The Var is one of those French departments that immediately rhyme with "holidays," "sun," and "landscapes." Between the sublime Mediterranean, the lush green mountains, and the charm of the inland villages, there's plenty to tempt you! But where should you go for your getaways in the south? What's the most beautiful part of the Var? What if we told you that the sea, nature, and Provençal towns are all within a few kilometers of each other... Would you believe us? Discover our Provence Sud Sainte Baume region, of which Bandol is proudly a part!
First of all, time for introductions.
We've barely arrived at our article and we're already dumping a crazy amount of information on you! First of all, " South Provence Sainte Baume ", where does it come from?
Well, guess what, it's a destination. A grouping of no fewer than 9 municipalities Varoises who have decided to join forces to enhance their land. Saint-Cyr-sur-mer, Bandol, Sanary-sur-mer, Evenos, Le Beausset, Le Castellet, La Cadière d'Azur, Signes and Riboux, all these villages come together for the most beautiful stay. A kind of blissful marriage that allows you to enjoy all the treasures that the department has to offer. All gathered on an area that can be covered in less than 30 minutes by road, from the Bandol coast to the Signy countryside.
Because you see, Provence Sud Sainte Baume is a concentrate of the Var. A place where the beauty of the Mediterranean, the majesty of the mountains and the charm of the hinterland come together... Well, aren't these the three local attractions we were talking about earlier?
The Mediterranean within swimming distance
When it comes to water sports, three neighboring towns are there to satisfy all your desires.
You want to stroll through incredible coastal landscapes A path where the azure water of the sea, the ochre of the cliffs and the green of the umbrella pines immerse you in a life-size postcard? Head for coastal path which leaves from the port of Bandol to take you straight to Saint-Cyr-sur-mer.
Hiking is fine for 5 minutes, what you want are thrills, is that it? In this case, the Lecques beach at Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer will be your Garden of Eden. An incredible kitesurfing spot and waves that enter the bay in winter for unmissable surf sessions... is the place to be" as they say.
No, you, what you need is to Epicureanism, gluttony, gastronomy, in short, you are a fine gourmet and a passionate cook. In this case, direction the fish market de Sanary-sur-Mer. It's in the port of this small coastal town that the local fishermen gather from Tuesday to Saturday. Here, there's no farmed salmon or rectangular cod, only fresh, lively, and local. Sea bream, sea bream, red mullet, sole, and even lobster—the artisans of the sea offer you their finds fresh from the water.
Finally, if you have rather desire to relax, the beaches of these three seaside towns, whether sandy or pebbly, will fill your little heart with salty sunshine!
Heading for the hilltop villages of the hinterland!
Second attractive asset of the Var that you will find less than 20 minutes drive from Bandol, the Provençal hinterland. And I can tell you that in this part, lovers of beautiful stones and local traditions will be DELIGHTED.
![La Cadière d'Azur Village perché du Var]()
La Cadière d'Azur ![La Cadière d'Azur Village perché du Var]()
La Cadière d'Azur
For a direct, non-stop flight to a typical Provençal village, say hello to La Cadière d'AzurThis town perched on its rocky peak is visible from the road thanks to its church which sits proudly at the summit. Strolling around La Cadière is a breath of fresh air straight from the most beautiful films of Marcel PagnolNarrow, cobbled streets, colorful townhouses, cafes with terraces shaded by plane trees, views of the surrounding vineyards... A waking dream.
Want to go back in time? Take the road towards the village opposite, Le Castellet. A medieval city still intact that seems to have come straight out of an old swashbuckling tale. Here, time has stood still to better admire the old buildings and the 180°C panoramas of the horizon. The ideal place to enjoy an ice cream while strolling and enjoy the works of art by the local creators who have taken over the place.
The time travel continues to Evenos, a lesser-known town, but just as charming. This village is made up of several hamlets, including one called Nèbre. This is actually Vieil-Évenos, the old town center where the ruins of his castle still stand todayAt the summit, in addition to the medieval atmosphere, breathtaking views stretching as far as Toulon can be admired...
Finally, the last treasure of the Bandol hinterland and not the least, that of the BeaussetThis one has the advantage of combining old-world architectural charm and modern natural splendors. Two things are absolutely worth seeing: Beausset-Vieux and the Departmental Ecomuseum of the 4 BrothersThe first consists of a delicate old chapel and its spectacular panorama of the AOC Bandol vineyards. The second is a Provençal farmhouse renovated by the region to allow as many people as possible to discover the surrounding nature, local traditions and the Provençal art of living.
Outdoor getaway
In addition to the sea and the hinterland, the Provence Sud Sainte Baume destination has one last asset that makes us say again and again that it is a concentration of the Var all by itself: the countryside and the Provençal massifs. And these two assets are found in Signes and Riboux, less than 30 minutes drive from Bandol.
signs is a small lost town between the Sainte-Baume massif and the Siou-Blanc plateau. While strolling through its city center and visiting the Fouque confectionery (an emblematic house of the region, well known for its nougat) are very good activity ideas, the interest we want to show you is completely different. Signes is a wonderful local paragliding spotIts surrounding hills, which keep company with its green plains, make it a superb starting and finishing point for unforgettable flights, appreciated by all the pilots in the area.
Riboux, the smallest village in Yes With only around fifty inhabitants, it impresses with the size of its spaces. Endless countryside for endless family bike rides. A hike for seasoned walkers that joins the famous chapel of Saint-Pilon and its breathtaking view. Its Provençal scrubland which flourishes in spring and smells of thyme and rosemary in summer... Without hesitation one of the prettiest places du Sainte-Baume massif.
What is the most beautiful part of the Var?
After all this, what do you think is the most beautiful part of the Var? For us, it's of course Bandol and its surroundingsA concentration of Var wonders with the sea, the land and Provençal culture, all brought together in a circle 30 km in diameter. What set down your suitcases on the coast Bandol and explore the surrounding area in complete relaxation. Honestly, what more could you ask for for a successful vacation?
So, to not miss the opportunity to experience the Var on a human scale, Book now your next stay with us:
