The May bank holidays are looming and your desire for a beautiful getaway is just around the corner? Or are you treating yourself to this long weekend for a summer holiday? Or perhaps you have a few days left this winter and want to enjoy the southern sun? Whatever the reason, any occasion is a good one to enjoy a few days near Bandol or Hyères, on the heights of Saint-Baume or the hilltop villages, on the Golden Islands or in the heart of the Provençal scrubland. To help you organize this short stay, here are 3 ideas that will answer the question "Where to spend 3 days in the Var?". Enjoy!
⚡️ Express navigation:
- The marine route : the islands of Embiez, Porquerolles and Port-Cros.
- The backcountry route : Beausset, Signes and Evenos.
- The “I want it all” route : Bandol, the hilltop villages and the Gros Cerveau.
1. The sea route
Let's get straight to the point. Who says Yes says Mediterranean and necessarily says the island pearls of our coasts…That's why, for your long weekend, we suggest you visit not one island, or even two, but three, all within a few kilometers of each other.
Day 1: Embiez Island
On the first day, board the shuttle from the port of Brusc to Six-Fours-les-Plages, towards the island of Embiez. Charming island of 95 hectares, this one aims to be an ode to nature. In any case, this was the wish of its late owner, the one to whom we owe the local aniseed drink and the Castellet circuit, Mr. Paul Ricard. Yes, because this island, along with that of Bendor, belonged to him and still belongs to his family. On site, a small village welcomes you all year round for basic necessities, namely a mini-market, a few souvenir shops, a hotel, and restaurants.
But the interest of the Embiez is quite different: an island classified as Natura 2000, a protected azure lagoon, hidden coves with crystal-clear waters, and even an oceanographic museum to learn more about marine life. A busy day ahead, one you'll love!
Day 2: Porquerolles Island
For this second day, say bye bye to Paul Ricard and hello to the Golden Islands of Hyères. Today, it's on an island as splendid as it is immense that we invite you to meet: PorquerollesSome, both locals and holidaymakers, describe it as marvelous, enchanting, exotic, in short, a gem! It must be said that one of its beaches, Notre-Dame, has even been named Most Beautiful Beach in Europe in 2015. A damn good argument that proves the charm of the place.
On site, you will find a village where you can restore, bike rental companies that will be very useful to you to go around the island, a art foundation which offers highly entertaining exhibitions, vineyards, sandy beaches, pebble coves... In short, Provençal and Mediterranean culture combined on a piece of land of 1250 hectares, in a simply heavenly setting.
Day 3: Port-Cros Island
On this last day of exploring the surrounding area, head for the wild Port-Cros. This island is our favorite. Not for its amenities. Not for its sandy beaches. But for its frank and authentic nature. Port-Cros is a protected natural park, both on land and underwater. The result is a forest island where every corner contains a treasure to be discovered and where the seabed is rich and magnificent to observe.
A typical day could be likened to a first stop at La Palud beach to go snorkeling on the aquatic course. A lunch at one of the few terraces in the small port. And an afternoon, on the other side of the island, on one of the rocks overlooking the horizon, the towel placed on a soft bench of Posidonia and eyes hypnotized by the clarity of the water... We don't know about you, but we can already see ourselves there!
Practical information for the marine option
- 🏠 Where to sleep ? The best option would be to find accommodation near Hyères. Although you'll have a short drive on the first day to reach the port of Brusc (about 40 minutes), you'll be there to catch the boats that will take you to the other islands.
- 🚗 Where can I park? There are several parking lots located between the two Hyères embarkation points, so parking is quite easy. And as for Six-Fours-les-Plages, the port and the adjacent alleys also offer numerous spaces.
- 🛥️ The shuttle to Les Embiez : this one departs from the port of Brusc, in Six-Fours. Connections are offered all year round and approximately every hour. Count €18 for an adult ticket and €10 for the child version.
- 🏖️ The boat to Porquerolles : Departures guaranteed all year round from Tour Fondue (Giens peninsula in Hyères), with several schedules in summer. Price-wise, expect to pay between €17 and €24 for a return ticket depending on the season.
- ???? The boat to Port-Cros : Departure from the port of Hyères. Please note that unlike the other two islands, fewer shuttles are offered to this unspoiled island. The ticket will cost you €29, a price well worth it, believe us!
2. the backcountry route
You no longer want to discover Provençal culture and traditions rather than sunbathing? Then this might be the perfect getaway for you. Take advantage of your 3 days in the Var to explore the beauty of the region's hidden villages...
Day 1: Le Beausset and its old village
Your stay begins at BeaussetThis town, located about 20 minutes by road from Bandol, is considered the gateway to the massif of the Sainte-BaumeIn other words, behind the old stones of the city, hides a nature that just asks to be exploredIn Le Beausset, you can: stroll through the cobbled streets of the town center, enjoy the local producers' market or even (re)discover the Provençal way of life in the Departmental Ecomuseum of the 4 Brothers.
But what we recommend above all is a walk that will take you straight to the old village called " the Beausset-Vieux ". Located on top of a hill, once at the top, you will have a panoramic view of the surrounding area and the AOC Bandol vineyards. A marvel to see at least once during your stay, ideally at sunset for even more spectacular colors.
Day 2: Sign nougat
For this second day discovering the Provençal region, head towards signsA village located in the upper Var, which you will reach after about 20 minutes by car. The town itself is charming and the alleys are teeming with anecdotes. Remember to stop by the local tourist office to pick up some valuable information.
