guide
This article offers a complete overview of the Var in Provence: the beaches from Saint-Aygulf to Bandol, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and its villages (Ramatuelle, Port Grimaud), the Roman heritage of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël, the Verdon Gorges and Lake Sainte-Croix, as well as Toulon and the Sainte-Baume massif. For each site it provides practical information (prices, distances, best times to visit) to help plan a varied stay between sea, canyon and Provençal villages.
The Var is the Provence department richest in emotions – this land of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region concentrates within its 600,000 hectares extraordinary diversity: golden beaches of the Côte d’Azur, the Verdon Gorges and their 25 km canyon, Saint-Tropez and its secrets, Toulon and its bays, Fréjus and its Roman arenas, perched villages of Upper-Var and the forest of the Sainte-Baume Massif. Things to do in Var, means choosing between a dozen must-see destinations that would each be enough to fill an entire stay. This complete guide reveals the best activities, beaches and villages of the Var with real prices, exact distances and advice that other guides omit – for an unforgettable stay in Var in Provence-Alpes-Azur.
The Var beaches count among the most beautiful of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur – 420 km of coast between Marseille and Saint-Tropez with very different types of shorelines depending on the sector. The Var coastal trail (GR 98) lines much of these beaches on foot – the most beautiful section is from the Giens Peninsula to Saint-Tropez (wild creeks, coves, fine sand creeks).
Saint-Aygulf (Fréjus commune) offers the most accessible family beaches of the Var – its 5 km of fine sand between Var beach and Issambres (swimming monitored June-September, free) are ideal for families with children. Saint-Aygulf beach is less crowded than Saint-Raphaël despite proximity – a precious advantage in July-August. Saint-Aygulf campgrounds are found 300-500 m from beaches – the best combination of Var camping and beach throughout the Var for families.
Bandol is the pearl of western Var – this seaside resort in the hinterland of Toulon is renowned for its AOC wines (tasting in commune domains, 5-12 € per bottle), its Lido beach (800 m, fine sand, monitored) and nearby islands. Bendor Island (10 min shuttle from Bandol, 10 € round-trip) is a small Mediterranean paradise with beach and fishing village – an unmissable excursion in Bandol that few tourists know. From Bandol, you can also reach Les Lecques beach (Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer commune) in 10 min by car – one of the most beautiful family beaches of the Var coast.
What other articles don’t mention: the white sand beaches of Giens Peninsula (Bergerie beach, Almanarre beach) are the most beautiful Var beaches outside Saint-Tropez – and they often remain half-empty because they don’t appear in usual rankings. Almanarre (east side of the peninsula) is a world-class kitesurfing and windsurfing spot, wind blows there 250 days a year.
Saint-Tropez is the most mythical destination of the Var – the Saint-Tropez Gulf concentrates the most emblematic experiences of Provence-Alpes-Azur: the Saint-Tropez Citadel (7 €, panoramic view over the gulf), the Place des Lices market (Tuesday and Saturday, free), Pampelonne beach in Ramatuelle (4.5 km of sand, Nikki Beach 80-150 € consumption, free public beach) and port restaurants (grilled fish 22-35 €, lobster on the pier). The Saint-Tropez Citadel is the most must-see cultural visit in Var – its ramparts offer a 360° view of the gulf, Maures and sea.
Claire’s advice: To do things in Var without suffering from Saint-Tropez traffic jams, leave your car at Ramatuelle parking (5 €/day) and take the maritime shuttle from Sainte-Maxime (20 min, 15 € round-trip). In September, Saint-Tropez regains its Provençal village soul: prices drop 30-40%, port terraces are accessible, and water is still warm (23-24°C). It’s the best time for a stay in Var on the coast.
Port Grimaud (8 km from Saint-Tropez, free pedestrian access) is the most original lacustrine village of the department – its Provençal houses along the canal create a unique setting, without queues and without admission fee. Ramatuelle (medieval village 6 km from Saint-Tropez) is one of the most beautiful villages of the Var – its stone streets, its views over the gulf and its theater festival (July-August) make it an unmissable stop in your stay in Var.
Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël form the major seaside resort and historical hub of eastern Var – two communes offering an exceptional palette of activities for families and culture lovers in Var. The Roman arenas of Fréjus (Forum Julii, 1st century B.C., 6 € adult) are the best preserved in Provence after those of Arles – they host concerts and shows each summer. Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël is also the gateway to Esterel coves from the sea (boat rides 25-40 €/person from Saint-Raphaël port).
The Saint-Raphaël museum (archaeological museum of Saint-Raphaël, place de la République, free) presents a unique underwater collection in Provence-Alpes-Azur – anchors, amphorae and wreck remains recovered from the gulf. Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël is also the departure of the Pine Tree train toward Nice (panoramic coast railroad). You can do the Mont Vinaigre hike (614 meters altitude, highest point of Esterel, 3h round-trip) from Col de Belle-Barbe, or rent a kayak to explore coves (15-20 €/hour).
