Hiking in Provence, Discovering the Sainte-Baume area

Seaside walk on the coastal path between Bandol and Saint-Cyr-sur-mer. Exploration of the Gros Cerveau in Sanary-sur-mer. Explore the Sainte-Baume massif at Le Beausset, Riboux and Signes. And don't forget the vineyard trails of Cadière d'Azur and Castellet and the panoramic views from Evenos' eagle's nest. Here are just a few ideas for unmissable hikes in Provence Sud Sainte Baume. But that's not all. Dozens of itineraries are also available for strolling, walking, exercising and breathing. Choose the path that inspires you most and put on your shoes. The Var countryside is waiting for you!

📌 Good to know: during the summer months, access to certain massifs may be restricted due to high fire risks. To find out when these are open, consult the official map before setting off on your adventure.

The flora and fauna of the Var

Natural beauty to discover

🌳 Did you know? With over 427,000 hectares of forest, the Var is France's second most forested department. A great playground, home to thousands of species worth protecting! (Source: Observatoire de la Forêt Méditerranéenne).

During your nature walks, you'll not only be able to admire superb views, but also, and above all, thousands of local species. Some are more popular than others...

In terms of trees, this is the case for the Mediterranean Pine, better known as the Umbrella Pine for its curvature betraying either an exacerbated curiosity toobserve the blue of the sea, or a mistral zone. You're also likely to come across the Pubescent Oak, particularly in the Regional Nature Park. And if you're patient and discreet, you may catch a glimpse of the squirrels nesting in its trunk.

As for plants, you'll find everything you can imagine from the South of France here: prickly pear and its delicious spiciness, olive trees whose neighbors are often vines whose colors change with the season, flamboyant bougainvillea... And other more mysterious species such as sea fennel, agave with its very tall flower and, of course, the posidonia. You know, the seaweed that washes up on our shores from about November to March. As well as serving as a nursery for fish in the open sea, posidonia is the most effective natural means of combating coastal erosion. It is therefore essential to take care of it so that future generations can continue to enjoy the beaches of the Var.

Finally, when it comes to wildlife, you'll need to keep your eyes peeled. While cicadas are very vocal from June to September, they are also masters of camouflage. Here's a tip for spotting them: look at the trunks and branches of trees and concentrate hard. In the sky, you may spot the famous peregrine falcon soaring between the cliffs of the Bandol, Sanary-sur-Mer, and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer coastline and the Sainte-Baume massif.

In short, hiking the paths of Provence Sud Sainte Baume is not just about sport or getting fit. Above all, it's an adventure in unknown territory, a discovery of the local flora and fauna and, of course, magnificent panoramas of the surrounding vegetation and seaside. So keep your eyes wide open for a truly exceptional experience.

Fire risk in the Var

Massifs under close surveillance

Fire hazard - Provence Sud Sainte Baume

Nature like ours deserves to be protected. As it happens, in our part of the world, the biggest risk is fire. A sky that rarely welcomes rain clouds, recurrent heatwaves every year, not to mention our beloved local wind, the mistral - this is the winning combo for massifs under high surveillance. From June to September, the Var prefecture issues a daily report at around 6 p.m. on the state of access to departmental forests. Depending on this verdict, the trails in Provence Sud Sainte Baume are either open for walks and hikes, or closed. So in summer, before you set off, be sure to check the day before or the day of your planned walk whether it is authorized.

And because fire risk is a responsibility we all have to take, even on vacation, here are a few things we can do:

Leave cigarettes and vaporizers aside when you're out in the fresh air.
Opt for sandwiches rather than a forest barbecue.
Put your cigarette butts in ashtrays, even in town! We've lost count of the number of garbage cans and roadsides that have gone up in flames.

The Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park

A protected area and treasures to discover

The name of your favorite destination, Provence Sud Sainte Baume, doesn't come from nowhere. It's a tribute to our territory's most famous massif, the Sainte-Baume. From the fields of Bandol AOC vines to the high Var, these Var mountains hold many secrets. Hiking and cycling trails, local producers, unspoilt natural landscapes - there's so much to discover and protect. That's why the Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park came into being in 2017.

Le Beausset, Le Castellet, Signes and Riboux proudly represent our region among the communes that make up this natural area. In addition to their unique histories and cultures, these villages are also gateways to the massif. From the Écomusée des 4 Frères, the Chapelle du Saint-Pilon or the Siou-Blanc plateau, discover the Parc Naturel Régional and its wonders.

To find out more, visit the NRP website!