Let’s be honest. The Var has so much coastline that picking favourites feels a bit unfair. We’re talking over 400 kilometres of shore, from rocky little coves to long stretches of golden sand. Perso, I’ve spent a lot of summers down there, and every single time I think I’ve found “the one” beach, someone tips me off about another. So here’s my real top – the spots where I’d actually unfold my towel without thinking twice.
Before we dive in, a quick word of advice : the Var coast changes a lot from one town to the next, and what’s perfect for you depends on what you’re after – kids splashing about, snorkelling, or just a quiet read in the sun. If you want to dig into the practical side (access, parking, opening seasons), the local tourism board does a solid job and you can check it all here : https://www.tourisme-var.fr. Now, on to the beaches.
Plage de Pampelonne, the famous one near Saint-Tropez
Yeah, you knew this one was coming. Pampelonne stretches for nearly 5 kilometres along Ramatuelle, just south of Saint-Tropez. It’s the postcard : fine sand, turquoise water, and that whole glamorous reputation. But here’s the thing people forget – most of it is actually free public beach. You don’t have to book a 40-euro sunbed at a private club to enjoy it.
My tip ? Go early. Like, before 10am early. Parking fills up fast and the southern end gets packed. The water’s shallow for a good while, which honestly makes it great for families too, not just the beautiful-people crowd. Ever wondered if it lives up to the hype ? Mostly, yes. It’s just busier than your dream of it.
Plage Notre-Dame on Porquerolles, my personal favourite
If I had to pick just one, it’d probably be this. Plage Notre-Dame on the island of Porquerolles is the kind of place that makes you go quiet for a second when you first see it. White-ish sand, pine trees coming almost down to the water, and this incredibly clear sea. It’s often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and for once I don’t think that’s marketing nonsense.
Getting there takes effort, though – and that’s part of why it stays so lovely. You take a ferry from Hyères (the crossing’s about 15 minutes), then it’s a decent walk or bike ride across the island to reach it. No road traffic, no concrete. Just bring water and a picnic, because there’s not much in the way of shops once you’re out there. Worth every bit of the hassle, I promise.
Plage de l’Almanarre, the windsurfers’ paradise in Hyères
Now for something completely different. L’Almanarre sits on the western side of the Giens peninsula in Hyères, and it’s basically wind-sport heaven. Kitesurfers, windsurfers, the whole lot. On a breezy day the sky’s full of colourful sails and it’s mesmerising to watch even if you never get in the water.
It’s a long, flat, shallow beach, so it’s also fine if you’ve got little ones. Just know it’s not the calm-postcard type – when the mistral blows, it blows. Personally I love the energy of the place. Other people find it a bit too sporty. Depends what mood you’re in, I guess.
Calanque du Port d’Alon, the wild card near Bandol
Between Bandol and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, you’ll find the Calanque du Port d’Alon, and it surprised me the first time. You park, then walk down a shaded path through pines and old olive trees – maybe 15 minutes – and suddenly there’s this small pebble cove with ridiculously clear water. It’s protected, so no big development, no beach bars blasting music.
It’s pebbles, not sand, so bring water shoes if your feet are sensitive. And the snorkelling here is genuinely good – rocks on both sides, little fish everywhere. It’s the sort of spot that feels like a secret even though plenty of locals already know it. Quieter than the Saint-Tropez beaches, that’s for sure.
Plage de l’Estagnol in Bormes-les-Mimosas
This one’s a charmer. L’Estagnol, near Bormes-les-Mimosas, is a sheltered sandy beach tucked into a protected natural area. The water shades from green to deep blue and stays calm thanks to the bay. It’s privately managed with paid parking and a beach restaurant, but the setting more than makes up for it.
Because it’s protected, the surroundings stay green and unspoilt – no high-rises here. Families love it for the gentle entry into the water. Just a heads-up : it’s seasonal, so it’s not open year-round. Worth checking dates before you drive out.
Le Mourillon, the easy city-beach option in Toulon
Not every beach day has to be an expedition. Sometimes you just want sand, a coffee nearby, and a parking spot that exists. Le Mourillon in Toulon is exactly that – a series of man-made sandy beaches right in the city, with grassy areas, playgrounds and loads of cafés and restaurants around. Super practical.
Is it the most dramatic beach in the Var ? No. But for a relaxed afternoon, or if you’re travelling with kids and don’t want a whole logistics operation, it’s brilliant. And the view across to the Mediterranean isn’t bad at all.
A few honest tips before you go
Quick reality check. July and August are gorgeous but rammed, and the most beautiful spots like Porquerolles or Pampelonne can feel crowded by midday. If you can swing June or September, do it – warm water, fewer people, and the light is somehow even nicer. Always bring cash for parking, water shoes for the pebble coves, and more sunscreen than you think you need.
And here’s my last bit of advice : don’t try to do five beaches in one day. Pick one, settle in, enjoy it properly. The Var rewards people who slow down. Which beach are you tempted by first – the wild calanque or the famous one ? Honestly, you can’t really go wrong here.
