Responsible Tourism
The Collecte Info application
One of the main issues facing any tourist destination is, of course, waste management. Every summer, towns and villages in the Var region see their populations increase exponentially. This requires changes in behavior and organization to ensure that streets remain clean and welcoming.
In addition to the actions taken by local authorities, you now have the opportunity to participate in this wave of kindness and civic engagement. And it's all happening on the Collecte Info app! This new tool, offered by Sud Sainte Baume Agglomération, has been designed to help residents and visitors to the nine municipalities in our destination (Saint-Cyr-sur-mer, Bandol, Sanary-sur-mer, Evenos, Le Beausset, Le Castellet, La Cadière d'Azur, Signes, and Riboux) manage and sort their waste on a daily basis. Let's take a look at how it works:
- Download the Collecte Info app directly to your smartphone (available on the Apple Store and Google Play).
- Enter your mailing address.
- Access a wealth of information at a glance (collection days, sorting point locations, waste disposal services, notifications of visits, etc.).
🎁 The little extra that makes all the difference: because protecting the environment should be accessible to everyone, this app is, of course, FREE.
✅ Say goodbye to the headache of trying to understand paper calendars and hello to pocket-sized simplicity available everywhere! What are you waiting for? Spread the word and, above all:
The opening of the Var mountains
In the Var region, during the summer, when the mistral wind sometimes combines with periods of intense heat, the forests and all the life around them are at risk. That's why, every year between June 15 and September 15, the prefecture analyzes the daily fire risk in order todecide whether or not to allow access to the region'strails and hills. This initiative applies to all 24 mountain ranges in the department, including those we love to hike around Sainte-Baume, Gros Cerveau, and Signes.
Thus, depending on the degree of danger to both nature and ourselves, an official map is published every evening, the day before for the following day, to inform us whether or not the forest trails are open. These restrictions range from simple vigilance to total prohibition, according to a handy color code:
🟢 Green: Access is permitted, you can go ahead, but remain cautious.
🟡 Yellow: Hiking is possible, but avoid the hottest hours of the day and keep an eye on the wind from time to time.
🟠 Orange: It's starting to heat up, it's better to postpone your hike or choose another route in a green mountain range.
🔴 Red: stop, access is prohibited. No hiking, no mountain biking, no campfires (that goes without saying).
These potential bans apply to all users, whether they are pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, or motor vehicle drivers. Your dog (always kept on a leash, of course) will also have to wait before stretching its legs, even on coastal paths.
✅ To find this famous map, simply visit the Var Prefecture website or the very handy:
Eco-friendly habits to adopt
In summer, as in winter, there are simple steps you can take to protect the environment. And it must be said that in a region like ours, there is a real desire to take care of where you live or your cozy vacation home!
A unique variety of landscapes ranging from the rugged cliffs of the coast to the mountains of our hinterland. A coastline worthy of the most beautiful postcards and hilltop villages with distinctive character and unparalleled charm. A happy marriage between Provence and the Mediterranean, offering all those seeking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle sublime hiking trails, rich flora and fauna to admire both on land and underwater, and of course, unlimited playgrounds... Except for human kindness.
✅ To ensure that this gem remains intact and continues to inspire future generations, virtuous actions are required. Discover the 9 essential eco-friendly actions to adopt without delay during your next getaway with us:
Islands of coolness
Despite all our good intentions, there is one impact that has already been making itself felt for several years: global warming. Acidification of the seas and oceans, unpredictable weather, and above all, scorching hot days—unpleasant surprises have been occurring all over the world.
Although the Var is a great place to stay all year round, summer remains the favorite season for vacationers. And to ensure that this dream doesn't turn into a furnace, shaded areas and cool spots have sprung up in towns across the department.
In Provence Sud Sainte Baume, our towns are not to be outdone, quite the contrary! Relaxing in the shade and enjoying cool activities have even become a way of life.
✅ Are you also looking for places where the sun is friendlier and life is sweeter? That's great, because we've listed the various heatwave-friendly places in our villages just for you. To find out more, simply click here:
