Visiting the Var: what you must see, do and not miss

Published on 12/05/2022 - updated: 24 March 2026 - 3 min read - By Théo Mercier-Balaz

Contents

Key takeaways:

Paddle down the gorges du Verdon by canoe or pedal boat from the lac de Sainte-Croix: it’s the largest canyon in Europe and can also be explored by water.
Try at least three different beaches: l’Estagnol for its wild side, Pampelonne for its fine sand, l’Almanarre for kitesurfing.
Head on to the villages of Tourtour, Cotignac and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for the markets, the narrow streets and the views.
Aim for June or September if you want good weather without the summer crowds.
Settle into a campsite with a water park: it’s the perfect way to keep the kids busy between excursions.

The Var is a department where you can swim in a deserted cove in the morning, eat a pissaladière at a village market at midday, and paddle through a canyon in the afternoon. If you’re looking to visit the Var, you’re probably wondering where to start. Between the coast, the hinterland and the Verdon Gorges, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Let us help you get your bearings and plan your stay in the Var!

The Verdon Gorges: The Showstopper

The Verdon Gorges are what draw most visitors to the area, and for good reason. The canyon stretches over 50 kilometres, with cliffs rising up to 700 metres. Two roads let you take it all in: the Route des Crêtes on the north side and the Corniche Sublime on the south side. Below, Lake Sainte-Croix spreads out over 2,200 hectares of turquoise water. You can hire a pedal boat or an electric boat there and enter the gorges by water — one of the best ways to visit the Var at a relaxed pace.

Claire’s favourite : go to Lake Sainte-Croix early in the morning, before 9am. The water is glassy, there’s almost no one around, and the light on the limestone cliffs is incredible. It’s a completely different place from what you’ll find there on a summer afternoon.

The Coast: 432 Kilometres of Shoreline to Discover

The Var is also about the sea. And not just a little of it: 432 kilometres of coastline between Bandol and Saint-Raphaël. The tricky part is choosing. Here are a few beaches worth the detour:

L’Estagnol (Bormes-les-Mimosas): you get there on foot along a path under the pines. No parking right at the beach, no beach bar. It’s raw, and that’s exactly how it should be.
Pampelonne (Ramatuelle): five kilometres of sand, the most famous beach in the area. It gets crowded, but it’s big.
L’Almanarre (Hyères): facing the Golden Isles, very popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers. The water is shallow and the wind is steady.
The calanques between Cassis and La Ciotat: rocky coves where you dive straight into the water off the rocks. Mask and snorkel recommended.

If you’re visiting the Var coastline as a family, a campsite with a water park near the beaches is a great compromise: the sea in the morning, the slides in the afternoon when the kids want more.

The Hinterland Villages: The Var You Don’t See on Instagram

Many visitors stay on the coast. A shame, because the Var hinterland is well worth the detour. Tourtour, perched at 635 metres, offers a 360° panorama over Provence. Cotignac has a tuff cliff riddled with troglodyte caves right in the centre of the village. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, is known for its pottery and its famous star suspended between two cliffs. Each has its own character, and no two are alike.

« The Cotignac market, on Tuesday mornings, is one of the most authentic in the area. Goat’s cheese from the Canjuers plateau, olive oil from Brignoles, jams you won’t find anywhere else. If you can only visit one market in the Var, make it this one. »

Ready to plan your stay? Take a look at our selection of campsites with water parks in PACA !

FAQ – Visiting the Var

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-see places to visit in the Var?

The must-see places to visit in the Var are the Gorges du Verdon, Lac de Sainte-Croix, the beaches between Hyères and Saint-Raphaël, the villages of Tourtour, Cotignac and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and the Esterel massif with its red rock formations. Allow at least a week to see it all without rushing.

What's the best time to visit the Var?

The best time to visit the Var is from May to October. But if you want to avoid the crowds, June and September are the two best months: the weather is fine, the sea is comfortably warm, and prices are lower than in the height of summer. The Var enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

Can you visit the Var as a family with children?

Visiting the Var as a family works really well. The beaches are often supervised, the Gorges du Verdon can be explored by pedal boat even with young children, and campsites with water parks offer paddling pools and slides suited to every age. There's plenty to keep everyone entertained.

How many days do you need to visit the Var?

Visiting the Var properly takes at least five to seven days, giving you time to alternate between the coast, the inland countryside and the Verdon. With ten days, you'll have time to add in some hikes and enjoy your campsite without rushing everything.

Where can you swim in the Var away from the beaches?

You can swim in the Var away from the beaches at Lac de Sainte-Croix, Lac d'Esparron, or in your campsite's water park. All good alternatives when you fancy a change from the sea.