The 22 things to do in the Var

In the French Riviera? Discover all the best things to do in the Var to make your vacation a success.

Don’t look for your destination for the next holiday, you found it! The Var welcomes you under the sun with more things to do than you could dream of. Between mythical beaches, natural landscapes and historical monuments, discover our list of must-sees to visit in the Var.

1. Draguignan

The capital of Dracénie is a beautiful example of a Provencal city, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. You will walk through the alleys of the historic centre between the vestiges of the ramparts, the porches and carved doors, the chapels...

Don't miss the Rhone Memorial and the American cemetery. The Musée des arts et traditions populaires de mean Provence is an immanquable when visiting the Var. Through exhibitions, meetings and shows, he perpetuates the customs that have made this Provence that we love so much.

2. The Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix

Are you visiting the Var? The Gorges du Verdon offers both an exceptional landscape and a host of activities. The Verdon dug the largest canyon in Europe, in the middle of high cliffs from 250 to 700 metres. 14 kilometers await hikers on the Blanc-Martel trail.

It is possible to practice the canyoning and rafting in the upper part of the gorges, and canoe between the lakes of Esparron and Quinson.

At the mouth of the canyon, the Verdon flows into Lac de Sainte-Croix, the third largest lake in France. The beaches and turquoise waters are at the rendezvous. To ensure your tranquility, boats are forbidden.

3. Route de la Corniche Sublime

This route winds along the gorges on the left bank of the Verdon. About 20 kilometers, you follow the route of the river in a spectacular environment. The road starts at the village of Comps-sur-Artuby and rises quickly to the balconies of the Mescla, your first stop.

From this panorama, you see the waters of Artuby throw themselves into the Verdon. You then pass on the bridge of Artuby, from which you can jump to the elastic of 182 meters high. Guaranteed chills! You walk the canyon to Cirque de Vaumale, where you may see chamois.

4. Port-Cros National Park

The oldest marine park in Europe was created in 1963. It extends on an extended marine surface from the coast to 3 nautical miles south of the islands of Hyères. It encompasses the municipalities between the Guard and Ramatuelle.

Port-Cros

It is the wildest of the Golden Islands and the heart of the marine park. You will reach it in an hour of navigation from the port of Hyères . Arrived on site, you will discover a beautiful village and a preserved nature.

Three trails allow you to explore, on the seaside where within the land. In 45 minutes walk you will reach the beach of the Palud.

Flip palms, masks and tuba and meet underwater species by following a marked path. Five forts are scattered around the island, the occasion of beautiful walks to observe the rare leucophae gulls or the migratory eagle.

Porquerolles

Porquerolles is the closest to the continent, just a few minutes’ boat from the port of Hyères. A good way to explore the island is to rent a mountain bike or an electric bike. Visit the beaches of Argent or Notre-Dame to put your towel on the fine sand.

On the side of the Pointe de la Galère, you will reach a small deserted creek following a footpath. The landscape of the island is varied, between its 200 hectares of vineyards, its strong defensives and the mill of Bonheur. By adding paddle or paddle scuba diving , you'll have a lot to do for a day or more.

Levant

Like his sisters, the island of Levant has many coves and a wild nature to discover absolutely if you come to visit the Var.

A trail connects the top of the village to the Galère circus. You will return to the port by the seaside during a nice 2h30 walk in total. Note that naturism is free, and even obligatory on the beach of Caves, the only sandy handle of the rock.

5. Massif de l’Estérel

The Estérel massif is a jewel of nature stuck between the Mediterranean Sea and limestone Provence. It forms an ideal playground for those looking for hiking in the Var . On foot, by horse or by bike, walk through the 32,000 hectares of preserved nature between forest and red volcanic rock.

The towers of Mont Vinaigre or Pic de l’Ours are immanquable. For sportsmen, the balconies of Cap Roux is a 4h30 loop offering beautiful views of the sea.

6. Massif de la Sainte-Baume

Another must to do in the Var for hiking enthusiasts. The Massif de la Sainte-Baume rises on the heights of Marseille between steep cliffs and dense forests.

The hostellerie administered by the Dominican brothers welcomes you at the foot of the massif. In 40 minutes walk on a nice path you will reach the cave where Mary Magdalene came to pray after the crucifixion of Jesus.

7. Cap Camarat and Pampelonne beach

Cape Camarat is the most east of the three capes of Saint-Tropez Bay. From its lighthouse, the second in France for the height of its light source, you have an exceptional view.

Follow the coastal path along the cliffs to reach the beach of Bonne Terrasse and Pampelonne. This 5-kilometre long white sand handle is perfect for a fierce session or a glass on the terrace.

8. The radius of Toulon

Sometimes described as the “best rade of Europe”, the Toulon rade stretches between the peninsulas of Giens and Saint-Mandrier. Take Mont-Faron for an overview of the city and its coastline. If not, board a boat for a one-hour guided tour.

You will learn more about the Turkish military installations and pass through the port of Saint-Mandrier and the Mourillon dam.

9. Hyères and the peninsula of Giens

In addition to being the starting point for Port-Cros, Hyères is a city where it makes good living. It is also an obligatory passage to reach the peninsula of Giens, a must-see in the Var.

Explore the coastal path to discover small family beaches and forgotten coves. They are lined with transparent water that irresistibly invites you to swim.

10. Bormes-les-Mimosas

Perched on the heights, the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas will charm you for sure. Walk through its turbulent and colourful streets between stone houses. Flowers are everywhere, at balconies, on facades or porches, creating a real open-air garden.

