Here, vineyards rub shoulders with artists, heritage enters into dialogue with nature, and autumn reveals itself subtly as a privileged season for fully appreciating the riches of this land. The gentle calm that follows summer is answered by a golden light that magnifies the hilltop villages, vineyards and estates where time seems to stand still.
Wine tourism: an art in the open air
Estates where art enters into dialogue with the vine
In the Var, working with the vine goes beyond production and tasting. It becomes an aesthetic experience, a living work of art in which the vineyard landscape meets contemporary creation. In Flassans-sur-Issole, the Commanderie de Peyrassol — a historic estate founded by the Knights Templar — is home to an exceptional open-air art collection, inviting visitors on a walk where each work enters into conversation with the surrounding vineyard landscape.
In Rians, the Château Vignelaure surprises its visitors with a contemporary art gallery set at the very heart of its cellars. Here, tasting and contemplation merge into a unique sensory experience, where modern works by renowned artists echo the aromatic subtleties of exceptional wines.
Unusual wine tourism experiences
Those in search of singular experiences will find unexpected discoveries in our vineyards. In Bandol, for instance, the Domaine de la Ray Jane offers a unique ecomuseum tracing the history of Provençal viticulture with passion and authenticity, drawing connections between age-old traditions and the contemporary challenges of environmental preservation.
Near Le Cannet-des-Maures, at Château Saint Roux, wine tourism takes the form of a fully sustainable ecosystem: an organic kitchen garden, artisan cheese dairy, educational farm, charming hotel and gourmet table together offer total immersion in a committed and authentic art de vivre. This estate is a unique place — a temple of understated, refined elegance, and equally a haven of tranquillity for guests of all ages.
Finally, in La Londe-les-Maures, winemaker cruises invite guests to savour an exceptional rosé out at sea, during an unforgettable sunset facing the Îles d'Or, where understated luxury reveals itself in the simplicity of a shared moment.
The Var art de vivre
"Tasting and contemplation merge into a unique sensory experience"
The Var, the world's foremost rosé wine region, is reinventing the wine tourism experience by bringing together art, nature and gastronomy.
Agritourism: culture and craftsmanship
From field to table, meeting the producers
When autumn dresses the Var in its warm colours, meeting local producers becomes a truly special experience. In Vidauban, the Château d'Astros opens its orchards to visitors for a convivial and indulgent apple-picking session, revealing an authentic and family-oriented side of the Var's agricultural heritage. The Château d'Astros is more than a wine estate — it is a privileged setting where guided walks invite visitors to discover its historical, cultural and natural heritage.
Le Castel de Fies in Solliès-Pont offers an intimate exploration of its fig orchards, followed by a stay in its charming accommodation, extending the experience of a terroir rich in flavours and traditions.
At the Domaine Barretian in Villecroze, olive oil, characterful wines and a warm welcome combine to offer a complete agritourism experience, beautifully illustrating the Var's harmonious blend of high-quality produce and authentic, elegant hospitality.
While agritourism in the Var might be considered the close cousin of wine tourism, its offering is rich and wide-ranging, providing unique experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the heart of Var craftsmanship and hospitality.
Agritourism in action in the Var
Agritourism is fully embedded in a responsible approach, exemplified by the rural tourism label Bienvenue à la Ferme, among others. Member farmers open their farms to the public, offering direct sales, catering, accommodation and leisure activities. The Vignobles & Découvertes label is also a recognised quality mark, focused primarily on wine estates that offer complementary activities. Here, the values of sustainability, authenticity and quality are ever-present. The Var is thus becoming a model of environmentally responsible tourism, championing local craftsmanship and committed producers.
Culture in the Var: an eclectic and vibrant scene
Iconic venues, between architecture and exceptional programming
No conversation about local culture would be complete without mentioning the art that has made it its own. The Var's cultural life unfolds across exceptional venues, blending architectural heritage with innovative programming. In Hyères, the Villa Noailles — which celebrated the 40th anniversary of its prestigious International Festival of Fashion, Photography and Accessories in 2025 — is an unmissable global event.
Châteauvallon, the national stage of Ollioules, is a major figure on the Var's cultural scene. This landmark venue is also marking a significant anniversary this year: 60 years of eclectic and visionary programming that places the art of physical expression centre stage.
On the island of Porquerolles, the Villa Carmignac presents each year a bold and sensitive contemporary art exhibition, integrated with elegance into the island's natural setting (please note: the villa closes its doors in early November until the following April). On a more intimate note, in Seillans, the Maison Waldberg unveils the works of Max Ernst and Dorothy Tanning, the enfants terribles of the Surrealist movement.
The Var: a destination to explore differently
Visiting the Var in autumn means embracing a different pace, far from the summer crowds. It means fully appreciating a unique art de vivre, among vineyards, cultural walks and authentic human encounters.
Every corner of the Var shines culturally, with festivals, art galleries, performances and literary events taking place in villages and towns along the coast as much as at the heart of our beautiful département.
