The Region & Culture of the Var
      

SEA 
Fine sandy beaches, hidden rocky inlets and sweet smelling pine forests, the French Riviera is for lovers, and those with passion for the sun, sea, swimming, sailing, or the adventure of searching for a secluded hidden paradise.

NATURE 
An exceptional coastline, a succession of massifs covered in forest protects the coast, lively and thriving plains, hills that climb to the headwaters of rivers, lakes, waterfalls and gorges, vineyards, gardens, a fragrant garrigue, high plains with exposed limestone rock…the “Var” offers endless diversity.

CULTURE AND HERITAGE 
From pre-history to the present day, the Var countryside is dotted with many remarkable sites that are a testament to its rich and tumultuous past. Megaliths, cave dwellings, Roman ruins, Mediaeval castles and fortified villages, Moorish villas, Gothic churches and Romanesque abbeys…

ARTS OF LIVING 
Pastis and olive oil, the perpetual ritual of the “sieste” and games of “pétanques” on summer evenings. The sound of “galoubets” and tambourines, men and women in traditional dress who dance in town squares during Saints Days. The carts covered in flowers that welcome the arrival of spring. Fragrant markets, Christmas calends and the santons nativities. The light and fruity wines that compliment the sunset. The gentle rhythms of Provençale song.

SPORTS AND LEISURE 
With 1600km of signposted footpaths, coastline, lakes, hills, river gorges and forest, the Var is a sporting paradise. Walking, diving, sailing, windsurfing, white water rafting, cycling, climbing, golfing… the Var offers calm or extreme sports throughout the year. For more leisurely pursuits, the vineyards, villages, towns and cities of the Var present throughout the year a wealth of traditional festivals, carnivals, harvest celebrations, wine tastings, concerts, museums and theatre.