The Var is a very popular holiday destination in Southern France and owes its name to the river that flows from the eastern border of the department to the Alpes-Maritimes. Visit atmospheric towns and villages, or relax at a sunny beach. Along the coast are beautiful bays with sandy beaches and several islands.
During a holiday in the Var, discover delicious local specialties like figs, chestnuts, honey and wines: Coteaux Varois, Bandol and Cotes de Provence. The department is also famous for the military port of Toulon, the Provencal cuisine and fragrant lavender fields in bloom in July and August.
In the Var you will find the Regional Natural Park of Verdon, a true paradise for lovers of nature, kayaking and hiking. This park protects important flora and fauna and has stunning canyon (Verdon Canyon) with impressive towering rock walls and bright green blue lakes of Verdon (Les Gorges du Verdon) are among the places to discover.
Toulon harbour is an important port: for over 500 years it’s a naval port and is home to the French naval fleet in the Mediterranean. It is also a marina for private boats and a passenger port for crossings to the beautiful island of Corsica. Interesting sights in Toulon are the Musée d'Art de Toulon, Musée du Vieux Toulon and Musée de la Marine. There’s a daily market on the Cours Lafayette and Rue Paul-Landrin. The market on the Cours Lafayette is one of the most famous markets in the Provence with mainly fruits, vegetables, clothes and flowers.
Famous places are Frejus, St Tropez, St Maxime and Port Grimaud. Port Grimaud is a small seaside town and is known as the Venice of the Provence. It has been built in the sixties of the last century in authentic style. Through the city a network of channels, resulting in the formation of various islands. The large marina with long quays, where many luxury yachts are moored, is a real attraction.
Fréjus lies on the coast and is so close to the town of Saint-Raphaël, that they are often seen as one city. You can spread your towel on the sand and swim in the Mediterranean, but there is more. The old town of Frejus is also very rewarding. Here you will find many old buildings like the Cathedral Saint-Léonce, shops and restaurants, and in high season, exhibitions, music events and markets are organised. In the summer months, you will be treated to a smashing every Friday night fireworks show.
Saint-Tropez is a popular port and seaside resort and is visited annually by more than five million people. Be amazed by luxury yachts, chic beach clubs, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. What is less known, but definitely worth a visit, is the Annonciade museum with masterpieces by Picasso, Bonnard and Matisse. Saint-Tropez offers excellent shopping and on Tuesday and Saturday mornings there is a market on Place des Lices, where you can buy fruit, vegetables, antiques, clothing and French pottery.
Saint Maxime is an ideal destination for a family holiday, with its sheltered coast and yearly events like free concerts and shows at the Théâtre de la Mer. If you love sports, this is the place to be. Tennis, mountain biking, horseback riding and water sports like jet skiing, diving and water skiing are some of the many possibilities. The children can enjoy themselves in one of the various playgrounds and theme parks. Saint-Maxime has a lively centre, with many shops, restaurants and terraces and from the Promenade Simon Lorière you have a magnificent view of Saint-Tropez.