Visit the Var differently

visit and travel var

You are certainly looking for a dream destination for your vacation that will allow you to pleasantly enjoy nature and make great discoveries. This summer, head to the Var with the family for a wonderful experience. Located in the south of France on the edge of the Mediterranean, Var is a department very popular with vacationers looking for the sea, the beach and the pleasures of relaxation. Apart from its beautiful beaches, this department is a real gem, a perfect picture which brings together the mountains, the sea and the forest. It is the ideal place for a successful vacation, as it offers many possibilities.

Visit the Var differently: camping as a natural accommodation solution

For your accommodation, I recommend that you favor a campsite for unforgettable holidays in the Var, in order to visit an exceptional department. Camping in the Var is a very popular accommodation solution for families who want to take full advantage of nature and the beautiful beaches by the sea. For this, you will therefore have to opt for campsites with direct access to the beach or located nearby.

Furthermore, if you want to vary your water pleasures, you can take advantage of the swimming pool and slides offered by the Var water park campsite. Vacationers who prefer luxurious accommodation can also opt for 4-star campsites whose prices are relatively attractive. All camping wishes are taken into account in the Var. You can therefore choose between different types of accommodation inexpensive which are at your disposal. From tents to mobile homes, bungalows and chalets, there is necessarily accommodation that is made for you.

All campsites most often have children’s clubs and play areas. They also offer many outdoor activities such as tree climbing, bowling and canoeing. There are even casinos nearby for gaming lovers.

Some campsites in the Var also have several essential services such as bars, grocery stores, convenience stores and laundromats. So, whether in Grimaud, Fréjus or Aiguines, you will surely find a campsite in the Var to reconnect with nature and spend an unforgettable vacation.

campsite Var holiday visit

Why choose the Var for your vacation?

The Var is a destination of choice for people who love to enjoy natural wonders. Its beautiful landscapes and its world-famous gastronomy have convinced many tourists. Its climate is generally mild all year round. In summer, the climate is hot and very pleasant in winter, especially in the towns located in the south of the department.

Its villages offer you an incredible panoramic view on the mountains and hiking trails which are very popular with tourists. Whatever the season of your visit to the Var, its magnificent landscape will always amaze you.

The island of Porquerolles, accessible all year round

Porquerolles is a unique island. It is also the largest of the three Hyères islands. You can take advantage of the hot summer days to dive in the waters surrounding the island of Porquerolles. Out of season, wilder than usual, the island reveals its trails and fine sandy beaches to hikers and cyclists. Its marked routes are well maintained by the Port-Cros National Park.

Lake Sainte-Croix with its magical landscapes

Lake Sainte-Croix with its immense expanse of turquoise blue water is the third largest lake in France. In summer, enjoy a hike towards Lake Sainte-Croix, to observe numerous birds and contemplate the exceptional fauna of the area. You can also swim or kayak. In winter, the majestic lake surrounded by mountains and beautiful villages lets you enjoy a sensational view of its surroundings.

Apart from the island of Porquerolles and Lake Sainte-Croix, the unmissable towns of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël allow holidaymakers to visit the places all year round.

What are the best activities to practice in the Var?

The Var department is a dream destination, because it is good to live all year round. You can not only do sightseeing, but also various activities. Between hikes, walks and water activities, the Var allows you to experience extraordinary moments with family or friends.

Water activities to absolutely try in the Var

The Var offers you a heavenly setting favorable to various nautical activities such as fishing, diving and boat rental which will appeal to young and old alike. If you want to take off, don’t resist the temptation. Rent a motor or sail boat and dock at the docks of unspoilt islands, far from the busy beaches. Some boat rental sites even offer boat rental with skipper, ideal for tourists who do not know how to sail.

You can also take advantage of the diversity of the seabed near the beaches for diving. If you don’t know how to dive, there are many diving schools along the coast to introduce novices. Pregnant women and the less sporty can indulge in snorkeling in peace. The youngest who are afraid of venturing into the depths of the waters can still admire the magnificent sea creatures near the coasts such as saupes, wrasses and sea breams.

