10 ideas for activities to keep cool this summer in Provence Sud Sainte Baume

🥶 Your frosty menu: 

1. Paddleboarding at sunrise in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer
2. Explore the seabed while snorkeling in Sanary-sur-Mer
3. Diving in crystal clear waters in Bandol
4. Stroll through the shaded alleyways of old Evenos, in Nèbre
5. Enjoy a refreshing and gourmet visit to the cellars of La Cadière d'Azur
6. Discover local crafts and the shaded streets of Le Castellet
7. Find peace and coolness at the chapel of Le Beausset-Vieux
8. Explore the coolness of the Latay Gorges in Signes
9. Recharge your batteries surrounded by nature in the Sainte-Baume massif in Riboux
10. Enjoy the cool spots

Early in the morning, when the streets are still asleep and the air carries just a hint of the aroma of warm bread from the bakery around the corner, the Mediterranean Sea at Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer offers a rare sight. Calm as a mirror, like a " calm sea ," as they say here, it waits for the first swimmers. You know, those clever ones who have figured out that the best time of day to enjoy the water without the scorching sun is in the morning.

At this time of day, the heat hasn't yet won the battle. That's whena paddleboarding outing becomes a moment suspended, timeless. You are there, on your board, surrounded by calm. You glide silently along the creeks that pass before you. You come across a fisherman returning from his night's catch. A feeling of absolute freshness washes over you. A feeling that only a sunrise on the water can offer.

👉 Our tip: for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, several clubs in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer offer paddleboard and other watercraft rentals early in the morning. So be sure to check out the town's service providers.

🥶 Fresh tip: come early, very early. In summer, the sea is best enjoyed from 7 a.m. That's when it's at its most beautiful, coolest, and least crowded! With families and vacationers still asleep, it's the perfect opportunity, so make the most of it.

✅ For more water activities, visit the dedicated page:

Boating

You don't need a diving team or a PADI certification to discover what lies beneath the surface. In Sanary-sur-Mer, a mask and snorkel are all you need to dive into a blue, silent, and delightfully cool world. And it's near the famous Portissol beach is where it all happens. 

Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the surface in an unusual way. Weighed down at the bottom of the water, panels guide you and provide information about the flora and fauna you see before your eyes. This is the bay's underwater trail. What is this strange aquatic plant? What is the name of this fish with a black spot at the base of its tail? All these questions will be answered beneath the surface.

A simple, almost meditative activity to enjoy with family or friends. Children will love following the schools of fish, while older visitors can enjoy a long swim away from the hot sand.

👉 Our tip: If you feel like it, guided underwater tours are organized throughout the summer for an accompanied and explained underwater trail. The first one leaves at 9:30 a.m. from the beach. To find out more about this activity, visit the Sanary-sur-Mer tourist office website.

🥶 Cool tip: wear a light shirt or T-shirt over your swimsuit to avoid sunburn. Yes, even if you're in the sea, your back will be exposed and the sun's rays love this situation at the water's surface. Sunburn from your mask and snorkel, believe me, will keep you warm all night long.

✅ Discovering also means becoming aware of the beauty of local flora and fauna. If you want to learn more about our environment and, above all, protect your favorite vacation spot, follow the guide:

Eco-friendly habits on vacation

When the heat wave sets in, there's nothing like dive beneath the surface to find real refreshment. In Bandol, the seabed offers a fascinating spectacle, with Posidonia seagrass beds, rocks sheltering pretty sea urchins, and colorful fish of all kinds. In fact, if you are a beginner and want to try this ideal activity for combating the heat, we highly recommend taking your first dive in this Mediterranean town. 

The favorite spot for local schools: Île Rousse. A piece of land visible from the coast, which is off-limits to pedestrians because it is protected due to the large number of local birds that have made it their nesting ground. And it is precisely this respect and preservation of the area that makes this islet an aquatic paradise. Here, the marine fauna and flora are not disturbed by hordes of swimmers. So you will have plenty of time, accompanied by an instructor, to take your first steps underwater.

