South Provence

Well, where to start with the Var? This area of Provence is probably the most popular for tourism thanks to it's wealth of natural beauty, ease of access and famous hilltop villages.

Despite its Mediterranean climate, the Var is very green thanks to run-off water from the French Alps to the north that feeds its rivers. Much of the region is forested (55%) and the natural beauty throughout is a massive draw for the visitor. In the north lies the Gorge du Verdon, which is often referred to as France's Grand Canyon and is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The rural heartland is home to many historic cathedrals and abbeys, as well as huge swathes of land devoted to vineyards. Here you will find many pretty medieval villages such as Tourtour, Cotignac & Villecroze. And to the south lie the coastal towns of St Tropez in the east and Toulon in the west. Also along the coast lies the wonderful red rocks of the Esterel mountain range, and of course, plenty of golden sandy beaches.