432 kilometres of coastline, an extensive network of hiking trails and protected natural areas offer many different ways to experience the Var. You can focus on coastal paths, explore landscapes on foot or include cultural sites in your trip. In the Var, access to forests is subject to regulations from June to September; check the daily forest fire risk map before setting out on a hike. Cycling, water sports and local festivals are also among the experiences to explore in the département.

Trails through landscapes and highlands

More than 2,000 kilometres of trails in the Var are listed in the PDIPR hiking network. The network provides access to nature, remarkable landscapes and ecological areas, including some Espaces naturels sensibles (ENS). Along the coast, there are also more than 200 kilometres of the Sentier du Littoral. One example of a route in the hinterland is the Balades en Préalpes varoises: it runs from Notre Dame in Bargemon to Mont Lachens, whose summit reaches 1,714 metres. Coastal paths and a route in the Préalpes varoises thus offer different ways to discover the Var on foot.

There are also specific resources for cycling tours. The departmental cycling guide features 22 circular routes for experienced cyclists and amateurs. The selected routes pass through places including the Bas-Verdon plateaus, Sainte-Baume, the Gorges du Verdon, the Massif du Siou Blanc and the Ubac des Maures. Other activities available in the Var include climbing, diving, horse riding, rowing, archery, orienteering and water sports. Available options and seasonal access rules vary by location and provider.

Natural areas and wildlife

The Var’s ENS comprise 244 sites covering a total of 13,618 hectares. They are generally open to everyone free of charge, although temporary restrictions may apply at certain locations. Some ENS have a Maison départementale de la nature, which serves as an information and activity centre. The département’s nature outings are free and require registration. Check the applicable registration requirements in advance.

The Parc national de Port-Cros was Europe’s first marine park. It is a stopover for migratory birds and a habitat for rare Mediterranean birds, including puffins. Guided visits are offered across 135 hectares at the Parc naturel départemental du Plan, located in La Garde and Le Pradet. Check opening times and visitor conditions before your visit. The Parc naturel régional de la Sainte-Baume extends across 26 municipalities in the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône départements. It covers almost 81,000 hectares, around 80 percent of which is natural area.

Culture, history and local traditions

Important cultural sites in the Var include the Roman aqueduct and amphitheatre in Fréjus, the Abbaye du Thoronet, and the basilica and royal monastery of Saint-Maximin. The Abbaye du Thoronet is classified as a Monument historique and is one of the three Cistercian abbeys of Provence. At the Abbaye de la Celle, an annual themed exhibition highlights the diversity of the region’s ancient heritage. As the exhibition programme may change from year to year, it is worth checking the dates for your visit.

Seasonal food traditions also shape the calendar: the Var hosts truffle markets and festivals celebrating chestnuts, chickpeas and figs. Dates may change, so check the schedule for the year of your trip. Producers sell their products directly at their estates and at local farmers’ markets. This offers a way to connect with the region and discover more about its products and traditions.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Maximin-La-Sainte-Baume, Fréjus, Ampus, Artignosc-Sur-Verdon, Aups, Auribeau-Sur-Siagne, Bagnols-En-Forêt, Bandol, Bargemon, Barjols, Baudinard-Sur-Verdon, Bauduen, Besse-Sur-Issole, Bormes-Les-Mimosas, Boulouris-Sur-Mer, Bras, Brignoles, Cabasse, Callas, Callian, Camps-La-Source, Saint-Raphael, Carces, Carnoules, Carqueiranne, Cavalaire-Sur-Mer, Chateaudouble, Cogolin, Collobrieres, Correns, Cotignac, Cuers, Draguignan, Entrecasteaux, Fayence, Figanieres, Flassans-Sur-Issole, Flayosc, Fox-Amphoux, Garéoult, Gassin, Giens, Gonfaron, Grimaud, Hyères, La Cadière-D'azur, La Crau, La Croix-Valmer, La Farlede, La Garde, La Garde-Freinet, La Londe-Les-Maures, La Mole, La Motte, La Roquebrussanne, La Seyne-Sur-Mer, La Valette-Du-Var, La Verdiere, Le Beausset, Le Cannet-Des-Maures, Le Castellet, Le Flayosquet, Le Lavandou, Le Luc, Le Muy, Le Pradet, Le Revest-Les-Eaux, Le Thoronet, Le Val, Les Adrets-De-L'estérel, Les Arcs Sur Argens, Les Salles-Sur-Verdon, Lorgues, Meounes-Les-Montrieux, Mons, Montauroux, Montfort-Sur-Argens, Montmeyan, Nans-Les-Pins, Neoules, Ollières, Ollioules, Pierrefeu-Du-Var, Pignans, Plan-De-La-Tour, Ponteves, Pourrières, Puget-Sur-Argens, Ramatuelle, Rayol-Canadel-Sur-Mer, Regusse, Rians, Rocbaron, Saint-Antonin-Du-Var, Saint-Cyr-Sur-Mer, Saint-Mandrier-Sur-Mer, Saint-Paul-En-Forêt, Saint-Tropez, Saint-Zacharie, Sainte-Anastasie-Sur-Issole, Sainte-Maxime, Salernes, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Seillans, Seillons-Source-D'argens, Signes, Sillans-La Cascade, Six-Fours-Les-Plages, Solliès-Pont, Sollies-Toucas, Taradeau, Toulon, Tourrettes, Tourtour, Tourves, Trans-En-Provence, Varages, Vidauban, Villecroze, Trigance, Moissac-Bellevue, Forcalqueiret, La Celle, Evenos, Montferrat, Pourcieux, Tavernes, Mazaugues, Les Claux, Cap Bénat, Belgentier, Vinon-Sur-Verdon, Esparron, Vins-Sur-Caramy, Châteauvert, Claviers, Saint-Julien, La Martre, Les Mayons, Aiguines, Comps-Sur-Artuby, Solliès-Ville, Saint-Martin, La Bastide, Tanneron, Roquebrune-Sur-Argens, Puget-Ville, Ginasservis, Plan-D'aups-Sainte-Baume, Bargème, La Roque-Esclapon, Les Bormettes, La Bouillabaisse, Brue-Auriac.

See the overall travel overview: Provence-Alpes-Côte D'azur.