Things to do in Sanary-sur-Mer: must-see attractions in every season!

A century-old fishing port, the town of Sanary has grown up around it. Daily life, the orientation of homes, the Var spirit—most of the hallmarks of this town are focused on the sea. So it's only natural that its quay is often the first point of contact with the village. Pedestrianized, open to the horizon, lined with terraces and dotted with colorful pointus (the local boats), it embodies the local way of life. Here, people like to take their time. A coffee on the terrace with the Var Matin newspaper in front of you. Watching the fishermen return from their night's work. The first buttery aromas of croissants from the bakery next door... From the morning onwards, everything invites you to let go.

As we continue our day and our stroll, we gradually venture deeper into the shopping streets of the town center. These small cobbled avenues lined with village houses are a haven for bargains. Independent boutiques, artisans, small shaded squares... The perfect combination for a few hours of shopping in the sunshine. 

There's no denying that Sanary-sur-Mer has managed to preserve a lively village atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the major resorts on the French Riviera. This means you can stroll around with no particular destination in mind, simply guided by the desire to discover, observe and stop...

In the heart of the village, just opposite the boats and the fish market, the Saint-Nazaire church stands out as a discreet but unmissable landmark. Proudly enthroned on its square, facing the sea, its architecture and location make it a natural stop during a stroll through the center. People often enter out of curiosity, for a quiet break, or to attend concerts. This is the case, for example, in winter, as Christmas approaches. Traditional carols fill the church with joy, much to the delight of visitors.

Another slightly less well-known religious monument is the Notre-Dame de la Pitié Chapel. Located a little further away than the Saint-Nazaire church, it offers another way to (re)discover Sanary. In addition to its modest beauty, it is also and above all the path that leads there that interests us. Little by little, you gain height. As you climb the steps adorned with small shrines, the horizon clears and the sea appears. Climbing up to this chapel is already an invitation to slow down, between Mediterranean vegetation and unobstructed views. Once there, the panorama and peaceful atmosphere give the place an almost secret character, appreciated by locals and curious visitors alike.

Quite simply, it is impossible to talk about Sanary without mentioning its weekly market, regularly cited as one of the most beautiful in the region and even in France. Yes, because the colorful stalls of its merchants, the quality of their local products, and the conviviality of its aisles have earned it the prestigious title of " Most Beautiful Market in France " in 2018. 

It is easy to understand that, more than just a weekly event, this market is a real part of local life. People come here to buy tomatoes for lunch, to say hello to your favorite producer, to breathe in the wonderful scent of Provençal herbs, or to listen to the melodious accents of the merchants. 

An event not to be missed during your visit to Sanary-sur-Mer. An event we love to attend every Wednesday, at the town's port, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., in spring, summer, fall, and winter!

Sanary-sur-Mer is well known in the region not only for its beaches and market, but also for its mountains. Just a few minutes from the coastline are hills that almost rival Sainte-Baume in size: the Gros Cerveau. Behind this curious name lies a landscape that is perfect for exploring, either alone or with the family, whatever the season. On the agenda: two trails for twice the fun and, above all, to suit everyone with very different walking times and levels of difficulty. That said, these two trails have some things in common: extraordinary views of Bandol Bay, a direct immersion in the local nature, and an exponential breath of fresh air as you climb higher.

Another must-do hike in the area: the coastal path, which connects Pointe de la Cride to the port of Sanary-sur-Mer. This easy walk, between the sea and vegetation, allows you to stroll along the coast while discovering remarkable and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Accessible all year round, it perfectly embodies the balance between nature and urban life, between vegetation and Provençal life.

The bays of Sanary-sur-Mer have many faces... The iconic Portissol beach, for example, attracts visitors with its friendly atmosphere and proximity to the center. While it is popular in the spring for the brunches offered by the surrounding bars, people stop there in the summer to follow its marine trail and in autumn to enjoy the Indian summer... 

A little further away from the hustle and bustle of the center, the charming Cousse Bay offers a wilder setting, appreciated for its unspoiled character. Here, the sunset over the sea are a true spectacle of sound and light, where the song of the cicadas delicately mingles with the pink hues of the end of the day.

Finally, the Lido beach, which borders the neighboring town of Bandol, is particularly well suited to families. A long sandy beach, gradually deepening water for safe swimming, a surf school for winter waves, and even food shops for snacks—it has everything. And for the athletes among our readers, its several kilometers of sandy shore are perfect for coastal walking...

Sanary-sur-Mer is a town that is lively all year round. Although many people think that seaside towns are only lively in summer, during the summer holidays, this is not the case. For example, the town hosts two major events in the off-season: the Just'Rosé and the end-of-year illuminations. 

The first is a festive and convivial tribute to local agriculture, namely, the vineyard. Thus, during an entire weekend in May, the town is decked out in pink and welcomes dozens of winegrowers from across the region. Their aim is to discover their wines with a smile and a desire to share their passion for our terroir.

The second event has become a local institution. Every year, in December, locals, vacationers, and other visitors to the region flock to see the illuminations in Sanary-sur-Mer. It must be said that the town always pulls out all the stops. Starry skies in the narrow streets, forests of decorated fir trees, pointed boats adorned with thousands of lights... This postcard landscape that we are used to enjoying in summer takes on a whole new look, just as cherished, in winter.

And for those who will be with us in July and August, Sanary-sur-Mer will of course be delighted to welcome them. Open-air concerts, fireworks, night markets, and all kinds of entertainment delight vacationers every year!

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