Why not take a tour of one of France’s most beautiful departments? Discover the most beautiful villages in the Var.
Do you enjoy sunshine 360 days a year, ideal temperatures all year round, or the song of the cicadas? Are you familiar with the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azurregion? Here, you’re sure to fall under the spell of the southern way of life, with its atypical, typically Provencal villages.
The landscapes along the Mediterranean coast reveal a deep blue water, which can also oscillate with a lagoon blue. So many nuggets to discover in the South of France that we present here, along with the most beautiful villages in the Var.
1. Porquerolles
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Eric Valenne geostory
Welcome to one of the many magical places on earth. The island of Porquerolles is one of the Golden Islands of Hyères. It’s the largest of the three islands, stretching 7 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide.
It’s also the most visited island, with its sumptuous beaches, hiking and mountain-biking trails, charming villages, unspoilt nature and many places of interest.
We recommend visiting Porquerolles in the off-season, just after the summer season, to avoid the crowds. You’ll discover a calm and unspoilt Var landscape like nowhere else.
2. Forcalqueiret
Photo credit: flickr – Eric Allix Rogers
Here, we leave the Var’s famous seaside behind and head further inland, towards the green Provence. The village of Forcalqueiret lies on a green plain, surrounded by other typical villages such as Garéoult, Rocbaron and Sainte-Anastasie-sur-Issole.
The village sits in the Issole valley, dominated by the imposing 13th-century château perched 130 meters above sea level.
3. La Cadière d’Azur
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Max Ddos
How can you fail to fall under the spell of one of the most beautiful villages in the Var? This medieval village overlooks the Bandol vineyards, famous for their rosé. The old streets and beautiful facades are a real postcard.
You’ll conquer this village for its rich historical heritage and to see the many craftsmen and shopkeepers in the village. The village’s elevated position means you can see Mont Sainte-Victoire, only 39 kilometers away. A real « coup de coeur » worth discovering.
4. Belgentier
Photo credit : flickr – Sylvain Gamel
Another Var village to discover. Located in the Gapeau valley, it enjoys much appreciated shade in summer. It’s an ideal holiday destination for nature lovers. In fact, it’s set in a green setting where hikers love to stroll.
You’ll pass through the village center, between narrow streets and a vaulted tunnel, discovering old houses. A village with character, just as we like it.
5. Le Castellet
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pack-Shot
If you want to discover the most beautiful villages in the Var, it’s impossible not to visit Le Castellet. It’s one of the Var’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why. A superb little feudal village perched on a hill, its picturesque character is universally appreciated.
The village’s alleyways are home to artisans of all kinds, to delight the eye and make meaningful souvenir purchases. There are also plenty of places to eat, with terraces offering panoramic views, ice creams and local craft beers.
It was also the setting for Marcel Pagnol‘s film The Baker’s Wife. It’s also a favorite spot for motorcyclists, with the Castellet circuit just a few kilometers from the village.
6. Bormes les Mimosas
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marina VN
The heritage of this village in the Var department is listed as one of France’s most beautiful sites. Dating back to the 12th century, it’s a must-see for all lovers of old stones and history. It’s also famous for Fort de Brégançon, which has been the official residence of French presidents since 1968.
People also come to Bormes to stroll the streets of the Provencal specialty markets and bask on the sandy beaches. You can also take the wine route, passing through the vineyards of the famous Côtes de Provence appellation.
7. Gassin
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Smartviewphoto.ch
We’re in one of France’s most beautiful villages. The Golf de Saint-Tropez is famous for its many picturesque villages and towns. Some will tell you about Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle or La Croix-Valmer, the most famous and visited in the area.
The village of Gassin is perched at an altitude of two hundred meters. Its flower-filled alleyways can be visited on foot. It’s the quintessential Var village.
8. Cotignac
photo credit: Shutterstock – Photix
We’re back in green Provence. This is one of the most beautiful villages in the Haut Var not to be missed. Ideally situated between the Mediterranean Sea, the famous Gorges du Verdon and Mont Sainte Victoire.
Being far from the Var coast, you’re also far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. Here, you’ll appreciate the vegetation, the wide-open spaces, the vineyards, olive groves and rivers.
Visit the village of Cotignac and discover its chic boutiques and troglodyte dwellings.
9. Tourtour
Photo credit: Shutterstock – AsiaTravel
Another jewel of the Var. Right in the heart of green Provence, it’s ideally situated between the Côte d’Azur and the Verdon gorges. Enjoy this village of character at an altitude of 630 metres, with an exceptional panorama. It’s aptly nicknamed « Provence’s village in the sky ».
The old stone houses, the fountains in the village center, the vaulted passageways amidst the narrow flower-filled squares are all reminiscent of the paraphernalia expected of Provencal villages. Take advantage of the calm and freshness of these places, a little off the beaten track from the hustle and bustle of the Var’s seaside villages.
10. Sillans-la-Cascade
Photo credit: Facebook – SILLANS LA CASCADE
If we tell you it’s in the Var, will you believe us? A little gem in the Var, Sillans-la-Cascade lies on the edge of the Verdon nature park, just twenty minutes from Lac de Sainte-Croix.
The Var village is particularly renowned for its 40-metre-high waterfall, creating a turquoise lagoon. A magical setting. Visits to the village also include the Château de Castellane and the Church of Saint-Étienne.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Var