In short
Are you setting up your tent or mobile home in a campsite in the Var region and wondering what to do beyond the beach? That's the right question!
Camping activities in the Var are much broader than you might imagine: water sports, hiking, hilltop villages, lively markets… The department offers an impressive range of activities to suit all tastes.
Whether you are with family, as a couple or with friends, this article guides you through the best options according to your location, budget and the weather.
Objective: to fully enjoy your stay without wasting time searching!
Water sports activities to do in the Var
Beaches, paddleboarding and kayaking on the Var coastline
The Var coastline stretches over 280 kilometers of coast, making it one of the richest nautical playgrounds in the Mediterranean.
From a campsite by the sea, water sports in the Var region during the summer are accessible in a few minutes on foot or by bike.
Paddleboarding and kayaking are the main activities, and many beaches offer half-day rentals.
Popular spots include the Giens peninsula, the beaches of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, and the calanques around La Ciotat on the Var side.
activities in the Var region along the seafront allow you to explore coves inaccessible on foot, which completely changes the experience.
Sea kayaking allows you to go further, and by leaving early in the morning, before the influx of motorboats, the sea is calm and the light is splendid.
Feedback from the field shows that early morning kayaking trips remain among the most memorable experiences of holidaymakers in the Var region.
For campsites near Hyères or Bormes-les-Mimosas, some sites also offer kitesurfing and windsurfing.
To discover the most beautiful beaches in the south of France accessible from these areas, the diversity of the Var region is unparalleled!
Reserve your paddleboard or kayak equipment as soon as you arrive at the campsite. In high season, stock runs out quickly from 9am.
Scuba diving in the Var region during the summer
The Var is one of the most renowned diving destinations in France.
The Port-Cros National Park, which is entirely protected, is home to exceptional marine biodiversity: groupers, brown meagre, and classified Posidonia seagrass meadows.
According to the Port-Cros National Park, the seabed there is among the best preserved in the western Mediterranean, and the local diving clubs welcome both beginners (baptisms from 8 years old) and certified divers looking for wrecks or vertical walls.
Scuba diving in the Var region can be done from Hyères, Le Lavandou, or Cavalaire. Allow at least half a day, and book your trip in advance during July and August.
Boat trips to the Golden Islands
The Îles d'Or — Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant — are accessible by shuttle from Hyères, La Tour-Fondue or Le Lavandou. It's one of the day trips to take from your campsite most iconic
Porquerolles, with its white sand beaches and cycle paths, is ideally visited in a full day.
Port-Cros is better suited to hiking and diving. Crossings last between 15 minutes and 1 hour depending on the departure point.
In July and August, boats to Porquerolles are fully booked by 8:30 am. Buy your tickets online the day before or leave from La Tour-Fondue very early in the morning.
Hiking and nature around the campsites of the Var
The Estérel Massif: Walks and Red Landscapes
The Estérel massif, on the border of the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments, impresses at first glance. Its blood-red volcanic rocks contrast with the deep blue of the sea.
It is an exceptional playground for hiking and walks in the Var region and for fully enjoying nature.
The summit of Pic de l'Ours (496 m) remains the most popular climb. The panoramic view of the coast justifies the effort. For beginners, the coastal paths between Agay and Saint-Raphaël offer lovely, less strenuous alternatives.
If you then wish to progress in the mountains, discovering how to start trail running in the Alps can give you a good foundation for physical preparation.
The trails are marked but you must respect the summer restrictions in case of high fire risk: some access points are closed in July-August depending on the level of vigilance.
The Var coastal path to explore on foot
The Var coastal path runs along the coast for dozens of kilometers, sometimes at the edge of cliffs, sometimes overlooking deserted coves. It's one of the most accessible walks from a seaside campsite.
It doesn't require any special equipment, just good shoes and plenty of water. Between Le Lavandou and Cavalaire-sur-Mer, this trail crosses protected natural areas where the dense Mediterranean vegetation creates a unique atmosphere.
Set off early to avoid the heat and enjoy the first few kilometers in complete silence, before the influx of hikers. Local tourism professionals recommend starting before 8 a.m. in the height of summer!
The Verdon Gorge on the Var side during the day
The Verdon Gorge, often associated with the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is also accessible from the Var side. Lake Sainte-Croix marks the border and can be reached from campsites in northern Var in less than an hour.
Exploring the Var region on holiday inevitably involves this day trip. Pedal boats and kayaks can be rented directly on the lake's shores. For hikers, the Martel trail runs along the canyon for 14 kilometers of vertiginous cliffs.
Pack a picnic: the restaurants around the lake are expensive and crowded, and leaving the day before or early in the morning from your campsite in the Var region will save you hours of parking.
Family and children's activities in the Var
Treetop adventure parks and leisure centers in the Var region
often Children's camping activities in the Var region begin with tree climbing, as several parks are spread throughout the department: around Fréjus, in the forests of the Estérel or near Toulon.
The courses are graded by level, allowing children as young as 3 to participate safely!
Leisure centers complement the offerings: archery, zip lines, junior via ferrata, and guided mountain biking. Some campsites integrate these activities directly into their on-site entertainment, sometimes with an adjoining water park.