On a body of fresh water or at sea, let yourself be tempted by other water sports such as catamaran, water skiing, stand-up paddle or even towed buoying.

Hikes to do in the Var

There is no better place to go hiking than in the Var. Multiple paths by the sea, but more inland are suitable for hiking, ideal for gently visiting the department. For lovers of long hikes, the Giens peninsula, the coastal path, Mont Vinaigre and the mountain pass route are best suited.

For the less sporty (ideal for families with children), short walks of a few minutes or at most 2 hours will do the trick. For example, they can walk along the beach at the Fréjus nature base which extends along the François Léotard nature base. It takes you about 2 hours to tour the park.

Camping in the Var vineyard

You can also opt for a nice family walk in the acclimatization garden in Toulon. The Villepey ponds (to observe the multiple species of birds) and the Outdoor Rock Circuit in Saint Raphaël (CRAPA) are also suitable for short hikes.

Horse riding in the Var

It is entirely possible to go horseback riding during your vacation in the Var. This will allow you to discover the places differently surroundings. Set off to explore the green nature of the Var by riding through the vineyards or in the forest. Don’t forget to use the services of a guide to explore the place with complete peace of mind.

No Var without wine

The Var is also renowned for its high quality wines. So take advantage of your visit to the Var to taste authentic wines. There are several hundred wine estates in the department that you probably cannot all visit during your stay. However, you can visit a few farms which mainly offer guided tours, tastings and numerous events:

Le Clos des Roses in Fréjus where 8 different grape varieties are grown;
Château Roubine near Lorgues, renowned for its exceptional lands;
Château Sainte Roseline near La Motte;
Château Minuty in Saint-Tropez has a world-class reputation.

Through these vineyards and farms, you will discover one of the riches of the Var in order to be as close as possible to nature.

The essential places to visit in the Var department

There is never a dull moment in the Var and there is always a place to visit, no matter where you put your suitcases. With family or friends, get ready to discover unexpected places.

The Louis de Funès museum in Saint-Raphaël

For lovers of French comedy and more particularly fanatics of the famous actor Louis de Funès, a detour to the museum dedicated to this monument is necessary. The Louis de Funès museum will immerse you in the actor’s exciting life and career.

The Var Islands: the charm of an entire department

There are magnificent islands on the Mediterranean coast just a stone’s throw from the coast that you can visit. The island of Bendor, the island of Embiez (where the marine life museum is located), the island of Port-Cros and the island of Porquerolles await you impatiently. You will also find the Ile du Levant with its beaches reserved for naturism. Want to swim or have a picnic, these islands are just the ideal place. You can also indulge in a sporty hike on these steep islands.

Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël, two towns steeped in history

These two places with a very precious archaeological past are the meeting point all year round for archeology enthusiasts. Less known than Saint-Tropez, these seaside towns in the Var department nevertheless have numerous historical resources to explore. In Fréjus, you can discover magnificent remains dating from Roman times such as the arenas, aqueducts and the Roman theater. Discover the archaeological museums of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël where you will also have the privilege of seeing sumptuous mosaics (Fréjus museum) as well as pottery and elements of maritime life (Saint-Raphaël museum).

Apart from these three places, you can also visit Barjols (the charming village with 38 fountains), the Citadel of Saint-Tropez, the Thoronet Abbey and the Mont Faron cable car in Toulon in the Var.

The natural sites you absolutely must see in the Var

With its preserved nature, the Var has several natural sites that you can visit. Whether it’s marine life, fauna, flora or the forest, there’s something for everyone:

The Dramont semaphore in Saint-Raphaël;
Gorges du Verdon ;
The Sainte-Baume massif;
The Malpasset Dam
The Sillans waterfall
The Chartreuse de la Verne, with its old stones
The converted caves of Villecroze.

The Var is full of many activities to do with family or friends. Make the most of your stay in this department by choosing the ideal campsite to reconnect with nature.