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Best of the Var

The best things to see and do in the wonderful Var region of Provence, France

Frejus

Frejus is a pretty town with pastel houses and at its heart the small but impressive cathedral dating back to the 12th century. Its now not quite on the sea as the sea has receded over time, but there are beaches and a port. The other notable feature of Frejus is a scattering of Roman remains, including a bit of aqueduct and the amphitheatre that still hosts events today. Frejus is so adjacent to the coastal resort of St Raphael that they practically run into each other.


St Tropez

St Tropez is not the fishing village it was in the 1950s when it was ‘discovered’, but it still retains much charm if you explore beyond the chicness of the harbour. Place de Lices hosts the market and boules players, and is surrounded with cafés and restaurants. The sandy beaches start right in town and go on to Pampelonne with its 3 miles of beach clubs and golden sand, culminating in the exclusive Club 55 beloved of the world’s celebrities. If you base yourself in St Tropez make sure you have the budget to match.
 

Bormes les Mimosas

Bormes les Mimosas is a charming village a few miles inland from the sea, named after its defining blooms of winter-flowering mimosas. It is very picturesque, with cobblestone lanes to explore, ramparts and a ruined castle. Around the village are vineyards and forests, and the view of the sea below. In the medieval old town there are plenty of restaurants and boutiques, and evocative street names like "Rompi-Cuou" and "Venelle des Amoureux".
 

Hyeres

Hyeres is a small town with a village atmosphere that was actually the first resort in the south of France, dating back to the 18th century. Visitors are still mainly French, and it remains relatively unknown to international travelers. Which is surprising because it has everything you would expect from a Provence coastal retreat: narrow alleyways in the old medieval quarter, palm trees aplenty, markets, culture, beaches, and even a salt marsh bird sanctuary.

 

Seillans

Officially one of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages of France’, Seillans is one of those perched villages typical of inland Provence, very pretty and just asking to be thoroughly explored on foot. You will come across medieval architecture and gorgeous views over the surrounding landscapes. Buildings and churches date back as far as the 12th century. Out of season it is very quiet and peaceful, in summer Seillans gets its share of day trippers.

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Massif des Maures

The Massif des Maures is a range of small mountains (or big hills) stretching about 80 miles between the towns of Hyeres and Fréjus on the coast. It’s a haven for flora and fauna, even including wild tortoises, and has endless trails for hiking and biking, from gentle to advanced.

The Massif des Maures offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities. You can explore the diverse landscapes and natural beauty of this protected area through cycling, mountain biking, and visits to nature reserves.

 

Sanary-sur-mer

The harbour at Sanary-sur-mer is impossibly picture-perfect, with the technicolour wooden boats and the pastels of the houses, the palm trees and cafés lining the waterfront. Just outside town are sandy beaches and in the town there is a beautiful market, and the usual narrow streets to stroll around. The defining feature is the collection of 100 traditional wooden fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, some classed as national monuments.

 

Cavalaire-sur-Mer

Cavalaire-sur-Mer is a charming coastal resort that prides itself on being family-friendly, which means it has suitable activities and enhanced safety for families with children. The town has a weekly market, seafood restaurants, palm trees, but the focus of Cavalaire is the 2-mile beach. Water sports are popular, including sailing, windsurfing and scuba diving.

 

Bargeme

Bargeme is a small and beautiful village deep in the Var department, perched very high up (1097 m/3600ft) with amazing views, and officially one of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages of France’. Bargeme is made up of narrow alleys, medieval buildings, fortified walls, ancient chapels, with the castle ruins as a backdrop. The village only has two or three cafés and is completely undisturbed outside of the summer season.


Tourtour

Fifty miles inland from the coast, Tourtour is another of those traditional small Provence villages, with a beautiful central square where life is centred around its restaurants and cafés. The village is largely medieval, with cobbled streets, tiny squares and fountains to explore.
 

Ste Maxime

Ste Maxime is a resort town with something for all ages, larger and more modern than most other coast towns, and directly across the bay from the far glitzier St Tropez. You come here for the amenities and the beach rather than Provencal charm, although there is a pretty old quarter in the centre of town. As well as beach fun, Ste Maxime can offer nightlife, a water park, golf course, even a casino.

 

Bandol

With a lively harbour, sandy beaches, and famous wine, Bandol is an enduringly popular coastal town. The waterfront is lined with shops and restaurants, with fresh seafood at the top of the menu. Beaches extend either side of the centre round the bay, and just offshore is the little island of Bendor, a few minutes by boat.

 

Gassin

The pretty Provencal village of Gassin is perched 200m above sea level so as to give a perfect view of the Gulf of St Tropez and other surrounding villages and vineyards, and is only short distance from the fun of the beaches. There is the old Gassin with its narrow streets and old stones, including what is claimed to be the narrowest street in the world, and below it the new Gassin which won an award for the best new village and has succeeded in bringing life to Gassin. All around are superb wineries, producing outstanding rosés. Inevitably, the old Gassin is one of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages of France’.

 

Ramatuelle

Set above Pampellone beach, with great views from its raised position, Ramatuelle is a typical little Provence village where the appeal is not in any particular attraction but in just wandering around, taking in the harmony and beauty, and finding an outside table for lunch or dinner. Ramatuelle is the antidote to the craziness of St Tropez.

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