Lakes and rivers of Le Var

These lakes are strictly off-limits to bathing, but you can still enjoy hiking or fishing.

From the Val to Carcès

To the north-east of Brignoles, in Carcès, lies the Lac de Sainte-Suzanne, known as the Lac de Carcès after the name of the village. This 100-hectare lake offers a landscape that changes with the seasons.

Whether you're cycling, horse-riding or walking, the trails offer a wide range of routes to suit all abilities. You can stop off in the village, for example, or head north of the lake to admire the Caramy waterfalls.

Further west is the village of Vins sur Caramy and its lake. The lake is popular with locals and families alike, not least for the colour of its water.

Revest-les-Eaux: a lake in the Monts Toulonnais

Located less than 20 minutes from Toulon city centre, this artificial lake was created in the early 20th century. It is also known as the Revest dam or Dardennes lake. You can enjoy the tranquillity of the place and the greenery by walking around or fishing in the lake.

In the heart of the Esterel: Lake Saint Cassien

Close to the Estérel massif, this lake is distinguished by its Y shape and wooded landscape. It is crossed by the large Pré Claou bridge, on the way to the communes of Montauroux and Tanneron.

The Fondurane biological reserve lies to the east of the lake. It is home to a rich and varied flora and fauna. Many birds can be seen all year round along its banks. A walk in this biotope is always a unique experience!

Roquebrune-sur-Argens: the red rocks of Lac Perrin

Recognisable by its imposing rock with hints of red reflected in its waters, surrounded by reeds, Lac Perrin offers natural shelter for birds. European bee-eaters and grey herons can be spotted here.

The lake is ideal for swimming, and a watersports centre offers a range of water sports.

The Var has other smaller lakes, but they are just as green and ideal for hiking.

• Lac des Escarcets in the heart of the Plaine des Maures, a national nature reserve
• Lac de Besse, inside the village of Besse-sur-Issole
• Or the Lac de l'Avellan near Fréjus

The Argens, a 116km-long river, rises at Seillons-Source-d'Argens and flows through a large part of the Var to the sea at Fréjus. The river flows through around twenty villages in the Var, and there are a number of bathing facilities.

The landscapes are varied and changing all along the way: hills, cliffs, reed beds... Unspoilt nature and exceptional flora and fauna (turtles, birds, etc.)

In the middle of the Verdon Regional Nature Park winds the Verdon, a small river that has created Europe's most beautiful canyon! Spectacular scenery surrounds this emerald green river. The Verdon flows through a number of small villages and communes, offering plenty of places to relax and swim .

You can also admire the Nartuby: a charming river with several waterfalls flowing through Draguignan, Trans en Provence and La Motte before emptying into the Argens. In 2021 Trans-en-Provence has installed a Himalayan footbridge over the Nartuby gorges! This unusual suspension bridge offers an astonishing experience above the water.

For another walk, we recommend the Aille waterfalls in the commune of Vidauban, in the Plaine des Maures nature reserve. There are many other rivers and streams in the Var department to discover, including the Issole, the Gapeau, the Bresque, the Caramy and the Siagne..

Along the Artuby, you'll enjoy some of the Var 's most unexpected pre-alpine landscapes. There are many pretty villages to discover, right up to where the river meets the Verdon. This is where you'll find the Artuby bridge, the highest in Europe, from which thrill-seekers can go bungee jumping.