If the shores of the Mediterranean Sea are suitable for all kinds of sports such as water skiing, windsurfing or diving, they also have many cultural assets such as Cannes, the movie capital during the 10 days of Film Festival, Saint Tropez which has inspired so many painters who are now exhibited in the museum of the Annunciation or Antibes, famous for its jazz. Antibes (45 km) and Nice (60 km).
Nestled in a bay and surrounded by the glowing rocks of the Esterel mountains between Cap Dramont and La Baumette, Agay is a popular venue for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate its small harbor. Its sandy beaches are popular. No doubt you will be seduced by this pretty bay like the well known great authors as Albert Cohen who created his Belle du Seigneur and St Exupéry who says "Agay is a paradise where even the dust is fragrant."
World famous for its film festival, which every spring attracts famous film stars from all over the world on the shores of the French Riviera, Cannes is a popular resort since the 19th century. As a reminder of that time, several large hotels on the Croisette display their architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th century such as the Martinez with its Art Deco style. Cannes is also the port of departure to visit the islands of Lérins, just offshore and well worth a visit.
You can walk around the small lakes, where you can see some ducks in the season, and have a lunch break on the wood tables around the lakes, or playing bowls, and simply enjoy the fresh air of the Esterel.
Fréjus boasts a unique past as this city on the coast of the Var was already a port in Roman times. Frejus has conserved a rich and varied heritage that displays Roman remains, mansions of the 17th and 18th centuries as well as villas built in the 19th century when the French Riviera started its development.
Facing the Croisette in the Bay of Cannes, the Lerins Islands, consisting of Sainte Marguerite and Saint Honorat offer an exotic visit, just a short distance from the French Riviera coast. The island of Sainte Marguerite, where the Iron Mask was locked up is composed of a wooded area of 152 ha scattered with remains of the different civilizations that have succeeded while the island of St. Honorat is owned by the Cistercian monks who cultivate their own wine. The Abbey offers guided tours.
A Famous resort on the Var coast, Saint Raphael has five marinas. Needless to say that this is one of the top destinations for water sports, especially as this beautiful seaside resort has 42km of sandy beaches interspersed with coves and cliffs.
Carnoules Turtle Village is a unique educational and conservation center for turtle protection. It houses the scientific and conservation activities of the SOPTOM association. Discover with family this village of 2 hectares of nature opening to you to know everything about the tortoise of the Moors and more than 50 species of the whole world. Open every day from 9h to 19h. We recommend a morning visit to make the most of turtles that are more active as well as feeding at 10am except Wednesday.
A protected natural area of 20 ha, property of the Conservatoire du Littoral, at the foot of the Massif des Maures and facing the islands of Hyères. An invitation to travel through the Mediterranean landscapes of the world and landscapes with more arid or subtropical climate (no less than 11 regions of the world represented). Because the best memories are built as a family, the Domaine offers young and old to discover, in a fun way, ecological gardening and the different environments that make up this unique property in the region.
Nestled in the Provençal countryside, in the Maures Mountains, this medieval village, famous for its chestnuts, presents a traditional heritage. Its exceptional location in the heart of rolling hills covered with oak and chestnut trees makes it a starting point for hiking and walks in the Maures Mountains. Discover the Plateau Lambert, the abbey of Destéou or Chartreuse Verne.
A small traditional port famous for its painters and its international jet-set, Saint-Tropez is the world's most famous and certainly the most prestigious fishing village. Beside Saint-Tropez, other cities in the Gulf like Ramatuelle, Port-Grimaud or Cogolin are home to sandy beaches and winding cobbled streets in exceptional settings at the foot of the Maures Mountains.
Clinging to the side of a hill, the charming town of Ramatuelle shelters behind its ramparts old buildings covered with pink tiles. Its hilltop location offers a sumptuous panorama of the bay of Pampelonne, its fine sandy beach and its wild coves where it is pleasant to come and isolate yourself. Ramatuelle has a vibrant cultural life with jazz and theatre festivals.
The lakes of the Verdon are among the most popular and frequented places, especially in summer. And for good reason, they offer the possibility of swimming but also of doing many nautical and aquatic activities.
• The Lac de Ste Croix: the largest and best known, the water temperature is mild and swimming is always pleasant.
• Lac de Castillon: nestled in an emerald water setting north of Castellane, you will mainly find whitewater nautical activities (rafting, canyoning, kayaking, etc.)
