.
Conclusion
As you will have discovered, the Var is a captivating departmentA region capable of satisfying all your desires, whether they revolve around relaxation, exploration, culture or gastronomy. The department boasts an incredible wealth of landscapes, places of interest, activities, traditions and culinary specialities, promising a memorable vacation.
Don't delay in organizing your trip to the Var to explore this remarkable territory. An experience you won't soon forget!
FAQ
What is the name of department 83?
The 83 département is known as the Var, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
What is the composition of the communes in the Var?
There are 153 communes in the Var département, part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Of these, Toulon is the most populous and serves as the department's capital.
What is the prefecture of the Var department?
Toulon is the prefecture of the Var, taking over from Draguignan as the department's capital in 1974.
What are the 6 largest towns in the Var?
The six largest towns in the Var include Toulon, La Seyne-sur-Mer, Fréjus, Hyères, Draguignan and Six-Fours-les-Plages, with populations of 180,452, 62,763, 57,082, 55,103, 39,745 and 36,203 respectively, according to INSEE data.
