Var

Sizzling shoreline hogs the headlines here, and the coast is undeniably magnetic, but there’s so much more to Var than super-yachts and overpriced bouillabaisse. A string of stunning islands, magnificent secluded monasteries, and uplands dotted with memorable villages make this département one of the most varied and enticing in Provence.

By all means, spend time on the area's many capes, people-watching on a terrace and sipping a cappuccino alongside a yacht-lined quay. Then head out to explore the region’s soul-stirring coastal paths, chichi beach clubs and vine-knitted capes. When you’re ready to move out of the limelight, you’ll be enveloped by nature in the Massif des Maures, where thick chestnut groves harbour small villages and unforgettable vistas. The main trio of islands in the Îles d'Hyères offers splendid, quiet coastal escapes. Inland, in the Haut-Var, meander through stone villages, each with its own character and history.

Explore Var

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Var.

  • Monastery

    Monastère de la Verne

    The majestic 12th-century Monastère de la Verne sits on a forested ridge in the Massif des Maures, rising like an island of honeyed stone in a sea of…

  • Abbey

    Abbaye de Thoronet

    The simplest but most beautiful of 'The Sisters' (a trio of great Provençal Cistercian abbeys including Silvacane and Notre-Dame de Sénanque), Thoronet,…

  • Gardens

    Domaine du Rayol

    Growing continuously since its conception in 1910, this stunning garden, with plants from all Mediterranean climates, is wonderful for a stroll or a…

  • Church

    Chapelle Sainte-Roseline

    A 1975 mosaic by Marc Chagall illuminates this 13th-century Romanesque chapel, 4.5km east of Les Arcs-sur-Argens. The church contains a crystal shrine…

  • Nature Reserve

    Vallon Sourn

    The protected Vallon Sourn, where the swift waters of the Argens have cut a picturesque canyon from the soft rock, is a haven for for walking, cycling,…

  • National Park

    Parc National de Port-Cros

    France’s first marine national park, dating to 1963, Port-Cros boasts exceptional marine fauna and flora, which makes it a snorkelling paradise. It…

  • Historic Site

    Vieille Ville

    Over 2000 years of human habitation are layered in Hyères’ attractive old town, which begins on the western side of place Georges Clemenceau at the 13th…

  • Cave

    Grotte de Ste-Madeleine

    A 40-minute forest trail leads from La Ste-Baume to the Grotte de Ste-Madeleine (950m), a mountain cave where Mary Magdalene is said to have spent the…

  • Museum

    Musée de la Marine

    Toulon has a long naval history, and remains an important commercial and military port. This historic portside building holds a very good, modern…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Village des Tortues

    This sanctuary protects one of France’s most endangered species, the Hermann tortoise (Testudo hermanni) today found only in the Massif des Maures and on…

  • Fort

    Fort Ste-Agathe

    This 16th-century fortification contains historical and natural-history exhibits, and its tower has lovely island views. Much of the building dates from…

  • Fort

    Fort de Brégançon

    A private residence of the president from 1968 to 2013, the Fort de Brégançon is now an accessible national monument. Located on a scenic peninsula 20…

  • Mountain

    Mont Faron

    North of the city, Mont Faron (589m) towers over Toulon, and the views are, as you would expect, epic. Near the summit the Mémorial du Débarquement de…

  • Monastery

    Ancienne Abbaye de la Celle

    Built over an earlier Christian structure (itself sitting on the foundations of a Roman villa), this 12th-century Benedictine Romanesque abbey has been…

  • Farm

    Moulin de Callas

    Picturesque plantations spread out around this farm at the foot of Callas, where Andrew, Mathieu and Anthony Bérenguier are the fourth generation of an…

  • Museum

    Maison de la Truffe

    Attached to Aups tourist office you'll find this shop selling the 'black diamond' of Aups in various forms (whole, in pastes and pastas). It's also home…

  • Gallery

    Tanning-Ernst Collection

    Sharing the Maison Waldberg with the Seillans tourist office is this gallery of work by Dorothea Tanning and surrealist Max Ernst, who lived in Seillans…

  • Winery

    Domaine de la Sanglière

    Côtes de Provence and La Londe Appellation rosés, reds and whites can be tasted at this winery with a view of the sea. Technically it's in Bormes-les…

  • Winery

    Domaine de l'Abbaye

    Excellent wines are produced using traditional methods, in vineyards originally cultivated by monks in the 12th century. Ring the bell if it seems no one…

  • Winery

    Château des Bormettes

    Scenic, with a cellar located under a former Carthusian monastery, des Bormettes is also ancient, with evidence of wine-production in the area going to…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Var.

  • Activities