Essential Guide to the Wonders of the Var in Provence

[Stephen Smith]

Located within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of Provence in France, the Var is sandwiched between the French departments of the Bouches-du-Rhône to the west and the Alpes-Maritimes to the east. Offering both the splendour of mountains, famously superb beaches and a host of must-see wonders tucked in-between (including many fine examples of Romanesque and medieval architecture), the Var with its sunny Mediterranean climate remains one of the top tourist destinations in France.

One of the best ways to experience the spectacular offerings that this French department has to offer is to rent a luxury villa in Var in Provence for at least a week, because there are so many unforgettable experiences that await you.

Since the Var is larger than one guide could hope to cover, the following guide will conveniently break the region down into three main parts, allowing you to get a real taste of the many wonders available to you in this outstanding part of the world.

Northern Part of the Var

Nature lovers who enjoy hiking won’t want to miss areas in the northern part of the Var, such as the Gorges du Artignosc, Artigues, Bargème, and Verdon. Enthusiasts of fishing, canoeing and swimming will also be spoilt for choice, since there are many beautiful lakes, rivers and waterfalls to capture your fancy.

If you prefer less strenuous exercise, you’ll love to amble about in the vast forests of this region, where you can even root for delicious truffles. As for day excursions in the car, there are a host of charming old villages perched high in the mountains where you can soak in the quaint culture and buy delectable local fare at your leisure.

The Var Inland

Extending from lovely Adrets de l'Estérel with its view of the Riviera, through Brignoles (the capitol of Var on the River Caramy) and stretching to Castellet (an enchanting feudal village), this part of the Var is a glorious area to explore.

The interior boasts lovely rolling hills contrasted by lush valleys and pine forests. Agricultural cultivation is plentiful and varied in this area, thanks to the sunny climate. You will be able to stock up on deliciously succulent fruits and vegetables, while the locals are also very proud of their other high-quality produce such as honey, lavender, thyme and olive oil. What’s more, the entire central region of the Var boasts sublime examples of medieval Provence to take you back in time.

Southern Part of the Var

The southern part of the Var boasts 300 kilometres of sublime shoreline on the Mediterranean Sea. Anyone would be hard pressed not to be captivated by the area’s gorgeous sandy beaches, charming islands and majestic cliffs plunging dramatically into the sea. Additionally, the bustling city of Toulon is well worth a visit – not only for its urban excitements, but also because its’ massive harbour (called the Rade) is the main port of the French Navy.

The most famous beach resort in this area is St. Tropez, where in addition to enjoying the glorious seaside you might just run into a glamorous movie star or two (particularly at the Place des Lices). In fact, people watching is a favourite pastime here – simply sit at a café and pass the time gazing at chic Parisians and international jet setters alike. While there are at least forty beaches on this peninsula, some of the most popular are Bouillabaisse Beach, Caneliers Beach, Pampelonne Beach and Salins Beach.

Other beautiful resort meccas include Bandol (also a renowned wine produced in the Var), Le Lavandou, Sainte Cyr, Sainte Maxime and Sainte Raphael. Also don’t miss out on Cavalaire-sur-Mer - this is the longest sand beach on the coast.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, there are so many unforgettable sights and experiences to be had in this superb part of France that it’s a good idea to rent a luxury villa in Var in Provence for at least a week, to ensure you get the chance to properly soak up the sun and beauty that this area offers in abundance.