Unmissable sightseeing and tourist spots in the Var
The Var region is full of charming villages, beautiful natural surroundings and a fascinating history. Its many tourist sites are a must-see during your camping holiday in Saint-Raphaël in the Esterel Côte d’Azur region! Here are 12 must-see sights in the area!
The Bay of Agay
The bay of Agay stretches its limpid waters at the foot of the Esterel mountains. A family destination par excellence, there are three beautiful gently sloping sandy beaches: Lido, Agay and Baumette. There's no shortage of water activities including paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, towed buoys, boat rental…
Saint Raphaël
Less than a few minutes from Esterel Caravaning, Saint-Raphaël has been a resort town since the 19th century. From the old quarter with great markets and tastefully restaurants in Saint-Raphaël, to the Belle-Epoque villas, passing by its many ports and sandy beaches, Saint-Raphaël is one of the flagship seaside resorts of the French Riviera.
The Esterel Mountains
With its flamboyant red rocks punctuated with dazzling green vegetation against the azure blue sky, the Esterel mountains offer one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Mediterranean. Bordering the sea, the Esterel stretches its volcanic mountains over 32,000 hectares. It, therefore, offers an extraordinary playground for hikers or relaxing family walks.
The Coastal Path (Corniche d'Or)
From Saint-Raphaël to Cannes, the Corniche d´Or (a road that runs along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea) is a real eye-catcher. Enveloped in a picturesque blue & red setting, it is undoubtedly the most beautiful road in France, both by car and by bike. Do not forget to stop to admire the panoramic views, immortalize them by photographing them or bathe in one of the many coves that line the route.
Thoronet Abbey
Located just over 50 km from Saint-Raphaël, the Thoronet Abbey is a Cistercian abbey classified as a historic monument. It dates from the 12th century and is one of the 3 Cistercian abbeys in Provence. Visiting this exceptional Romanesque architectural example allows visitors to discover what life is like for the monks, which has remained fairly unchanged since the Middle Ages.
The Episcopal Group of Fréjus
Another fascinating religious monument in the Var, the episcopal group of Fréjus has 4 major monuments: a cathedral, a baptistery, a cloister and an episcopal palace which now houses the Fréjus Town Hall. To visit is to take an exciting plunge into our beloved region's past.
Saint-Tropez
This small town by the Mediterranean Sea has attracted celebrities and jet-setters from all over the world who have come to party here since the 1950s. But Saint-Tropez deserves more than this image of a seaside resort for affluent holidaymakers and has many other hidden gems, such as its historic citadel and its plentiful relaxing beaches all within arm's reach.
The most beautiful villages of the Var
The Var has 4 villages classified among the most beautiful villages in France. Built on a hillside, Seillans represents the typical Provencal village, with its vaulted landscapes and cobbled streets. Tourtour is a pretty hilltop village with stone houses. Located above the hills of Saint-Tropez, Gassin offers magnificent views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Massif des Maures. As for Bargème, it is the highest village in the Var, complete with an iconic medieval heritage site.
The "Plaine des Maures"
The "Plaine des Maures" is a nature reserve located north of the Maures Mountains. It is endowed with a rich biodiversity that requires protection. Several animal and plant species thrive there, whether they are rare species of birds or wild orchids. The nature reserve can be visited on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback, in particular around the Lac des Escarcets.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
Bormes-Les-Mimosas is a charming little medieval town built into the hillside, offering breathtaking views of the French Riviera coast. Stroll through its winding alleys and small squares full of flowers.
The Hyères Islands
Also known as the Îles d'Or, Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Île du Levant, they form an idyllic archipelago less than a few minutes by boat from Hyères. There is turquoise water to explore with mask and snorkel, beautiful sandy beaches where you can sunbathe and pine forests hiding small secret coves. If you only visit one, know that Port-Cros is the most adventurous...
The Verdon Gorges
Straddling the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Verdon gorges come together to form the largest canyon in Europe. In addition to having some of the most impressive landscapes in France, the Verdon Regional Natural Park offers plenty of sporting activities for the whole family.
You also have the possibility of continuing your visits by exploring the many towns and villages of Provence and the Alpes Maritimes, and discovering great events in the Var all of which are only an hour or two drive from the 5-star Esterel Caravaning campsite such as Cannes, Nice, Monaco …