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Var

- © Eugenio Chiappini / Shutterstock
Var
Var

The Var department immediately brings to mind the sun and the warm south of France!

Var in short

The sun literally floods this open-air playground. After all, this is where the country's sunshine records are set!

What's more, nature reigns supreme in the Var. There are plenty of forests to hike in. Choose between the Maures and Estérel massifs.

And, of course, the coastline is as attractive as ever. Always sublime in the sunshine, the maritime fringe of the Var is still preserved in places.

The Mediterranean runs alongside an incredible number of sites to discover. From Bandol to Saint-Raphaël, via the splendid Hyères islands, your itinerary will be packed!

The Var is still, and will remain for a long time to come, at the top of the list of the country's tourist destinations.

The fantastic Var coast

- © StevanZZ / Shutterstock

The Var, a dream geography

You only have to look at a map to understand. There's no denying that this département hides an incredible wealth of natural treasures!

⛰️ From the north of the Var, with Europe's largest canyon the Verdon, to the south of the Var where the famous Hyères islands are hidden, the Var is a treasure trove.

🌊 Fortunately, many parts of the seaside are still unspoilt compared with neighbouring departments.

For example, take the small roads along the coast between La Londe and Bormes or between Le Lavandou and Le Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer.

If you're there in May or September, the experience will be even more enjoyable!

🏖️ The most beautiful beaches in France are also to be found here!

If you look hard enough, you'll often find white sandy beaches. What's more, the turquoise water contrasts wonderfully with the intense green of the pine trees...

In the Var, you're sure to find a place to suit you!

Beach of Notre Dame on the island of Porquerolles in Hyères

- © ajParis / Shutterstock

A host of activities in the Var

There are almost no limits to sports and activities in the Var!

🚵‍♀️ For example, you can go cycling on the coastal cycle path, which will eventually link the towns of Toulon and Saint-Raphaël!

🤿 Or try your hand at diving in the fish-filled waters of the Port-Cros and Porquerolles national parks.

🧗‍♀️ Or try your hand at rock climbing on the vertical walls of the Sainte-Baume, the Gorges du Verdon or Mont-Faron in Toulon!

🥾 Or take a more leisurely route along the hiking trails of the Sainte-Baume regional park or the Estérel massif, with its fantastic red rocks!

However, beware in summer, as the wooded areas are often closed due to the risk of fire.

This is a fragile area, so take care when exploring it.

And if you're looking for something a little more urban, this is the department for you!

Toulon, the main town, has the wind in its sails and is opening up its old town centre to visitors!

Saint-Raphaël and Hyères, ancient seaside destinations, are home to a host of interesting sites.

Finally, the department's most famous destination, Saint-Tropez, will set your summer nights alight!

The Var, a land of gastronomy

To get an idea of the richness of the terroirs in this part of France, take a stroll through the colourful market stalls.

Every town and village has a weekly market where you can sample local and sometimes organic produce.

Whether you visit the Cours Lafayette market in Toulon, Saint-Tropez or Lorgues, you'll be in for a surprise.

Fruit, vegetables, olive oil, local wines, everything lends itself to the preparation of an anthology meal!

If you prefer to try out local restaurants, there's no shortage of Michelin-starred restaurants and small village bistros. The choice of restaurants is huge.

Finally, if you want to bring back a few souvenirs from the Var, a number of establishments open their doors to visitors.

Producers' shops and wineries welcome you with a southern smile!

In a market in the Var

- © Richard Semik / Shutterstock

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The must-sees

How to get there?

✈️ By air, the Var department is linked to many destinations via Toulon-Hyères airport.

However, the main airports are located close to the Var. The most important to the east is Nice. On the western side of the Var is Marseille-Provence.

🛥️ The ports of Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Menton are first-class marinas for pleasure boats and yachts.

From the port of Toulon, ferries run daily to Corsica.

🚈 By train, the SNCF offers TGV high-speed trains between Paris and Toulon, Hyères, Les Arcs and Saint-Raphaël.

The other stations in the towns of the Var département are served by TER trains from Toulon.

🚐 By bus, several lines link the Toulon departmental bus station to all the towns in the Var department (connections possible).

Where to stay?

During the high season, from April to October, you'll be spoilt for choice throughout the Var department.

⭐ From family campsites to top-of-the-range 5* palaces, the accommodation on offer is complete and very varied.

Note that outside the summer months, the range of accommodation on offer is reduced, especially in winter.

⏰ Conversely, in July and August the flow of visitors makes it difficult to book rooms. So make sure you book as early as possible.

👛 As a bonus, you'll benefit from preferential rates!

Practical information

The Var department key figures :

Surface area: 5,900 km²

Population: 1,085,000 in 2020

🚌 Transport

🚘 By car, it's not always easy to park your vehicle whether in town or by the sea.

Parking charges apply in most seaside resorts as well as on the most famous beaches.

lightbulb_outline Editor's tip

⏰ The Var department is best explored out of season (from October to April), and the mimosa blooms mainly in winter!

You'll have plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation, with more attractive prices and fewer crowds!

As a bonus, the weather is fine all year round in France's sunniest department!

Useful links
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