phone
+33 (0)4 94 66 30 97
email
tourisme dans le var nos incontournables
paca wave

Tourism in the Var: Our Must-See Attractions

The Var department stands out as France’s top destination for outdoor lodging. Our 180 member campgrounds reflect this excellence, offering a unique range of options—from “waterfront” sites along the coast to nature-filled resorts in the hinterland. Choosing a campground that is a member of the Federation in the Var (83) means opting for a facility committed to certified quality standards and rigorous safety measures.

The deeply indented coastline offers a multitude of views of the Mediterranean, from the reddish hues ofthe Estérel’s porphyry rocks to the indigo blue of the sea and panoramic views of the Hyères Islands. From Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer to Saint-Raphaël, family-friendly beaches, secluded coves, and hilltop villages come together to create an exceptional playground. The inland region, meanwhile, reveals an authentic and unspoiled Provence, dotted with vineyards, forested hills, and the spectacular Verdon Gorges. Whether you’re looking for the cool refreshment of a water park or the tranquility of a vineyard, the Var offers a diverse range of experiences!

For those who wish to extend their exploration beyond the department’s borders, the neighboring regions of Bouches-du-Rhône, Alpes-Maritimes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, and Vaucluse offer a natural extension into the heart of the South Region.

Our Campgrounds in the Var: One Region, Five Distinct Experiences

To help you plan your vacation, discover the Var through its iconic regions. Each region has its own unique character, allowing every traveler to find the perfect getaway. The FRHPA Région Sud campgrounds located in the Var offer a convenient starting point for exploring the department’s coastline,inland areas, vineyards, and forests. You’ll enjoy nature excursions, family-friendly beaches, charming villages, and relaxing moments at a campground with impeccable hospitality.

The Estérel right arrow 1
Provence d’Azur right arrow 1
Green Provence right arrow 1
The Verdon right arrow 1
Mediterranean Provence right arrow 1
Esterel Mountains: An Exceptional Playground
Cap Dramont, Estérel Mountains
Corniche d'Or Scenic Route
Golden Corniche
Lake Saint Cassien, Var
Lake Saint-Cassien

The Estérel and the Pays de Fayence: the Red Granite Coast

In the eastern part of the department, volcanic rocks plunge into the blue sea, creating striking contrasts. It’s a paradise for sports enthusiasts and lovers of untamed landscapes.

  • The Estérel Mountains: an exceptional playground for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing on its red cliffs.
  • Corniche d’Or: a scenic route connecting Saint-Raphaël to Cannes, dotted with hidden coves.
  • The Fayence Region: nine hilltop villages (Seillans, Mons, Tourrettes…) offering a rich variety of crafts and views of the sea.
  • Lake Saint-Cassien: a refreshing oasis for pedal boating, rowing, and fishing.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: The Coast, the Maures Mountains, and the Islands

The beating heart of the Var’s seaside tourism, blending legendary villages and protected natural areas.

  • Hyères and the Giens Peninsula: a world-famous spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
  • The Îles d’Or : The boat ride to Porquerolles takes 15 minutes from the Tour Fondue in Giens, while Port-Cros (a marine national park) can be reached from the port in downtown Hyères.
  • Saint-Tropez and the Gulf: from the glamour of the port of Saint-Tropez to the endless beaches stretching from Pampelonne to Ramatuelle.
  • The Maures Mountains: a forest of cork oaks and chestnut trees overlooking the coast, perfect for hiking.
Hyères and the Giens Peninsula
Giens Peninsula
Fondue Tower in Giens
Fondue Tower in Giens
Forest of Cork Oaks in the Massif des Maures
Maures Mountains
Thoronet Abbey
Thoronet Abbey
Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume
Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume
cotignac
Cotignac

Green Provence: The Heart of the Var Hinterland

Designated as a “Land of Art and History,” this region focuses on relaxation, agritourism, and cultural exploration.