The perfect opportunity to admire the endemic species of the area and, above all, to escape the oppressive heat of the terrestrial world!

👉 Our tip: although you will be sheltered from the sun a few meters below the surface, this will not be the case during the boat trip to the dive site. So remember to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself on board.

🥶 Cool tip: While most of the activities we suggest in this article are best enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon, this one is recommended during the hottest parts of the day. Even though the sea will be a little warmer, it will still be more pleasant than the summer heat on the beach... So plan your outing for the afternoon!

✅ For more information about diving in Bandol, visit the tourist office website:

Bandol Tourism

Nèbre, the old village ofEvenos, is a real haven of coolness when the sun beats down a little too hard on the coast. Its cobbled streets and thick, stone houses, thick and cool, create a soothing and shady atmosphere, almost timeless.

Strolling through this labyrinth of old houses, you can feel the weight of centuries while enjoyinga microclimate that is milder than the surrounding plains. The rustic charm of the fountains, shaded squares, and old walls covered with Virginia creeper invites you to slow down, breathe, and above all, enjoy this refreshing stopover during your vacation.

As you wander around, you will find benches inviting you to take a break from the heat. Time will seem to slow down, like a little trip back in time to Provence of yesteryear, far from the summer heat and the crowds of August vacationers.

👉 Our tip: before setting off to explore this piece of local heritage, check out our interview with Raymonde Hugonnier, our Provençal ambassador, who reveals all the secrets of this ancient village and its castle.

🥶 Tip for staying cool: visit in the middle of the day, when the light gently illuminates the rocks without burning the plants that, like you, are trying to survive the heatwave!

✅ Do you love beautiful stones and Southern architecture? Then we have a tourist route that you're sure to enjoy...

Culture and heritage

Is the weather forecast predicting a heatwave? The vaulted cellars of La Cadière d'Azur will be your unexpected refuge for the day! Here, in the cool, silent darkness of the wine estates, oak barrels wait patiently for the wine to mature, sheltered from light and prying eyes. 

During the summer, the vineyards offer numerous tours to tell you the story of their land, their agriculture, and their lives. And a visit to a vineyard inevitably means a tasting. So, in addition to enjoying a break from the heat and meeting local people who will leave a lasting impression, you will also have the opportunity to savoring some of the finest wines* in the appellation. Whether you prefer elegant whites, reds that embody the region, or festive rosés, your grape desires will be satisfied.

A great activity idea for all the foodies reading this. A wonderful way to escape the heat while combining business with pleasure...

👉 Our tip: if you can't decide between several estates, the Maison des Vins de Bandol, located in the neighboring village of Le Castellet, can advise you on the one that best suits your expectations.

🥶 Freshness tip (or almost): while rosé and white wines are best enjoyed with a few ice cubes, red wine reveals all its subtleties at room temperature. Even if the mercury rises above 35°C in the shade, don't drown this nectar in ice-cold water... for pity's sake!

✅ Are you interested in local viticulture and would you like to learn more about the appellation that gives our bottles their prestige around the world? Click here:

AOC Bandol Wines

* Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.

The medieval town of Castellet is an architectural, creative, and historical gem that you absolutely must visit during your stay in Southern Provence Sainte Baume. With its cobbled streets, houses with colorful shutters, and fortress-like atmosphere, this village offers a truly shaded path that invites you to stroll.

Between the small shops and artists' studios, you can indulge in original discoveries far from the hustle and bustle. Sculpture, ceramics, candles... All the regional talents have gathered in this old market town to exhibit their art.

And that's not all. The shade of the plane trees on the main square, the terraces sheltered from the sun, the fountains that cool the atmosphere... Everything here encourages you to take your time, enjoy the calm and the unexpected coolness of the old buildings of the South.

👉 Our tip: Every summer, Le Castellet organizes its Nuits du Conte. These magical evenings bring curious visitors together in front of the old castle, now the town hall, to listen to stories in the moonlight.

🥶 Fresh tip: in addition to local designers, talented ice cream makers have their own shops in the village's narrow streets. And you can't say no to a homemade frozen treat made with local ingredients and flavors you won't find anywhere else (such as Tropézienne ice cream, for example...).

