Discover the most beautiful places in the Var
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In this blog we show you our 6 most beautiful sights in the Var, one of the départements of Provence.
1. Gorges du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon, also known as the Grand Canyon du Verdon, on the border of the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is one of the best-known and largest gorges in Europe. From its sheer rock walls up to 700 metres high, you look down on the azure-blue water. Exploring the area by car? Then take the Route des Crêtes, which offers 14 breathtaking viewpoints. For walkers and nature lovers there are 100 km of footpaths of varying difficulty around the Verdon. Want to explore the Verdon from the water by canoe? At the Pont du Galetas you can hire a canoe, boat or pedalo and paddle into the gorge. After some 25 km the river flows into the Lac de Sainte-Croix, a beautiful reservoir. The dam was built between 1971 and 1974, and the lake began to fill in the summer of 1973. This came at the expense of the village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon: the old village was demolished and disappeared under the water, and a new village was built higher up the slope, overlooking the lake. The lake is great for swimming, pedalos, canoeing or simply a lazy day sunbathing on its lovely sandy beaches.
Tip: if the Verdon is on your list, get there before the crowds in high season. In the morning the sun falls on the water, which then takes on a magnificent colour.
2. Chartreuse de la Verne
Founded in 1170, this restored charterhouse is one of the most beautiful sights in the Massif des Maures. It was destroyed several times over the centuries but rebuilt each time. Since 1986 it has been home to nuns of the Monastic Family of Bethlehem. The current buildings, dating mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, are open to visitors.
Only part of the monastery can be visited, so that the nuns can live in peace. You explore it on your own and in silence, with a visitor booklet as your guide. The charterhouse, with its imposing size, is well worth a visit. The shop sells handmade products from the monastic community (closed on Sundays). The monastery is closed in January, on major religious holidays, on Tuesdays from the end of the autumn half-term holiday to 31 March, and in summer on days when the massif is closed because of fire risk. So check the current opening times before you go.
This piece of history lies deep in the Massif des Maures, near Collobrières. The last 700 metres from the car park are on foot.
3. Massif de l'Estérel
The Massif de l'Estérel was formed by a volcanic eruption 250 million years ago and has since become a 32,000-hectare paradise.
The Estérel range has many breathtaking spots with views of the Mediterranean. You can discover beautiful secret coves and caves that can only be reached from the sea, and immerse yourself in a world of silence.
The highest point, Mont Vinaigre (614 m), looks out over a range full of secrets that then plunges into the sea in steep cliffs.
The bay of Saint-Barthélemy, for example, is ideal for snorkelling. Prefer the bay of Agay with its shallow water? Then it is a paradise for a day out with children.
It is an exceptional setting for mountain biking, walking, horse riding and many other activities.
4. Îles d'Hyères
This group of islands in the Mediterranean can be reached by boat from places including Hyères, Le Lavandou and Cavalaire-sur-Mer.
Porquerolles, the best known of the three islands, is a slice of paradise about 7 km long and 3 km wide that you can explore on foot or by bike.
The square with its lighthouse offers a lovely panoramic view of the island, the fort and the surroundings.
The rugged south coast has a few coves that are easy to reach, and the north coast has sandy beaches, including Plage Notre-Dame, the island's best-known beach.
The island is also known for its forts.
Port-Cros, with an area of about 6.4 km², is the smallest of the three islands: a beautiful wooded, hilly island with a few lovely little beaches. Many divers come here to discover the underwater world among the fish and coral. At La Palud beach there is an underwater trail for snorkellers, freely accessible from 15 June to 15 September. Want to learn more about the island's history? Then don't miss its historic forts.
The island of Le Levant, 8 km long, is largely used by the navy and access is therefore restricted. In the Domaine des Arbousiers nature reserve, it is lovely to walk and enjoy beautiful sea views.
The island is also home to Héliopolis, a naturist area for those who enjoy it.
These golden islands are little gems to discover and certainly deserve your attention.
Îles d’Hyères
Îles d'Hyères
5. Toulon
As the capital of the Var département, Toulon certainly can't be left off our list. This naval city is worth a visit if you are interested in harbours and their maritime history, which you can explore at the Musée de la Marine.
Another beautiful spot is Mont Faron, almost 600 m high, north of Toulon, where a cable car takes you to the top. From the mountain you have a magnificent view over Toulon and the harbour.
On a walk through the old town you will come across some architectural highlights, such as the Opéra de Toulon, the 18th-century Église Saint-Louis and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds.
6. Lac de Saint-Cassien
The most visited place in the Pays de Fayence is undoubtedly the Lac de Saint-Cassien. This reservoir of about 430 hectares borders the Tanneron massif.
There are plenty of activities on offer, such as pedalos, paddleboarding and canoe hire. If fishing holds no secrets for you, you will soon notice that the lake is full of carp.
In the western part of the lake is the Fondurane nature reserve (43 ha), where more than 175 bird species have been recorded. A green setting with plenty to offer for a family day out.
Lac de Saint-Cassien
Lac de Saint-Cassien
Feel free to share these tips with your travel companions and start planning your holiday. And don't forget to take a look at our various holiday homes near these sights.
Do let us know if you know any other lovely places in the Var yourself, and who knows, there may be a sequel. :)