Hugging the Mediterranean Sea between Nice and Marseille, Var is a picturesque department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. It was created during the French Revolution and named after the River Var, which once flowed along the department’s eastern border.
Things to do in Var
Whether you want to experience the jet-setting lifestyle of the French Riviera or explore the rugged landscapes of the Sainte-Baume Massif, Var offers a getaway like no other.
Explore Sainte-Baume Natural Regional Park. Encompassing 844 square kilometres in the west of Var is Sainte-Baume Natural Regional Park, which centres around one of the highest massifs in Provence. It’s a paradise for hikers, with dense forests and alpine vegetation to explore, along with subterranean caves, sinkholes and rivers. Visit the medieval village of Le Castellet and get lost in the picturesque alleys of Brignoles or discover the 11th-century castle of Evenos.
Live it up in Saint-Tropez. Famed for its glamorous beaches and pulsing nightlife, Saint-Tropez is an upmarket resort town on the French Riviera. You can stroll through the cobblestoned quarter of La Ponche or kick back on the sands of Pampelonne Beach, where Brigitte Bardot filmed scenes from “And God… Created Woman”. Once the sun goes down, hit the bars and clubs of the Vieux Port, which is the nightlife centre of Saint-Tropez.
Discover the maritime heritage of Toulon. Home to a major naval base, Toulon is a lively port city frequented by submarines, warships and fishing boats. You can learn about the city’s fascinating maritime history at the Musee National de la Marine or watch the vessels coming and going from the Toulon Harbour. Sweeping views across the city are on offer from the cable cars of the Téléphérique du Faron.
Getting around Var
Marseille Provence Airport is the main aviation gateway to Var and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Trains connect to major towns and cities throughout the department while ferries depart from Toulon to Corsica. Buses are also available for getting around Var.