Your visit, however, has a completely different purpose: the nougat. Because, imagine that Signes is the regional capital of this delicacy. And it is at the Confiserie Fouque let the magic happen. Here, you can not only visit the workshop, but also, and above all, leave with sweet treats handmade with local ingredients, filled with love.
Day 3: Evenos Castle
On this last day among us, we wished tell you about a village that is still too little known. evenos is not really what you would call a tourist destination, and yet, this town of just over 2 inhabitants has plenty to attract its visitors...
Negro, or "Old Evenos", is the old town center of the village. Where the nobility resided, where the surroundings were observed to watch for invaders, where the homes were the most beautiful... Today, the charm of yesteryear still endures. Strolling through these narrow, cobbled streets is like taking a trip back in time. At the top, the castle ruins and a 360° view of the surrounding towns await you. A gem where time seems to stand still, allowing you to better contemplate it…
???? Good to know : on May 8, the town organizes a big festival around the local flower, the peonyDirect sales from producers and events are planned each year in Sainte-Anne d'Evenos, the main hamlet of the village.
Practical information for the backcountry option
- 🏠 Where to sleep ? Stay in one of the gîtes or B&Bs in Le Beausset. Numerous options are available, including some nestled deep in the Provençal scrubland. Perfect for unwinding and fully enjoying these three days in the backcountry.
- 🚗 Where can I park? Whether in Le Beausset, Signes, or Evenos, believe us, you'll have no trouble finding a parking space. As we told you, we're not in one of the overly touristy villages here. So you won't suffer from the coastal crowds. One of the many benefits of this option, by the way...
3. the “I want it all” route
If your heart can't decide between the coast and the hinterland, between the Mediterranean and Provence, don't panic, we have your rare pearl. This is the whole advantage of choosing the Var for your getaway of a few days in this territory on a human scale. And here is the program that awaits you…
Day 1: Bandol and its coastal pleasures
This is not to be chauvinistic, but in all impartiality (yes, yes) Bandol is the perfect place to start your stay. Okay, so maybe we're a little corrupted by our love for this city, our city. But who better to tell you about it?
By spending this first day in Bandol, you will have the pleasure of being able to benefit from both the beach and our famous wine appellation… Your day could begin, for example, with breakfast on the sunny terrace of a café, followed by a visit to the small market held every morning on the Town Hall Square. Then, head to the must-do stroll in Bandol, the coastal path. 12 km of coastline to cover, strewn with coves where you can stop for a swim and spectacular landscapes of ochre cliffs and the blue of the sea. All of this, to finish on the side of Bandol wine cellar, located at the end of the port to bring back a few carefully selected bottles in your luggage... Not bad, right?
Day 2: the hilltop villages of La Cadière and Le Castellet
After enjoying the beach and the coastline of Bandol, head to the hilltop villages of the Var located about fifteen minutes away by car. Start this second day in La Cadière d'Azur. This typical Provençal village, perched on its hill, is a living postcard. Colorful alleys, terraces shaded by plane trees and views over fields of vines and olive trees. Here, your main activity will therefore be to enjoy this authentic setting and go visit the House of Terroir and HeritageThis establishment hosts exhibitions of local artists all year round and offers workshops to learn more about the Provençal traditions of our region...
For the rest, you won't go far. Direction Le Castellet, the village perched on the neighboring hill. The latter has the particularity of being an ancient medieval city still in its original state. You will enter through the original stone gates and walk along the cobbled streets as in the time of the knights. Today, this village has become the landmark of local creators who open the doors of their shop and workshop to you. During your walk, you will undoubtedly come across a splendid church that we strongly recommend you visit as well as breathtaking viewpoints, including one called " Madam's hole » which is worth the detour.
Day 3: The Big Brain Massif
This last day will be that of nature! And it is at the Gros Cerveau massif, at Sanary-sur-Mer, that we invite you for an immersive hike. Start your journey on the side of Garden of Olives (5 minutes by car from the port of Bandol) and carefully follow the red and blue lines. At the bottom of the hill, you will be able to see a map offering you two trails : one of about 3 hours of walking and the other of a little over 6 hours. No matter which one you choose, in any case, the landscapes and the disconnection will be present.
As you gain height, your horizon will clear onto the seaFrom up there, you can observe both the bay of Bandol and that of Sanary, with even glimpses as far as the Bec de l'Aigle in La Ciotat. Moreover, for your picnic break, choose a spot with one of these panoramic views... On your way, you will come across all kinds of local vegetations, from wildflowers to typical trees and even a little wildlife. The massif is known for being home to free-roaming goats, so don't be surprised if you come across one of these horned beasts...
👟 Good to know : a page dedicated to this Gros Cerveau massif is available on our site by clicking right here.
Practical information for the “I want it all!” option
- 🏠 Where to sleep ? The easiest is to stay in BandolYou will have the opportunity to enjoy the sea, local shops and the gentle way of life that the city offers, while being less than 20 minutes' drive from the various points of interest.
- 🚗 Where can I park? The port of Bandol is teeming with parking lots accessible all year round. The hilltop villages offer parking lots below that will allow you to better admire the landscape on the way up. As for the Gros Cerveau massif, you can easily park along the road, near the ZOA park or the Garden of Olives, to begin your walk.
🌞 Whether you are looking for an island escape, an immersion in Provençal culture or a getaway combining land and sea, the Var is the ideal destination where to enjoy a beautiful long weekend. We hope that these 3 itineraries will have made you want to come and discover our region which attracts many visitors every year… And if you pass by our region during your next vacation, don't hesitate to come and say hello at the Bandol Tourist Office! Our tourist agents, in addition to welcoming you with a smile, will certainly have plenty of good activity ideas for you... See you soon!
