Nature Week 2025: the Var program has been unveiled!

While the Var region is known for its Mediterranean coastline, picturesque villages, and sun-kissed wines, it has another asset that will make you fall in love with our beautiful department: its nature. Between its rocky coasts, sometimes ochre, sandy or green in color, and its iconic mountains. Between its umbrella pines bent by the wind to better admire the sea and the thousand-year-old forests of its hills. Between marine and terrestrial biodiversity, the Var is THE ultimate nature destination par excellence. 

And the figures speak for themselves! With over 1.5 million hectares of forest cover, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is the second most forested region in France and accounts for nearly 9.4% of the country's total forest area. In terms of flora, more than 3,600 plant species adorn the region's coastline, hills, and cliffs, and no fewer than 471 areas are protected for botanical, geological, and archaeological reasons. Finally, when it comes to fauna, more than 17,236 marine and terrestrial species, including 924 protected species, enjoy the southern climate all year round.

Quite an impressive track record, isn't it?

Sources: National Forestry Office and National Natural Heritage Inventory.

So, where to start exploring? That is the question. And here is the answer... For four years now, Visit Var has been organizing a week in spring dedicated to the beauty of our region. From Sainte-Baume to the Maures mountains, via the Verdon, the Estérel and the Gros Cerveau, set off to discover this colorful department! How? By taking part in one or more activities organized by the region's tourist providers, especially for the occasion:

Are the activities listed above too far away for you, and would you prefer to stay in our beautiful Sainte-Baume region? What a great idea! To fuel your imagination, here are some other ideas for activities to celebrate the natural beauty of the Var region in your own way, in each of the villages in our community:  

• Bandol: walk along the coast and admire the breathtaking scenery between the azure blue of the Mediterranean, the charm of hidden coves, and the colors of the marine flora as you stroll along the coastal path towards Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer.
• Le Beausset: visit the team at theÉcomusée Départemental des 4 Frères to enjoy environmental exhibitions, participate in awareness workshops , or hike in the surrounding forest.
• La Cadière d’Azur: walk the winding paths with sublime views of the Boucle du Défends, a hike between vineyards and open horizons.
• Le Castellet: meet the AOC Bandol wine producers and learn more about the winemaker's craft, discover the unique characteristics of the local grape varieties, and taste world-renowned wines.
• Evenos : climbers who read our magazine will love traversing the climbing routes at Destel, located in the Ollioules Gorges, whose walls offer both beautiful sun exposure and shaded areas to shelter from the heat.
• Riboux : treat yourself to a hike on our eponymous mountain range, connecting, for example, the chapel of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine to that of Saint-Pilon.
• Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer: take part in a guided nature walk through the Domaine de la Nartette, a two-hour activity to discover the natural riches of this carefully preserved site.
• Sanary-sur-Mer: climb to new heights during a walk with panoramic sea views along the trails of the Gros Cerveau.
• Signs: sign up for guided tours on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, and stroll through the village's narrow streets and ruins. Activities offered for both Nature Week 2025 and the 35th Signes Organic Fair. A double win!

And for even more ideas in Provence Sud Sainte Baume, head to the dedicated section: 

Activities and leisure

• Dates: April 21 to 27, 2025.
• Where: in various municipalities in the Var department.
• Program: full program available here.
• Level: activities accessible to the whole family.
• Reservations: directly with the activity providers.
• For more information, visit the Visit Var website.