  • Thoronet Abbey: a masterpiece of Cistercian art with unique acoustics.
  • Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume: its basilica, the third holiest site in Christendom, and the Sainte-Baume mountain range.
  • Cotignac and the Vallon des Carmes: a unique village at the foot of a tuff cliff dotted with troglodytic caves.
  • Argens Valley: peaceful canoe and kayak trips through lush natural surroundings.

The Verdon and the Haut-Var: Europe’s Grand Canyon

The gateway to the Southern Alps, where turquoise water winds its way between cliffs 700 meters high.

  • Verdon Gorges: a must-see destination for canyoning, rafting, and rock climbing.
  • Lake Sainte-Croix: an emerald-green body of water with developed beaches (Aiguines, Les Salles-sur-Verdon).
  • Aups: the capital of black truffles and the gateway to the Verdon Regional Nature Park.
  • Charming villages: Régusse and its mills, Châteaudouble perched on its rock.
Verdon Gorge: The Grand Canyon of Europe
Verdon Gorge
Developed beach at Lake Sainte-Croix
Lake Sainte-Croix
Aups, the capital of black truffles
Aups
Regusse and Its Mills
Windmills of Régusse
Bandol Vineyards
Toulon Military Port
Military Port in Toulon
Port-Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer
Port of Saint-Cyr-Sur-Mer
Paul Ricard Circuit
Paul Ricard Circuit

Mediterranean Provence: Between Vineyards and Calanques

To the west, the Var region boasts a maritime and wine-growing heritage of international renown.

  • Bandol Vineyards: AOC estates renowned for their full-bodied reds and rosés, overlooking the sea.
  • Toulon: its naval base, its famous Cours Lafayette market, and the cable car ride up Mont Faron.
  • Sanary and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer: authentic fishing ports and the vast Lecques Beach.
  • Paul Ricard Circuit: a major destination for motorsports enthusiasts in Le Castellet.

The landscapes on the outskirts of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Park, on the border with the Alpes-Maritimes department, or around Lake Saint-Cassien, offer a few hidden gems that will let you experience camping on the French Riviera in a whole new light! This summer, will you choose to enjoy the vast sandy beach at Ramatuelle, the wild coves of the Giens Peninsula, or explore the countless hidden corners of the hilltop villages in the hinterland? It’s the eternal dilemma of camping in the Var—a region that’s definitely worth visiting more than once!

un engagement fort pour des vacances sereines
prevention des risques naturels
ecolabel europeen

A Strong Commitment to a Stress-Free Vacation

paca wave

The strength of our Var campsites lies in their operational expertise. By joining the Federation, our managers gain access to state-of-the-art tools for preventing natural hazards (fire, weather), ensuring optimal responsiveness to keep vacationers safe. The Var is also a pioneer in ecotourism: many of our campsites have been awarded the European Ecolabel or Green Key certification, demonstrating our commitment to preserving the beauty of our Mediterranean landscapes.

Visit Saint-Tropez: The Region’s Icon of Glamour

A visit to Saint-Tropez includes the harbor, the 17th-century citadel, and the Ponche neighborhood. The Musée de l’Annonciade features major works of Fauvism. The narrow, historic streets lead to the beaches of Pampelonne, a jet-set hotspot just a few minutes from downtown. To explore the entire area, check out our page dedicated to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

Sunbathing on the beaches of Ramatuelle and Gassin

The beaches of Ramatuelle are known for their fine sand and beachfront establishments. In Gassin, more secluded coves line Cap Lardier. Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing are all easily enjoyed, with marked access points and supervised areas during the summer season.