For families looking for a full day out, combining tree climbing in the morning and swimming in the afternoon works very well.
of activities to do in the Var region with the family There is certainly no shortage
Opt for a family package in treetop adventure parks: often 20 to 30% cheaper than individual entries, and valid for the day.
Provençal markets and lively villages to visit
Provençal markets are part of the identity of the Var, and Cotignac, Ramatuelle, Grimaud or Bormes-les-Mimosas bring their streets to life several times a week in summer.
For leisure activities around campsites in the Var region, this is an easy, free and colourful outing.
Children love the fruit stalls, fresh juices and local artisans working in front of them, and it's also an opportunity to fill the campsite fridge with local products: goat cheeses, tapenade, lavender honey, melons from the Var.
Some villages organize specific activities for families: street performances, pottery workshops, wildlife discovery outings.
Check with the local tourist office as soon as you arrive!
Water activities suitable for children
Beyond the beaches, several spots in the Var region are perfectly suited for the youngest children, such as the sheltered coves around Six-Fours-les-Plages or the shallow water beaches of the island of Porquerolles, which allow for safe swimming even with toddlers.
Nautical centers offer introductory sailing, surfing or paddleboarding lessons for children from 6 years old; in addition, some facilities welcome groups for group sessions, which is cheaper than private lessons.
To travel with your family with peace of mind, it is best to plan ahead for activities that accept young children and check the minimum age requirements before booking.
This avoids any unpleasant surprises on site!
Cultural visits not to be missed in the Var
Discover the hilltop villages of the Var
The Var region boasts some of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Provence. Grimaud, Bargème, Tourtour, Cotignac, and Entrecasteaux are well worth half a day's visit.
These villages, perched on their rocky spurs, dazzle with exceptional panoramas over the hills and plains of Provence.
The visit is self-guided in most cases, making it a day trip from your campsite in the Var region rather economical
The cobbled streets, fountains and lively markets create an authentic atmosphere that large coastal cities no longer have.
Some villages, like Bargème, the highest in the Var at 1097 meters, can be visited in a few hours and easily fit into a backcountry type circuit.
Thoronet Abbey and Provençal Heritage
Thoronet Abbey is one of the best-preserved Romanesque monuments in France. Founded in the 12th century by the Cistercians, it impresses with its complete simplicity and remarkable acoustics, and sacred music concerts are held there every summer.
The Provençal heritage of the Var region is not limited to beaches. The village of Les Arcs-sur-Argens, the castle of Taradeau, and the Roman archaeological sites around Fréjus show another facet of the territory, often ignored by holidaymakers in a hurry to reach the sea.
Expect to pay around 7 to 9 euros per adult for entry to Le Thoronet. Plan a morning visit to take advantage of the light and avoid the intense heat in the cloister during the summer months.
Local markets and festivals during the summer season
The Var summer is punctuated by village festivals, Saint John's bonfires, water jousting and votive festivals.
These free events are often announced at the last minute: remember to check the notice board at your campsite or the local tourist office.
The night markets of Sanary-sur-Mer, Saint-Tropez or Collobrières create a particularly festive atmosphere, and for families, it is a simple, friendly evening with no entrance fee.
Cultural visits in the Var region can easily be integrated into a holiday schedule: a morning in the village, an afternoon at the beach, an evening at the market.
The Var has more than 520 municipalities and encompasses landscapes ranging from the Mediterranean coast to the first foothills of the Alps — a rare diversity for a single French department!
Adapt your activities according to the campsite's location
Seaside campsites: what to do nearby?
A campsite in Hyères, a Flower Camping in the Var on the seafront or a tent pitch facing the Golden Islands: proximity to the coast radically changes the available options.
From these locations, nature activities by the sea follow one another naturally!
The beach, seaside cycling, early morning paddleboarding, boat trips, and the port's fish restaurants: everything is within easy reach. Cultural outings take place in the evening or on the rare cloudy days.
The only drawback is the summer crowds. Campsites by the sea, especially between Hyères and Saint-Tropez, often find themselves surrounded by heavy traffic from mid-July onwards.
Campsites in the hinterland or near lakes
The campsites in the Haut-Var region, near the lakes of Sainte-Croix, Carcès, and Argens, offer a very different experience. Peace and quiet reign supreme, and activities are centered around nature: swimming in the lake, canoeing, hiking, and cycling on forest roads.
Leisure activities around the campsites in the Var hinterland also include visits to medieval villages, farmers' markets, and local farm inns. The pace is slower, and there are no crowds.
For families with young children, a calm lake is often better than a crowded beach!
Family tourism experts regularly point out that the Var hinterland is underestimated by holidaymakers who too quickly choose the seaside.
Day trips from your campsite in the Var region
Regardless of the location of your campsite, day trips enrich your stay.
From the coast, the Îles d'Or or the Verdon gorges make for excellent full-day excursions.