✅ This hilltop town offers numerous opportunities to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. And because we're super nice, we've gathered the best ones right here:

The 3 most beautiful views of Le Castellet

On the heights of the charming village of Beausset, the little Notre-Dame chapel has watched over the plain for centuries. Its secret? A delightfully cool atmosphere, protected by its thick walls and the natural shade of its wooded promontory. Inside, there is a collection of votive offerings that will delight enthusiasts. And just outside its doors, there is an orientation table with a 180° view of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.

The path leading to this sacred place winds between pine and holm oak trees, offering patches of shade and spectacular views here and there. Once at the top, you can enjoy the silence, the warm stone, and the air that circulates gently. Far from the hot asphalt, it is a discreet haven, perfect for a contemplative break.

👉 Our tip: A new hiking guide has just been published for this route. It is available to download by clicking here: " The Beausset-Vieux Loop ." 

🥶 Fresh tip: to make the most of this break, bring a good book or a sketchbook. You'll see, the place is perfect for simple, relaxing activities.

✅ Looking for more walks like this? Put on your sneakers and dive in...

In the heart of nature

To the north of our Provence Sud Sainte Baume region lies the pretty little village of Signes. While it is famous for its authentic charm, its paragliding plateau, and the gourmet nougat factory located in its center, it is its natural side that we are going to explore today.

Let's leave the roads behind and dive into a lush, shady environment: head for Latay. This secret, little-known spot runs alongside a stream that stays cool even in the height of summer. The water splashes between the rocks, under a dense canopy of greenery where light barely filters through. If you're lucky and the weather hasn't been too dry in the weeks leading up to your arrival, you will have the opportunity to admire a waterfall in which you will take great pleasure in bathing!

All in all, this is the perfect outing to escape the sweltering heat, with your feet in the water or on the rocks, enjoying a peaceful adventure. As an added bonus, you're sure to encounter a few dragonflies and frogs who, like you, have come to enjoy the humidity of the area.

👉 Our tip: bring water shoes, jelly shoes, or at least sneakers that you can wear underwater. Unlike the sand on coastal beaches, river rocks can hurt your feet!

🥶 Cool tip: set off in the morning to enjoy a picnic just a few meters from the spring. This way, you can enjoy a day surrounded by greenery, far from the heatwave.

✅ If food lovers were intrigued by the nougat factory we mentioned above, here is the link where you can find out everything you need to know!

Fouque Confectionery

Our eponymous mountain range, which has made our destination famous among hikers and nature lovers, is a jewel of freshness. On these hills, walkers, whether seasoned or Sunday hikers, come to lose themselves among the ferns, pines, and Provençal scrubland. It is here, at the top of our territory, that the smallest village in the Var, Riboux, sits proudly on the edge of this mysterious forest.

The trails you discover will lead you to shady caves, peaceful clearings, and traditional chapels where faith mingles with the coolness of holy places. A true haven of peace, located in the heart of the Var countryside, where you can feel that nature still holds its secrets... 

🚩 Please note: from June 15 to September 15, all mountain ranges in the department are subject to access regulations. Therefore, in the event of excessive fire risk, the prefecture may decide to close certain areas. Before setting off to explore the Ribousian hiking trails, check the official opening map.

👉 Our tip: for a day away from the heat, pack a nice picnic in your backpack. Take advantage of the shade provided by the vegetation to take a break. Of course, be sure to respect nature and leave no trash behind!

🥶 Fresh tip: if your insulated bottle hasn't done its job properly, remember that a Bistro de Pays is available in the village. The team will be delighted to serve you a refreshing grenadine and even some local specialties.

✅ Because a mountain range like this deserves a whole page dedicated to it, discover one of the symbols of our region:

The Sainte-Baume massif

For this last activity idea, we are offering some sound advice regarding places where it stays cool all year round. So, we've put together a list of all the shaded and air-conditioned places (cultural, religious, or recreational) where you can take refuge during a heatwave.

✅ And this treasure can be found here:

Summer freshness