I live on the border of Var 83 and Alpes-Maritimes, so I see daily why people visit Var. Few places in Var France mix so much in one department. Think Hyères Islands (Porquerolles, Port Cros, Le Levant) with clear water and bike paths, the red rock of the Esterel Massif, the cliffs and turquoise river of the Gorges du Verdon, and Roman and monastic heritage like Abbaye du Thoronet. Add Saint Tropez beaches and quiet hill towns like Cotignac or the Pays de Fayence villages, and your list of things to do in Var fills fast.
Families get easy sands and shallow water at places like Saint-Aygulf where my toddler builds sand castles for hours. Hikers and cyclists can pick short scenic trails on the Sentier du Littoral near Saint-Raphaël or shaded forest tracks in the Maures. Culture lovers have abbeys, gardens, and design at Villa Noailles. Food and wine enthusiasts savor Côtes de Provence Var rosé at small domaines, taste truffles in Aups, and still grab a classic tarte tropézienne on the coast.
Plan 5 to 7 days for highlights, 10 to 14 days for a relaxed loop that covers the coast, islands, and inland villages. The best time to visit Var is May to June and September to October for warm seas, calmer roads, and easier parking. July and August bring high prices, crowded beaches, and full car parks, especially in Saint Tropez. I explore year-round, and I prefer the shoulder months. Off-season, grocery shopping and daily life are smoother. In summer, even click-and-collect drives can run out of basics because of holiday demand.
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How Much Does It Cost to Visit Var 83?
On a budget, expect €50 to €80 per day. Var camping is the big saver. Standard pitches run about €15 to €25 per night, and municipal camping aires can be €8 to €12. I build picnic meals from village markets and boulangeries, then eat them at designed picnic tables in parks and on trails, or at the beach at sunset.
For transport, the ZOU weekly pass is a great value on the coast, and local ZOU Proximité buses link towns cheaply. Car-free is possible on the coast with regional buses and trains, but inland, public transport is limited, and most locals drive. Free beaches, Sentier du Littoral walks, and short Esterel hikes keep activity costs low.
For comfort, set €200 to €400+ per day. That covers boutique hotels or upscale coastal stays, Michelin-listed restaurants, Saint Tropez beach clubs with reserved loungers, and private tastings at estates such as Château de Berne. We often buy wine directly from small producers like Château du Rouet, Domaine de Canta Rainette, Château de Cabran, Château Paquette, or Domaine des Cabries. If you want a splurge day, yachts and skippered boats are easy to arrange in season.
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Local Tips and Money-Saving Advice for Visiting Var
Use the ZOU weekly pass for trains and buses along the coast in summer. It keeps transfers cheap between hubs like Nice, Saint-Raphaël Valescure, Toulon, and Hyères.
Stay inland and visit the coast by day. Bases like Cotignac, Tourtour, or my area in Pays de Fayence mean lower rates, easier parking, and quick drives to the sea.
Time markets smartly. Go early for the best produce or close to closing for discounts. Night markets on the seafront often sell imported kitsch. For authenticity, try the annual Marché d’Antan in Bagnols-en-Forêt and put the biannual Fête du Pain in Fayence on your list.
Buy directly from local producers. Many domaines offer Côtes de Provence Var tastings and sell en vrac wine at friendly prices. Stock up on olive oil, honey, and cheese at the stall, then picnic.
Watch seasonal alerts. In the Gorges du Verdon, officials close access during high fire risk. Along the coast, apps and panels flag jellyfish days. Check before you drive, and you will be fine.
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Featured Travel Guides from the Var
I’ve shared many of my favorite places right here at home in Var 83 on The Travel Bunny. From practical tips for the Hyères islands and the Sentier du Littoral to cultural stops like the Thoronet Abbey, plus wine tastings and family-friendly beaches, these guides give you an insider’s look at daily life and travel across the department. Explore my favorite Var stories below and plan your trip with local knowledge
Planning a weekend in Carcès in the Var? This charming Provence Verte village blends history, nature, and local life. Walk the medieval streets to see murals, fountains, and the Église Sainte‑Marguerite, then climb to the Château de Carcès ruins for sweeping views. Hike the shaded trail to the Cascades de Caramy or extend your walk to the tranquil Lac de Carcès or Lac de Sainte-Suzanne, a favorite fishing spot. Don’t miss the lively Saturday market, dinner at a local restaurant, or a visit to the Abbaye du Thoronet, one of Provence’s famous Cistercian abbeys. Carcès is an authentic destination for a relaxing, culture‑rich escape.
Thinking about moving to a small village in the South of France? Before you pack up and chase the dream, read this honest guide to what life in a French village really looks like. I share the real costs, the slow pace, the beauty, and the challenges of building a life far from cities. From buying property and budgeting as an expat to learning village etiquette and dealing with isolation, this guide covers what no one tells you. Living in a small village in Provence is rewarding, but it demands more patience, resilience, and work than you might expect.
Welcome to Bagnols-en-Forêt! Tucked away in the heart of the Pays de Fayence, this charming little village has become my home and a personal haven — a place where time slows down, and every street whispers a story. Our love affair with Bagnols-en-Forêt began long before we made it our permanent residence. Mathieu and his family had been drawn to this idyllic corner of France for their summer vacations for years. The allure of its rich history, captivating landscapes, and warm Provençal charm kept them coming back year after year. Little did I know that this village would also capture …
