LANDSCAPE: The Var is a large department nestled between the Bouches du Rhône and the Cote d'Azur regions. The Var has beautiful landscapes with both mountains and sea, and a sunny Mediterranean climate to provide tourists with an exceptional place to visit. The Haut Var department has old villages perched high in the mountains, which are ideal for quiet cool summer holidays. The Gorges du Verdon is known as the "Colorado of Provence" and provides exceptional views and hiking in the spectacular canyons. The interior of the Var is formed by hills, valleys, plantations and pine forests. Because of its very sunny climate, the agricultural production of the Var is varied and plentiful with over 90,000 acres of vineyards operated by 450 different vintners. The Var is also the region that produces the most flowers in France.

The Var boasts 300 km of shoreline on the Mediterranean Sea. Beautiful sandy beaches, wild cliffs plunging into the sea, and the balmy islands (lles d'Hyères & Porquerolles) are delightful discoveries. There are several well known beach resorts including St. Tropez, St. Raphael, Ste. Maxime, Bandol, le Lavandou, St. Cyr. Marina towns of Port-Grimaud and Cogolin are worth a detour. The coast around Toulon is blessed with sheltered harbours and long sweeping expanses of almost vertical cliffs, punctuated only by some of France's finest beaches. Ancient villages rise on the edge of majestic gorges and the scent of parasol pines, wild thyme and lavender fill the air. Here in the mediterranean playground of France, you should expect the spectacular!

PRIME ATTRACTIONS: The Royal Basilica in Saint Maximin. Roman heritage in Fréjus, including the arena, ancient theatre and aqueduct. The cistercian abbey at Thoronet. The views of the golden island at Gassin, near St. Tropez. The Golden Islands, Port Cros Natural park and the unique protected underwater path. Villages of character: Aups, Bargemon, Cotignac. Cadiere d'Azur, Mons, le Castelet.

ACTIVITIES: Hiking in the Gorges du Verdon. Wine tasting. Beach sports and pleasure boating. Soaking up the sun and sand on the beaches. Strolling through villages and markets. There are vast forests where one can discover truffles or mushrooms and sometimes even wild boars! And for those who prefer the water, fishing, canoeing or swimming the many lakes, rivers and waterfalls should satisfy.

CLIMATE: Mediterranean climate with lots of sunshine. Mild winters, hot summers, balmy spring and fall.