What to do in the Var? Beaches, Saint-Tropez, Gorges du Verdon and Provence

The Var is the department of Provence richest in emotion — this land in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region concentrates within its 600,000 hectares extraordinary diversity: the golden beaches of the Côte d’Azur, the Verdon Gorges and their 25 km canyon, Saint-Tropez and its secrets, Toulon and its roadsteads, Fréjus and its Roman arenas, the perched villages of the Upper Var and the forest of the Sainte-Baume massif. What to do in the Var is 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 the Var in Provence-Alpes-Azur.

The Most Beautiful Beaches of the Var: from Saint-Aygulf to Bandol

The beaches of the Var rank among the most beautiful in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur — 420 km of coastline between Marseille and Saint-Tropez with very different types of shoreline depending on the area. The coastal footpath of the Var (GR 98) runs along much of these beaches on foot — the finest section is that of the Giens Peninsula to Saint-Tropez (wild coves, calanques, fine sand coves).

Saint-Aygulf (Fréjus municipality) offers the most accessible family beaches of the Var — its 5 km of fine sand between Var beach and the Issambres (lifeguard supervision June-September, free) are ideal for families with children. Saint-Aygulf beach is less crowded than Saint-Raphaël despite its proximity — a valuable advantage in July-August. Campsites in Saint-Aygulf are located 300-500 m from the beaches — the best Var camping beach combination in the entire Var for families.

Bandol is the jewel of the west Var — this seaside resort in the hinterland of Toulon is renowned for its AOC wines (tastings at estates in the municipality, €5-12 per bottle), its Lido beach (800 m, fine sand, supervised) and nearby islands. Bendor Island (10 min shuttle from Bandol, €10 round trip) is a small Mediterranean paradise with beach and fishing village — an essential excursion in Bandol that few tourists know about. From Bandol, you can also reach Lecques beach (Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer municipality) in 10 min by car — one of the most beautiful family beaches on the Var coast.

What other articles don’t mention: the white sand beaches of the Giens Peninsula (Bergerie beach, Almanarre beach) are the most beautiful Var beaches outside Saint-Tropez — and they often stay half-empty because they don’t appear in usual rankings. The Almanarre (east side of the peninsula) is a world-class kitesurfing and windsurfing spot, with wind blowing 250 days a year.

Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle and the Gulf: Essential in the Var

Saint-Tropez is the most mythical destination in the Var — the Gulf of Saint-Tropez concentrates the most emblematic experiences in Provence-Alpes-Azur: the Saint-Tropez Citadel (€7, panoramic view over the gulf), the market at Place des Lices (Tuesday and Saturday, free), Pampelonne beach in Ramatuelle (4.5 km of sand, Nikki Beach €80-150 minimum spend, free public beach) and the restaurants of the port (grilled fish €22-35, lobster on the quay). The Saint-Tropez Citadel is the most essential cultural visit in the Var — its ramparts offer a 360° view over the gulf, the Maures and the sea.

Port Grimaud (8 km from Saint-Tropez, free pedestrian access) is the most original lacustrine village in the department — its Provençal houses on canal banks create a unique setting, without queues and without entrance fee. Ramatuelle (medieval village 6 km from Saint-Tropez) is one of the most beautiful villages in the Var — its stone alleys, views over the gulf and theatre festival (July-August) make it an essential stop on your stay in the Var.

Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël: History and Beaches in the Var

Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël form the major beach and cultural hub of the eastern Var — two municipalities offering an exceptional range of activities for families and culture enthusiasts in the Var. The Roman arenas of Fréjus (Forum Julii, 1st century BC, €6 adult) are the best preserved in Provence after those in Arles — they host concerts and shows each summer. Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël is also the gateway to the Esterel calanques from the sea (boat trips €25-40/person from the port of Saint-Raphaël).

The Saint-Raphaël museum (Saint-Raphaël archaeological museum, Place de la République, free) presents a unique underwater collection in Provence-Alpes-Azur — anchors, amphorae and Roman shipwreck remains recovered from the gulf. The Fréjus Saint Raphaël is also the departure point of the Pignes train to Nice (scenic rail coast). You can do the Mount Vinaigre hike (614 meters altitude, highest point of the Esterel, 3h round trip) from the Belle-Barbe pass, or rent a kayak to explore the calanques (€15-20/h).

The Verdon Gorges and Lake Sainte-Croix

The Verdon Gorges are the most spectacular natural experience in the Var and Provence-Alpes — this 25 km limestone canyon forms the northern border of the department. Lake Sainte-Croix (2,200 ha, turquoise waters) is the nautical jewel of the Var Verdon gorges — kayak rental (€18/h) and pedalo rental (€15/h) from the banks of Lake Sainte-Croix to head upstream to the gorges entrance. Lake Sainte Croix is swimmable from May to September (water 12°C in May, 24°C in August) — one of the most essential activities in the 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 the Var — its 400 m cliffs and plunging views make it one of Europe’s most beautiful hikes. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (5 km from Lake Sainte-Croix) is the most beautiful village at the western gateway to the gorges — its artistic pottery (museum €4) and star suspended between two cliffs are unique in France. Vacations in the Var are not complete without at least one day at the Verdon Gorges.

Toulon and the Sainte-Baume Massif

Toulon is the major city of the Var department and capital of the French Navy — its roadstead (one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean) is accessible by boat from the pleasure port (excursions €15-25/person). Mount Faron (584 meters altitude, above Toulon) is accessible by cable car (€9 round trip) from the city center — the panoramic view over Toulon, the Hyères islands and the Var coast is exceptional there. Toulon is also the base for ferries to the Hyères islands (Porquerolles €22 round trip) — among the most beautiful destinations essential in the Var.

The Sainte-Baume massif (1,147 meters altitude) is the sacred mountain of Provence — this beech and yew forest shelters 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 municipal park entry) are 10th century troglodytic dwellings unique in Provence — an essential curiosity during a stay in the Var with family.

Camping in the Var: Ideal Base for Holidays in Provence

Campsites in the Var offer water parks with heated pools in a setting of parasol pines, scrubland and Provence vineyards — an ideal base for exploring all the essential activities in the Var in Provence-Alpes-Azur. A stay in the Var in Var camping allows you to combine Var beaches (Fréjus, Saint-Aygulf, Giens), culture (Saint-Tropez Citadel, Fréjus arenas, Saint-Raphaël museum), nature (Verdon gorges, Lake Sainte-Croix, Sainte-Baume massif) and gastronomy (restaurants in Bandol, Provençal markets). The best-located campsites in the Var are around Fréjus Saint-Raphaël — the ideal Var camping + beach + village combination for vacations in the Var with family between May and October.