Var Travel Guide (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur/France/Europe)

Introduction to Var

Var is a region in the south-east of France, located in the picturesque Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It’s a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy its natural beauty, great cuisine, and cultural attractions. The region is home to charming towns and villages, each with their own unique character. From the golden sandy beaches of Saint-Tropez to the stunning Verdon Gorge, there’s something for everyone in Var.

List of Places to Visit in Var

If you’re planning a trip to Var, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Here are a few top picks:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Château de la Napoule: A castle turned art museum, Château de la Napoule is a stunning example of medieval architecture.
Musée national de la Marine: Located in Toulon, this museum is dedicated to the maritime history of France.
The Old Town of Hyères: A charming medieval town with narrow streets, ancient houses, and a Moorish castle.

Natural Attractions of Var: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Verdon Gorge: This amazing canyon is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers.
Saint-Tropez Beaches: Beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Port-Cros National Park: A protected island with stunning natural beauty and a diverse range of wildlife, ideal for nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Var

Var is one of the best regions in France for hiking and cycling. You can explore the Verdon Gorge, the Massif des Maures, the Estérel Mountains, and the Sainte-Baume range, which all offer great opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Best Things to Do in Var: Activities and Tours

There are many things to do in Var to keep you entertained. Here are some exciting activity options:

Wine Tasting Tours: Var is well-known for its excellent wine, especially in the region of Côtes de Provence. You can take a tour of the vineyards and taste some of the best wines in France.
Adventure Sports: Var has plenty of outdoor activities for the adrenaline junkies, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and paragliding.
Boat Tours: Explore the picturesque coastline with a boat tour. You can take a leisurely trip around the stunning Saint-Tropez bay or visit the Iles d’Or archipelago.

Week-Long Itinerary for Var

If you’re planning to spend a week in Var, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day	Activity
1	Explore Toulon: Visit the Musée national de la Marine, walk around the old port, and have lunch in one of the local restaurants.
2	Discover Porquerolles Island: Take a boat from the Giens peninsula and spend the day in the idyllic Iles d’Or archipelago.
3	Visit the Verdon Gorge: Hike around the spectacular canyon, and take a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
4	Go wine tasting: Visit the vineyards of Côtes de Provence and taste some of the finest wines in France.
5	Relax on the beach: Spend the day on one of the beautiful beaches of Saint-Tropez.
6	Explore the Calanques: Take a boat tour from Cassis and discover the stunning rocky inlets along the coastline.
7	Visit Hyères: Visit the medieval old town, explore the ancient houses, and have lunch in one of the local restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Var

Var has a rich culinary tradition, influenced by the Mediterranean climate and the abundance of fresh local produce. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

Bouillabaisse: A traditional fish soup from Marseille, cooked with a variety of local fish, vegetables, and herbs.
Socca: A thin pancake made with buckwheat flour and chickpea flour, baked in a wood-fired oven.
Ratatouille: A hearty vegetable stew made with tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, onions, bell peppers, and garlic.

Local Beverages

Côtes de Provence: One of the most famous wines in the world, produced in the vineyards around the Var region.
Pastis: A popular anise-flavored aperitif, usually served diluted with water.
Lavender Honey: A delicious honey made from bees that feed on lavender flowers.

Where to Stay in Var: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Var has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some popular choices:

Luxury Hotels: For a luxurious stay, there are many high-end hotels around Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Hyères.
Boutique Hotels: There are many charming boutique hotels in the region, with lots of character and unique features.
Hostels: For budget travelers, there are some excellent hostels in Toulon, Hyères, and Saint-Tropez.

What to Buy in Var: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Var is known for its excellent local products, which make great souvenirs. Here are some popular choices:

Lavender Products: Lavender is grown extensively in the region and is used to produce a range of products such as soaps, oils, and perfumes.
Olive Oil: Var is famous for its high-quality olive oil, made from the olives grown along the Mediterranean coast.
Handmade Pottery: There are many local ceramic artists in the region, producing unique and beautiful pottery pieces.

Local Culture and Customs of Var

Var has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by the Greeks, the Romans, and the Moors. The local language is Provençal, a dialect of Occitan. The region has a strong tradition of bullfighting, although the practice has been banned in some areas due to animal welfare concerns.

Best Time to Visit Var

The best time to visit Var is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-June) and fall (September-October), when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. July and August are peak tourist season, and the region gets very crowded, especially in the coastal towns.

Do’s and Don’ts of Var

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Var:

Do:

Take the time to explore the regional parks and natural reserves in the area.
Try the local wine and olive oil.
Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

Expect everyone to speak English.
Wear skimpy clothes when visiting churches or other religious sites.
Disrespect the local flora and fauna.

Safety and Health

Safety in Var

Var is a safe region to visit, but like any tourist destination, it’s important to take precautions. Avoid carrying large sums of money, keep your valuables in a safe place, and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Var

The standard of healthcare in France is generally very high, and Var is no exception. There are many public and private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies throughout the region.

Getting to Var: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Var

The nearest airport to Var is Toulon-Hyères Airport. Other airports in the region include Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and Marseille Provence Airport.

Bus Stations Near Var

There are many buses and coaches that serve the region, with regular services to major towns and cities. Coach services include Eurolines, Ouibus, and FlixBus.

Other Options

Driving is an excellent way to explore Var, as it gives you the freedom to move around at your own pace. There are also many taxis and car rental companies in the region.

How to Get Around in Var

Var has a good transportation network, with buses, trains, and taxis available. Taxis are a convenient option for short trips, while buses and trains are the best way to travel between towns and cities.

Where to Go Next from Var: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Var is ideally located to explore other parts of France and Europe. Here are some popular choices:

Marseille: The vibrant port city of Marseille, located just 1h30m away by car or public transport.
Cannes: The glitzy city of Cannes, famous for its film festival, is only 1h20m away by car or public transport.
Monaco: The tiny city-state of Monaco, with its famous casino and luxurious yachts, is just over 1h30m away by car or public transport.

Conclusion

Var is an amazing destination that offers something for everyone, from beautiful beaches and stunning natural landscapes to great cuisine and cultural attractions. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking to soak up the Mediterranean sun, Var is the perfect place to visit. Plan your trip today, and experience the best that this stunning region has to offer!

Var Image Gallery

Port-Cros National Park