Visit Saint-Tropez, the region's iconic glamour destination
Saint-Tropez
sunbathing on the beaches of Ramatuelle and Gassin
Ramatuelle Beach
Gigaro Beach, Cap Lardier
Gigaro Beach, Cap Lardier
paddleboarding in the Var
Water Activities in the Var
take the ferry to Porquerolles
Let’s head to Porquerolles Island
Notre Dame Beach, Porquerolles Island
Notre-Dame Beach, Porquerolles Island
Porquerolles, the largest of the Îles d'Or
The Island of Porquerolles

Take the ferry to Porquerolles: the largest of the Îles d’Or

From La Londe or La Londe-les-Maures, a ferry goes to Porquerolles in about fifteen minutes. Explore the island by bike, taking in the beaches of Argent, the Oustaoude-Diou calanques, and the trails of the national park. The central village is home to Fort Sainte-Agathe, shops, and bike rental services. Nearby, the charms of Mediterranean Provence invite you to continue exploring the Var coastline.

promenade le long de la plage hyeres
port de sainte maxime
golfe de saint tropez depuis gassin

A Walk Through Hyères, Sainte-Maxime, and the Hilltop Villages of the Var Luberon

paca wave

In Hyères, don’t miss the medieval old town and Villa Noailles. In Sainte-Maxime, head to the harbor and the Simon-Lorière promenade. In the Var hinterland, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Gassin, and Le Castellet invite you to explore their steep, narrow streets and enjoy unobstructed views of the Mediterranean.

stroll through Bandol
Bandol
Wine Tourism in Bandol
Vineyard in Bandol
Bandol waterfront
Bandol Beach

Stroll through Bandol and sample its wines!

Bandol combines wine tourism with a seaside setting. The harbor serves as the starting point for wine tastings at the AOC Bandol vineyards, renowned for their Mourvèdre-based reds. The coastal trail winds past coves and cliffs, just a short walk from the markets and outdoor cafes in the town center.

admirer les gorges du verdon le grand canyon d europe
route des cretes gorges du verdon
kayak gorges du verdon
escalade gorges du verdon

Marvel at the Verdon Gorge: Europe’s Grand Canyon

paca wave

In the Var department, the Gorges du Verdon can be explored from Aiguines or La Palud-sur-Verdon. The Route des Crêtes offers spectacular viewpoints. Kayaking, pedal boats, and hiking allow you to get up close to the limestone cliffs overlooking the Verdon, between the vast expanses of Lake Sainte-Croix and the steep-walled gorges. The Var department extends all the way to the Verdon Regional Nature Park, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking an active vacation filled with canyoning, kayaking, and rock climbing. To the west, the Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park offers hikers wooded trails, caves, and monasteries for a timeless getaway amid impressive rock formations and panoramic views at altitudes of over 1,000 meters. Camping in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region is thus characterized by the rapid transition between the sea and the mountains—a contrast that never fails to surprise and delight, as it’s such a pleasure to be able to switch up the scenery however you please!

Take in the breathtaking views along the coastal trail in the Var

The Var Coastal Trail is one of the most beautiful ways to explore the coast. From Saint-Cyr to Saint-Raphaël, it winds past fine-sand beaches, pebble coves, and rugged headlands (Cap Lardier, Cap Taillat). In Ramatuelle, it runs along Pampelonne. Between Le Pradet and Carqueiranne, it winds through cliffs and pine forests. The developed sections make it easy to access on foot from your campsites, with regular entry points from coastal parking lots, offering opportunities to take a dip in crystal-clear waters.

Coastal Trail in the Var
Cap Taillat
Pin de Galle Beach, Le Pradet
Pin de Galle Beach, Le Pradet
Carqueiranne
Carqueiranne
Head to the Esterel Mountains for spectacular scenery
Estérel Mountains
Theoule-sur-Mer
Théoule-sur-Mer
Bear Peak
Bear Peak

Head to the Estérel Massif for spectacular scenery

The Estérel mountain range, recognizable by its red rocks, stretches between Fréjus and Théoule-sur-Mer. Scenic roads, marked trails, and mountain bike trails allow you to explore mountain passes, ravines, and viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean. The Pic de l’Ours is one of the peaks that can be easily climbed. To explore this entire area from the coast, our page on the Estérel and the Cannes Gulf will provide you with all the information you need.

“

Discover
our campsites

frhpa logo google
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.