Many craft shops will be an opportunity to bring back memories for family and friends.

11. Touring the villages

Start with Gassin and set up on Deï Barri Square, for a meal with views of the Gulf of Saint Tropez.

Then join the varoi hinterland and the typical villages of Provence. You will visit Tourtour and its medieval castle, Seillans perched on the hillside and Bargeme at 1,097 meters above sea level. The three will delight you for their beauty, between old stones and alleys paved in a setting of vineyards and olive trees.

12. The Thoronet Abbey

Thoronet is the wonder of Cistercian abbeys, one of the “three Provencal sisters” with Sénanque and Silvacane. This beautiful example of Romanesque architecture impresses with its clean lines. The building was designed according to the Cistercian rule: it was to bring together water, a mill, workshops and a garden.

13. Chartreuse de la Verne

The Chartreuse de la Verne is a monumental building in the heart of the Maure forest. Built in the 12th century, it was ravaged by fires several times and rebuilt every time. Today, it is inhabited by a community of religious who vowed silence.

You will have to walk around 500 meters to visit it, with a beautiful view of all the buildings. The courageous will continue through the undergrowth to the Verne reservoir, a beautiful artificial lake in the middle of the forest.

14. The Basilica of Saint-Maximin

Also to visit in the Var, this Basilica dedicated to Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is the largest Gothic building in Provence. We are impressed by its majestic dimensions and the multitude of works of art that it contains.

After making the tower of paintings and woodwork in the nave and apse, head to the crypt. It contains relics, including Marie-Madeleine's skull and four sarcophages.

15. The villa Noailles

Built by the Vicomte de Noailles during the 20s, this villa is one of the first modern-style buildings in France. It is now a national art centre and hosts various festivals and workshops. The areas of architecture, fashion and design are highlighted throughout the year. A permanent exhibition traces the history of the place since its creation.

16. The episcopal group of Fréjus

Not far from Saint-Raphaël, the city of Fréjus is home to many architectural wonders. Its episcopal group includes 4 major monuments. Start with the cathedral, before discovering the baptistery, cloister and episcopal palace. The latter, which now houses the Hotel de Ville, will charm you by its very well preserved medieval facade.

17. Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is the tourist capital of the department and an unmissable seaside resort to visit in the Var. You will have the chance to meet celebrities who have made their place of favorite holiday since the 1950s.

Start in a part of petanque with the rooms in the shade of the platanes in the Place des Lices. The city animates at nightfall for some of the most popular private evenings in the French Riviera.

18. Up to the top of the Lachens (walking or by car)

Lachens Mountain is the highest point in the Var, at 1,714 metres above sea level. The hikers will be able to climb through two marked paths through exceptional landscapes. For others, a road allows you to reach the top, to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the department.

19. Hiking on the coastal path

From Saint-Raphaël to Bandol, the coastal path passes through the most beautiful villages, coves and sandy beaches to make in the Var. The journey is cut into multiple sections, which will suit the most seasoned hikers as well as Sunday walkers.

Learn to the Tourist Offices to learn about the difficulty and duration of each serving.

20. A boat ride

Visiting the Var is also enjoying its coastline. After walking on the trail, another option is to take the wide!

Indeed, rent a boat will allow you to explore the Mediterranean coast, its coves and beaches. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in the Var!

21. The most beautiful beaches of the Côte d’Azur

If there’s something to do in the Var, it’s a towel on the beach! The department counts some of the more beautiful beaches in Europe . White sand and crystal clear waters: the perfect setting for a successful holiday!

Among the must-sees are the beach of the Estagnol in Bormes-les-Mimosas or that of the stopover in Ramatuelle. Attention, their reputation is no longer to be done and places can be expensive in July-August. For more tranquility, choose to go out of season, or set the course to the islands of Porquerolles or Embiez.

22. Gastronomy

The varoise gastronomy is a beautiful part of the sun's vegetables and seafood. They are honoured in mythical dishes such as bouillabaisse, aïoli, pistou soup or ratatouille.

You will find these specialities in all the restaurants and can accompany them with a good glass of rosé de Provence. The region also has exceptional products such as IGP honey, AOC fig, chestnut and olive.

How do I go to the Var?

By car

From the north of France or Paris, you will first reach Marseille by the A7 . The highway A8 takes over and crosses the western department in the east, from Marseille to Nice. From the Alps you will follow l’A51 to reach the A8 .

By plane

The main airports to reach the Var are Toulon-Hyères (in the heart of the department), Marseille-Provence and Nice-Côte-d’Azur. To get the best prices and find the ticket that best matches you, use a flight comparison like Skyscanner .

By train

The Mediterranean TGV connects Paris to Toulon in 4h20. The Var department has three TGV stations: Toulon, Les-Arcs-sur-Argens and Saint-Raphaël. An important TER network is spreading across the region, with about 20 stations.

Where to stay in the Var?

To visit the Var, you will have the choice between a multitude of accommodations. For a friendly holiday, opt for a campsite en bord de mer . Some offer 5-star services, for a holiday between luxury and good atmosphere. The hinterland is full of lodgings, Airbnb and guest rooms, for a relaxing stay away from the hustle of the coast.

To please you, the Saint-Tropez palaces will make you feel like a star of the jet-set. To find the offer that best matches your criteria and budget, use a Compare hotels . You will have access to the best offers and can unlock your nest at broken prices.