The Var

Ranked as the second most-visited department in France, right after Paris, it attracts more than 10 million visitors each year.

This guide is your passport to exploring the Var in all its splendor, with its landscapes diverse, its rich heritage historical and cultural attractions, not to mention its culinary specialties and a wide range of recreational activities. Whether your heart is set on beaches white-sand beaches, picturesque villages, hikes in the mountains, or exploring museums and monuments With its rich history, the Var promises unforgettable experiences.

Ready for the tour? Follow the guide!

Var must-sees

The Var, a region full of things to discover, promises memorable experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking to relax or are passionate about nature, culture, or history, the Var is sure to meet your expectations. Discover below the gems 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 Pampelonne Beach in Saint-Tropez, the must-see Almanarre Beach in Hyères, the magnificent Nartelle Beach in Sainte-Maxime, or the charming Estagnol Beach in Bormes-les-Mimosas. These spots also offer a variety of water sports, ranging from sailing to scuba diving, including paddle and the jet—ski.

Perched villages

The Var region is dotted with hilltop villages that exude undeniable Provençal charm. These villages captivate visitors with their historic stone houses, flower-lined alleys, refreshing fountains, and their churches ancient villages and their imposing castles. Gassin, overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez; Cotignac, at the foot of a remarkable troglodytic cliff; Le Castellet with its famous racetrack, Seillans, which charmed the painter Max Ernst, and Tourtour, offering a breathtaking view of Provence, are just a few of the most beautiful villages to visit.

The Hyères Islands: Porquerolles and Port-Cros

The Hyères archipelago, located off the coast of Hyères, consists of three islands, of which Porquerolles and Port-Cros are the best known. Porquerolles, designated a national park, offers diverse landscapes ranging from dazzling white-sand beaches to lush 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 for being a naturist island, also offers magnificent beaches and secluded coves, although it is less crowded than its neighbors.

The Esterel Mountains and the Golden Coast

Located between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes, the Esterel Massif is known for its impressive, reddish volcanic rocks. Discover breathtaking views of the French Riviera on foot, by bike, or on horseback.

The Corniche d’Or, a road that runs along the coastline, offers spectacular views of the calanques, headlands, and islands, further enhancing the rich variety 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 natural parks and protected areas pay tribute to the region’s natural beauty. Visit Port-Cros National Park, Europe’s first national marine park, home to remarkable flora and fauna. Explore the Verdon Regional Nature Park, which includes the impressive Gorges du Verdon—Europe’s largest canyon—and Lake Sainte-Croix, the largest lake in the Verdon. Don’t miss the Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park, stretching across the Sainte-Baume and Sainte-Victoire mountain ranges, where breathtaking panoramic views await you.

Hiking and outdoor activities

The Var is a paradise for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts, offering trails suitable for all skill levels. Between mountains and the sea, these trails offer spectacular views. Enjoy water sports such as canoeing—kayak, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, or diving in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean or the lakes in the Verdon. For unforgettable experiences, try your hand at rock climbing, paragliding, canyoning, or rafting—activities that are sure to give you thrills and an adrenaline rush.

The Provence Wine Route

Renowned for its vineyards that produce exceptional wines, including world-famous rosés, the Var invites you to explore the Provence Wine Route. Discover the wineries, their expertise, and their traditions. Savor wines with delicate aromas—the perfect accompaniment to local specialties such as tapenade, anchoïade, ratatouille, or bouillabaisse. Be sure to visit charming villages like Le Castellet, Bandol, Saint-Tropez, and Lorgues—true havens of warmth and authenticity.

Le Verdon: Adventures around the Grand Canyon du Var

The Verdon, one of the wonders of the Var, captivates countless visitors each year with its spectacular canyon, carved by the river over more than 50 km between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers and adventurers, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking, river cruises, and electric boat tours. For the more adventurous, rock climbing, canyoning, rafting, and bungee jumping are also available. A must-visit destination for unforgettable experiences in the Var.

Var culture and heritage

The Var is a region 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 region’s exceptional identity and diversity.

During your stay, discover the many facets of the Var's culture and heritage.

Historical heritage and museums

Shaped by an eventful history, the Var region is rich in monuments that reflect its past, including invasions, wars, and diverse cultural influences. Visit impressive structures such as Thoronet Abbey, a jewel of’architecture the Cistercian monastery, the Château de la Napoule, which houses an art collection, and the majestic Church of Saint-Maximin, which holds the relics of Mary Magdalene. Not to mention Fort Brégançon, the residence of the presidents of the French Republic.

Expand your knowledge by exploring the many museums in the Var, which cover a wide variety of topics such as art, history, maritime history, and much more.

Festivals and cultural events

The Var is a hub of cultural activity all year round, offering festivals in a variety of fields—including music, theater, dance, and film—featuring artists of local and international renown. Don’t miss must-see events such as the Ramatuelle Festival, the Alpe d’Huez International Comedy Film Festival, the Hyères International Fashion and Photography Festival, and the Provence International Chamber Music Festival.

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 region showcases its local crafts, reflecting the creativity and quality of the products made by its artisans, who work with materials such as wood, glass, and leather. Visit the workshops to discover and learn about the techniques of these artistic crafts.

The markets of Provence offer a chance to enjoy the warm hospitality and culinary delights of the Var region, with fresh, local produce as well as traditional Provençal products such as olive oil and lavender.

Culinary specialties and gastronomy in the Var department

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've discovered, the Var is a captivating department, capable of fulfilling all your desires, whether they revolve around relaxation, exploration, culture, or fine dining. This department stands out for its incredible wealth of landscapes, points of interest, activities, traditions, and culinary specialties, promising a memorable vacation.

Don't wait to plan your trip to the Var to explore this remarkable region. It's an experience you won't soon forget!

FAQ

What is the name of department 83?

Department 83 is known as the Var and is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

What is the composition of the communes in the Var?

The Var department, which is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, has 153 municipalities. Among them, 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 cities in the Var department are 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 residents, according to data from INSEE.