• Lake Esparron: the wildest with its creeks and cliffs
• The Lake of Quinson: at the gates of the lower Baudinard gorges certainly the least known but just as charming as its peers
• Lac de Chaudanne: located in the town of Castellane, it is very embedded in the Gorges and offers clear turquoise waters and green shores. Warning !! swimming and nautical activities prohibited !!
A gigantic 700-meter deep gorge carved by water and time in the limestone of the platforms of the Provence. The Gorges du Verdon are one of the main tourist sites in the Var, France and even Europe. This unique and spectacular natural wonder can be discovered from the heights by following the ledge road that offers sublime and breathtaking views. Or follow the bed of the river and canoe down the aquamarine waters of these magnificent Gorges in the Verdon.
Few places have seen so many stars as the Croisette in Cannes. Made by the world famous Cannes Film Festival, this long three kilometers walk bordering the Mediterranean has emerged in the mid 1800s to meet the demand of wealthy holiday makers who spent the winter on the French Riviera. From that time, the Croisette has retained its prestigious hotels with splendid views overlooking the beach in Cannes.
The Maures Massif, with its 150,000 hectares covered with cork trees, oaks and chestnut trees, remains the largest forest area in the Var. It must be said that between Hyères and Fréjus, it covers almost a quarter of the department. Its varied landscape provides the perfect setting for hiking, biking or horse riding. From its peaks, stunning views of the Var coast and the golden islands facing the peninsula of Giens can be enjoyed.
This Frejus district has a long history. The Romans stayed here more than 2000 years ago. At the foot of the Maures massif, this popular seaside resort boasts a charming setting bathed in the scents of pine trees and mimosa. Its coastline is dotted with coves that are home to beautiful golden beaches.
This nature base named after Francois Leotard is situated in the district of Port Fréjus and covers a vast natural area by the sea. The area covers 135 hectares of which 85 hectares are classed and protected offering a delight for nature and outdoor lovers. The remaining 50 hectares are dedicated to sport activities including a long beach of 1500 meters with a beach volleyball court, a bowling alley and a roller skate and skateboard park, etc.
Visits The town of Grasse is of great importance in the world of perfume. The world capital of perfume houses a museum about perfume and counts prestigious perfume houses in typical mansions welcoming you to find out all about the making of perfume. Also stroll around in the typical alleyways of the centre and discover the great number of craftsmen shops.
A beautiful seaside resort, Port Grimaud was designed by the architect François Spoerry. Enjoy a walk along the canals or cross the many bridges that lead to the fishermen's houses of many colors that give the city a charm of its own. You can also discover the city from the canals during a boat ride.
Make use of your stay to stroll around the marina of Saint-Tropez, located at just 15 minutes driving from the campsite. Saint-Tropez is one of the most visited marinas of the Var. Subject to the time of year; you’ll appreciate the yachts or splendid sailing boats and enjoy one of the sunny terraces of the bars and restaurants edging the marina. The town centre houses the museum of naval history, a great culture site. You’ll also find a great number of shops. Discover the famous Gendarmerie of Saint-Tropez (now a museum of Gendarmerie and film). Not far from there, the Place des Lices boasts a market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. The fish market takes place every morning, at the entrance of the old harbour, near the shops. You can take a small ferry to admire the Canoubiers bay and its famous villas (like La Madrague).
Cavalaire sets in the most southern bay of the Var coast and is known for its 3 km long beach stretching at the foot of the Pradels massif. Hikers can choose to ramble on the Cap de Lardier or the Cap de Cavalaire. The town centre beach counts numerous kids’ clubs in the summer, as well as restaurants and private beaches. Pardigon beach is more unspoiled and well appreciated as it is construction-free and set in a preserved environment.
On the Gulf of Saint Tropez, Sainte-Maxime is a popular destination for holidaymakers staying in the Var. The town became a renowned resort in the late 19th century from which the city has retained a unique architecture which is very prominent in its casino building. It is nice to discover the charms of the city by walking along its narrow streets or in the alleys of the covered market.
Visit the Domaine du Clos des Roses and taste its top-of-the-range rosés in this exceptional location, perfectly in tune with the new era of wine tourism. Nestling in the heart of the little Estérel niche, the 36-hectare estate benefits from the influence of the sea and is one of the few in France where vineyards are grown on volcanic soil. 8 different grape varieties are grown: syrah, grenache, consault, mourvèdre and rolle for the Côtes-de-Provence appellation.