From the hinterland, a descent towards the sea or an excursion to Aix-en-Provence (accessible in 1 hour from some campsites in the Var) offer a variety of pleasures.
| Location of the campsite | Recommended outings | Estimated duration |
|---|---|---|
| Seaside (Hyères, Cavalaire) | Golden Islands, coastal kayaking, Bormes market | Full day |
| Central Var (Brignoles, Lorgues) | Thoronet Abbey, hilltop villages, Carcès Lake | Half-day to full day |
| North Var (Aups, Montmeyan) | Verdon Gorge, Lake Sainte-Croix | Full day |
| Estérel (Fréjus, Agay) | Estérel hike, Antheor beach, Saint-Raphaël | Half-day to full day |
Some practical tips for enjoying the Var region while camping
Seasonality and summer crowds: how to organize?
July and August represent the peak tourist season in the Var. The beaches are overcrowded by 10am, and the coastal roads are blocked by 9am.
What to do while camping in the Var when everything is crowded? The answer often depends on the departure time.
Tourism experts in the Var region recommend scheduling the most popular activities (beach, market, boat trip) before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Outside of these times, the Var regains its charm.
Last-minute campsites in the Var region remain available in the hinterland even in the middle of August, unlike campsites on the coast which are often fully booked as early as May.
So, if you plan to travel without advance booking, choose a campsite in the Var that is not too expensive and located inland.
In June or September, the Var region is almost as beautiful as in August, much less expensive, and far more pleasant. The sea is warm from the end of June (24-26°C).
Book your activities in advance in the Var
For water sports (diving, boat trips, sailboat rentals), online booking is essential when planning your trip. For example, some diving clubs are fully booked 15 days in advance during peak season.
Adventure parks and electric bike rentals can also be booked online, and early-booking rates are often lower.
Booking your activities in advance in the Var is not a constraint: it is a way to secure the best experiences and to put all the chances on your side to enjoy them to the fullest.
However, some activities remain spontaneous by nature: markets, hikes, village visits. No need for a reservation, just good timing!
What to do around your campsite in case of rain?
Rain is rare in the Var region during the summer, but not impossible! Late afternoon thunderstorms can be surprising in August, but rest assured, in these cases, there are plenty of alternatives.
For example, you could do one of these fairly sheltered activities such as:
- A visit to Thoronet Abbey or the Draguignan Museum of Art and Archaeology
- Wine tasting at a vineyard in the Var region (Côtes-de-Provence rosé)
- A movie screening in Hyères or Toulon
- A visit to the medieval covered village of Cotignac
- A pottery or Provençal cooking workshop is available in some accommodations or local associations
Rainy days are also perfect for exploring the backroads by car, stopping in an unknown village and eating in a local inn without a reservation.
- The Var region is extremely diverse: sea, nature, heritage
- Water sports activities are accessible from most coastal campsites
- Numerous free activities (beaches, hiking, markets)
- A quiet and accessible hinterland, even in August
- Day trips can easily be arranged from any campsite
- Large crowds on the coast in July-August
- Some water sports activities fill up very quickly without a reservation
- Coastal roads jammed in the middle of a summer day
- High prices in busy tourist areas
- Access to certain mountain ranges is closed in case of fire risk
🎯 Are you an expert on activities to do while camping in the Var?
5 questions to check what you have learned before preparing your stay in the Var region.
1. What water sport activity is particularly associated with the calanques and coves of the Var coastline?
2. Which natural massif in the Var region is renowned for its hiking trails and cork oak forest landscapes?
3. What unmissable cultural visit can be made from a campsite located near Fréjus?
4. What family activity is ideal for children from a campsite located in the Var hinterland?
5. For a campsite located near Saint-Tropez, which outdoor activity is particularly recommended?
Practical questions
What are the best activities to do while camping in the Var region with children?
The most suitable activities for families with children in the Var region are treetop adventure courses, leisure centers, water sports (paddleboarding, sailing from age 6), and Provençal markets. The sheltered beaches of Porquerolles or Six-Fours are ideal for toddlers thanks to their calm, shallow waters.
How to avoid crowds on the beaches and water sports activities in the Var region during the summer?
The best strategy is to leave early: before 9 a.m. for beaches and water sports rentals, and before 8 a.m. for boats to the Îles d'Or. Outside of July and August, the beaches of the Var are much more accessible. The inland areas and lakes remain peaceful even in peak season.
Is it possible to go hiking in the Estérel massif from a campsite in the Var?
Yes, campsites near Fréjus, Agay, or Saint-Raphaël offer access to the Estérel mountains in under 20 minutes. The trails are marked and suitable for all levels. However, be aware that some access points are closed in summer due to a high fire risk. Check the conditions before you set off.
What is the best time to discover the Var region by camping?
June and September are the best times: the sea is warm, campsites are less crowded, and prices are lower. July and August remain essential for families with school-aged children, but require more careful planning and advance bookings.
How much does a boat trip to the Îles d'Or from the Var region cost?
The round-trip fare to Porquerolles from La Tour-Fondue is generally between €20 and €25 per adult, with reduced fares for children. For Port-Cros from Le Lavandou, expect to pay around €30 to €35. Prices vary depending on the ferry company and the season; book online to get the best deals.
