The Verdon and Port-Cros National Park

Gems to discover out of season

To make the most of these unspoilt natural sites, it's best to avoid the summer crowds. Spring is a great time to explore, when nature wakes up. Whether it's the grand canyon of Verdon and the lake of Sainte-Croix, or the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros, it's a real chance to stroll along the paths, pedal, paddle or trot through this exceptional environment, with the feeling of being (almost) alone in the world. Unique sites in France, for your eyes only!

The Var offers a wide range of outdoor activities, so you can make the most of the mild spring weather. Come and watch nature awaken, and enjoy the fabulous scenery that our beautiful department has to offer!

To find out more

Balade à cheval autour des Gorges du Verdon

Must-see sites and monuments

Some places are not to be missed. They tell you a story, ancient or modern, about the lives of men and women, beliefs and adventures. Among the sites that shape the Var, visit :

  • Le Thoronet Abbey, a Cistercian wonder,
  • The Chartreuse de la Verne, sparkling in the heart of the Maures massif,
  • The Basilica of Saint-Maximin, the 3rd tomb of Christianity and the largest Gothic building in Provence,
  • La Celle Abbey, a remarkable example of Provençal Romanesque art,
  • The Villa Noailles, a jewel of modern architecture from the 1920s, telling a fascinating story, and now an Art Centre,
  • The Fréjus Episcopal Group, comprising a cathedral, a 5th-century baptistery, a former episcopal palace and a cloister.

The Var offers many cultural outings during the spring. The off-season is the ideal time to discover monuments and heritage sites!

Discover these sites

Chartreuse de la Verne

Guided nature walks and outings

For the curious, the passionate, the wanderlust, young and old alike, there are a large number of accompanied nature outings on offer all year round. Spring is a particularly pleasant time of year for nature outings. A specialist guide will be on hand to help you discover the life of the flora and fauna, human occupations, the secret life of animals, the garrigue, the sand, migratory birds and much more! Some walks are specially designed for children.

Balade Nature Commentée Estérel dans le Var

Crafts, arts and crafts, and company visits

Artisans d'Art. They are ceramists, jewellery designers, cabinet makers, santon makers... Selected for their expertise, they invite you to take part in guided tours, workshops or courses.

More widely, soap-makers, olive growers, nougat-makers, reed producers... they open their doors to you for a guided tour, a moment of sharing and exchange. Whether you're discovering a new world or indulging your passion, these visits are a unique opportunity to meet craftspeople keen to share their expertise.

Spring is the ideal time to discover the riches of the Var and take full advantage of all the activities, far from the hustle and bustle of summer.

Création de santons

Visiting the villages of the Var in spring

The Var offers a host of magnificent villages, which you can visit at any time of year. But spring is the ideal time to enjoy your holiday and the beauty of the department, without all the summer tourists. You can enjoy the terraces, parks and gardens, thanks to the mild temperatures and blue skies here!

Discover the most beautiful villages in the Var

Le Var au printemps

Going further...

Our Spring selection

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