Landscapes of the Var
Looking for fresh air, movement and wonder? Open your eyes wide, take a deep breath and you’re in the Var. With your partner, family or friends, discover the landscapes and natural parks that make the Var one of the most beautiful departments in France.
The Var and its landscapes, a land of contrasts
The breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, oak and pine forests, lakes and rivers, wine-growing plains, coastal paths, nature parks... The Var is an immense playground where everyone, at their own pace, can find something to satisfy their desire for the great outdoors. With 300 days of sunshine a year, you can enjoy the landscapes of the Var all year round.
The Var has a wealth of geological features, giving it a wide variety of landscapes and different faces, with sublime panoramas.
An environment of rare quality
Unspoilt landscapes
Discover an incredible wealth of flora and fauna and authentic landscapes. For several decades, local players have been keen to preserve the identity of their region and share it with visitors. Preserving nature and landscapes, but also cultural heritage, human values, and so on.
The Var is one of the departments with the largest number of protected areas and nature parks: Port-Cros National Park, Verdon Regional Nature Park, Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park, Conservatoire du Littoral, Pelagos Sanctuary, National Nature Reserve, etc
There are also other exceptional natural areas, such as the Espaces Naturels Sensibles, protected and managed by local stakeholders. The Var is proud to be the 2nd largest owner of natural areas in France! All these protected and enhanced natural areas give the Var some magnificent and unique landscapes.
Lakes and rivers
To the north, the fabulous Gorges du Verdon, Lake Sainte-Croix and the Lower Gorges du Verdon. Turquoise waters and breathtaking panoramas in an exceptional wilderness setting. Sublime landscapes in the Var. To discover the site: canoe, pedalo, electric boat, guided tour.
The Argens runs through the centre of the department, from west to east, before emptying into the sea at Fréjus. The 114km stretch of river offers totally different landscapes: the verdant Vallon Sourn, then the rapids at Les Arcs-sur-Argens or the red rocks of Roquebrune-sur-Argens and the finish at the sea at Fréjus..
To the east, Lake Saint-Cassien in the Pays de Fayence is a paradise for hikers, swimmers and anglers. The trees that reach down to the water give this place a wild aspect that is particularly popular with migratory birds.
The département also boasts a number of small lakes, rivers and streams, often refuges for birds and many species, such as the Lac des Escarcets in the middle of the Plaine des Maures, a National Nature Reserve.
Access to the Var forests in summer
Please note that from June to September, access to forest areas in the Var is regulated by prefectoral decree. A fire risk map is published every day (the day before at 7pm) and posted online. Make sure you consult it before setting off on your walk!
Discover the natural landscapes of the Var on a hike
There are a thousand and one ways to discover the Var on foot: the Maures Massif, the Estérel Massif, the Verdon Regional Nature Park... Whether you're looking for a sporty hike or a family outing, the Var invites you to explore its natural and cultural heritage: 800 kilometres of long-distance footpaths, several hundred kilometres of short-distance footpaths, and over 200 kilometres of coastal footpaths... there's noend to the number of ways you can walk and discover the Var countryside!
All year round, nature in the Var has something for everyone: pine trees, oaks, mimosas, red earth and vineyards....
Find out more about hiking in the Var
In the company of a specialist guide, (re)discover the natural environment of the Var in a whole new light. Different types of walks and themes are available to help you appreciate the diversity of the landscape.
Discover the landscapes of the Var
Discover the sites and activities
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