The Verdon Gorges are the most spectacular natural experience of the Var and Provence-Alpes – this 25 km canyon carved in limestone forms the northern border of the department. Lake Sainte-Croix (2,200 ha, turquoise waters) is the nautical jewel of Var Verdon gorges – kayak rental (18 €/hour) and pedal boat rental (15 €/hour) from the shores of Sainte-Croix Lake to head toward the gorge entrance. Lake Sainte Croix is swimmable from May to September (water 12°C in May, 24°C in August) – one of the most must-see activities in Var for families.
The Blanc-Martel trail (14.5 km, 5-6h, departure Maline lodge, return shuttle 7 €) is the emblematic hike of the Verdon Gorges in Var – its 400 m cliffs and plunging views make it one of Europe’s most beautiful hikes. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (5 km from Sainte-Croix Lake) is the most beautiful village at the western gateway of the gorges – its art earthenware (museum 4 €) and its star suspended between two cliffs are unique in France. Vacations in Var are only complete with at least one day at the Verdon Gorges.
Toulon is the major city of the Var department and capital of the French Navy – its bay (one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean) is accessible by boat from the marina (cruises 15-25 €/person). Mont Faron (584 meters altitude, above Toulon) is accessible by cable car (9 € round-trip) from downtown – the panoramic view over Toulon, the Hyères islands and the Var coast there is exceptional. Toulon is also the base for ferries to the Hyères islands (Porquerolles 22 € round-trip) – among the most beautiful must-see destinations in Var.
The Sainte-Baume Massif (1,147 meters altitude) is the sacred mountain of Provence – this beech and yew forest houses the sanctuary of Mary Magdalene (cave at 946 m, pilgrimage since the Middle Ages) and offers 360° views over the Provence-Alpes-Azur region in clear weather. The Sainte-Baume Massif is accessible from Toulon (35 km). The Villecroze Caves (Upper-Var, free access with park admission) are 10th-century troglodytic dwellings unique in Provence – an unmissable curiosity during a family stay in Var.
The campgrounds of the Var offer aquatic parks with heated pools in a setting of parasol pines, scrubland and vineyards of Provence – an ideal base to explore all must-see activities in Var in Provence-Alpes-Azur. A stay in Var at a Var campground allows you to combine Var beaches (Fréjus, Saint-Aygulf, Giens), culture (Saint-Tropez Citadel, Fréjus arenas, Saint-Raphaël museum), nature (Verdon gorges, Sainte-Croix Lake, Sainte-Baume Massif) and gastronomy (Bandol restaurants, Provençal markets). The best-situated campgrounds in the Var are found around Fréjus Saint-Raphaël – the ideal combination of Var camping + beach + village for family vacations in Var between May and October.
The must-do activities in the Var are: the Verdon Gorges (Blanc-Martel trail, Lake Sainte-Croix, kayaks €18/hr), Saint-Tropez (Saint-Tropez citadel €7, Pampelonne beach in Ramatuelle), the Hyères Islands (Porquerolles, ferry €22 return), the Fréjus Roman arena (€6), Toulon (Mont Faron cable car, €9) and the villages of the Haut-Var (Villecroze caves, Sainte-Baume massif). The Var is the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur département offering the widest range of activities for a family stay in the Var.
The finest beaches in the Var are: Notre-Dame beach on Porquerolles island (white sand, turquoise waters), Pampelonne beach in Ramatuelle (4.5 km, near Saint-Tropez), the Saint-Aygulf beaches (5 km, ideal for families), Lido beach in Bandol and the Esterel calanques from Saint-Raphaël. The Var's coastal path (GR 98) links the most beautiful wild coves - the Giens peninsula stretch is the most spectacular and least known.
For a family holiday in the Var, the best activities are: kayaking on Lake Sainte-Croix (€18/hr, Verdon Gorges), ferries to the Hyères Islands (Porquerolles), lifeguarded Saint-Aygulf beaches (free), the Fréjus arena (€6) and the Villecroze caves. Campsites in the Var with a water park are the ideal base for a family stay in the Var - with kids' club activities and direct access to the département's beaches.
The Verdon Gorges are reached from the Var via the D71 from Comps-sur-Artuby (30 min from Draguignan) or from Castellane. Lake Sainte-Croix is 1h15 from Fréjus and 1h30 from Toulon. The Blanc-Martel trail (shuttle €7) is the highlight of a stay in the Var for hikers. Plan an overnight stay to make the most of Lake Sainte-Croix and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie during your Var holiday.
Yes, the Var is home to numerous 3- to 5-star campsites with water parks and heated pools - particularly around Fréjus Saint-Raphaël, Saint-Aygulf and Hyères. These Var campsites (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) offer activities for the whole family and are ideally located for a Var holiday combining beaches, culture and nature. A Var campsite is the most cost-effective base for enjoying the Var's must-do activities: Verdon Gorges, Saint-Tropez, Saint-Raphaël, Bandol and the Hyères Islands.
