Saint-Laurent-Du-Var brings together beaches and the sea, the history of the Vieux Village, and birdlife at the mouth of the Var. When planning your stay, you can weigh up these different highlights: Would you like to spend time by the water, discover historic buildings or watch migratory birds? Local attractions offer specific ideas to help you decide.
Beaches, promenade and summer festival
Saint-Laurent-du-Var has a total of 2 km of public and private beaches. On one of the beaches along the Promenade des Flots Bleus is the Aquarium Naturel des Flots Bleus, a protected outdoor educational area by the sea. The promenade, which is entirely pedestrianized, runs along the coast between the Cap 3000 shopping centre and the marina. This gives you a choice of beach time or a walk by the water along the coast. Cycle paths connect the waterfront promenade with the town centre.
Every summer, the Beach Sport Festival takes place on the beach. The programme includes races, tournaments, taster sessions and other activities. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates; the annual summer schedule does not specify a particular day.
History in the Vieux Village
You can explore the self-guided historical tour of the Vieux Village at any time, using 11 information panels and a free e-balade app. The first phase of construction in the Vieux Village dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. The tour thus reveals the history of the village not only through individual buildings, but also through several stops that you can explore at your own pace.
A wall with a twin window adjoins the Eglise Saint-Laurent. It is considered the oldest structure in the town and dates from the 11th century. The Romanesque Eglise Saint-Laurent itself was built in the 12th century and altered over the following centuries. Its bell tower, topped with a wrought-iron campanile, bears witness to the town’s Provençal past. Its location is also part of the town’s history: Saint-Laurent-du-Var was built on elevated ground and was easy to defend; the church occupied a central position and was the highest landmark.
Migratory birds at the mouth of the Var
The Zone Ornithologique at the mouth of the Var is a favoured resting place for migratory birds. It has the designations Natura 2000, nature reserve and ZICO. Birdlife thus adds a distinct natural perspective to the coastal and heritage highlights.
Walkers and cyclists can watch migratory birds in the Parc Départemental des Rives du Var. Information panels are provided along the wooden boardwalk. The locations offer different ways to experience nature: the Zone Ornithologique focuses on the birds’ resting place, while the Parc Départemental offers opportunities to watch them from the boardwalk.
Choose your stay based on your interests
If you are looking for accommodation in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, first decide what you would like to focus on during your visit: the beaches and pedestrian promenade, the historic phases of construction in the Vieux Village, or watching migratory birds. These highlights can help you tailor your travel plans to your own interests, rather than trying to fit everything into a set itinerary. The cycle path connecting the waterfront promenade with the town centre is another practical point to consider if you would like to include both the coast and the centre in your plans.
Discover more destinations: L'escarène, Berre-Les-Alpes, Bouyon, Valderoure, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Levens, La Penne, Pégomas
See the regional travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.
