Autumn activities and entertainment for children in the western Var

Land-based activities : 

• Le Royaume des Arbres in Le Castellet.
• The Sanary-sur-mer aquatic complex.
• The Pégase equestrian center in Bandol.
• Les Écuries de Bacylo in Sanary-sur-mer.
• L'Écomusée Départemental des 4 Frères du Beausset.
• The ZOA animal and botanical park in Sanary-sur-mer.
• The Gapeau springs fish farm.
• Visit to the Fouque confectionery in Signes.
• Visit to the Miellerie de l'Oratoire de Sainte-Anne du Castellet.

Walks : 

• The sand hill at Saint-Cyr-sur-mer.
• Evenos castle.
• The coastal path in Bandol.

Nautical activities : 

• Sea outings with Atlantide (Saint-Cyr-sur-mer and Bandol).
• Submarines: Aquascope in Bandol and Sanary Explorer in Sanary-sur-mer.
• Surf schools: Extrême Surfing Club Bandol, L.E.C. Surf Club (baie des Lecques) and ESM Aloha (plage du Lido).

In Provence Sud Sainte Baume, the various destinations pull out all the stops to offer families something to keep their little ones occupied. And while September may be the start of the new school year, the autumn season continues to delight parents and grandparents alike, with activities on offer over the weekends and during the Toussaint school vacations. The trick is to know what you want to do...

If the idea is to exhaust them so that they sleep much better in the evening, outdoor sports facilities are just what you need. The Le Royaume des Arbres tree-climbing park in Le Castellet, the Sanary-sur-mer aquatic complex or the Pégase equestrian center in Bandol and Les Écuries de Bacylo in Sanary-sur-mer welcome you throughout the season for a few hours of sporting activity.

If you're more interested in getting them out into the fresh air, we've got just the thing for you. For example, you can explore the grounds of the Écomusée Départemental des 4 Frères in Le Beausset. As well as being a superb natural site, it also offers fun activities and workshops to help you learn more about the local flora and fauna. The ZOA animal and botanical park in Sanary-sur-mer is also a great option for budding animal lovers. All local children have been there at least once to discover new species and give them a few popcorn nibbles. Another option for a family day out is the pisciculture des sources du Gapeau. Here, not only can you introduce your little one to the art of trout fishing, but you can also reserve your table and barbecue to grill them for lunch.

If your child has a sweet tooth, Provençal artisans will delight them. Whether at the emblematic Fouque confectionery in Signes or the Miellerie de l'Oratoire in Sainte-Anne du Castellet, guided tours are more like a tasting session than a real discovery of local know-how. The ideal way to combine business with pleasure.

Autumn has the advantage of a climate conducive to walking. The temperature is neither too cool nor too hot. The weather continues to be sunny. And sometimes even a few mushrooms are out and about... We're not going to tell you where to look here, but we can recommend 3 hiking trails for the whole family.

The first is the Aeolian Dune, otherwise known as the " sand hill ". This geological formation, unique in the region, is located in Saint-Cyr-sur-mer, in the background of Les Lecques beach. And not only is the walk to the top easy and accessible to all levels, but speeding down it is a favorite activity for kids!

The second walk we suggest is to the Château d'Evenos. At the very top of the old town called "Nèbre", you'll find the remains of an ancient feudal castle. While parents can't help but marvel at the panoramic view, children love playing in the ruins and imagining stories of knights.

Finally, the third walk is along Bandol's coastal path. Departing from the town's port, you'll cross the Renecros beach and play on the soft posidonia beds. You'll come across pretty pebble coves where you can teach your children to ricochet. And you can enjoy a picnic on Bandol's last beach, the Engraviers. A beautiful seaside walk to be enjoyed in any season.

Just because summer's over doesn't mean the Mediterranean is closed! During the autumn, and at least until the end of the All Saints' vacation, service providers have got your back, offering outings to discover the marine flora and fauna. 

This is particularly true of Atlantide, a cruise boat departing from Bandol and Saint-Cyr-sur-mer. While its flagship outing is the discovery of the calanques of Cassis and Marseille, the one that appeals most to children goes further offshore, in search of local whales and dolphins.

Submarines are also available, not to observe the open sea this time, but to admire the fish of our Var coastline. There are two names to choose from: the Aquascope in Bandol and the Sanary Explorer... in Sanary-sur-mer, of course. 

Finally, autumn marks the start of the surfing season in Provence Sud Sainte Baume. Schools in Sanary-sur-mer, Bandol and Saint-Cyr-sur-mer are offering courses and/or workshops during the vacations to train the future Kauli Vaasts of the Var! These schools are calledExtrême Surfing Club Bandol, L.E.C. Surf Club (Baie des Lecques) andESM Aloha (plage du Lido).

The All Saints' Day holidays are not only a welcome break for schoolchildren, but also and above all a great excuse to enjoy the Halloween activities organized by the municipalities of the Provence Sud Sainte Baume destination. Every year, horror, atrocity, and monstrosity are on the agenda of fun, family-friendly activities. Here is a preview of the festivities planned for 2025: