Discovering Var (Department 83)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Var is one of the most diverse and sought-after departments in southern France. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, it stretches from the Mediterranean coastline to rolling vineyards, forests, mountains and traditional Provençal villages. While many people know Var for glamorous coastal destinations such as Saint-Tropez, much of the department offers a quieter, more authentic way of life.
Whether you're considering moving to Var permanently, retiring in France, buying a holiday home or running a business, the department offers an excellent balance between beautiful scenery, modern infrastructure and traditional French living. From lively coastal towns to peaceful inland villages, there is something to suit almost every lifestyle.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) |
Historic name | Provence |
Department number | 83 |
Department capital | Toulon |
Largest towns | Toulon, Fréjus, Draguignan, Hyères, La Seyne-sur-Mer, Saint-Raphaël |
Population | Approximately 1.1 million |
Area | 5,973 km² |
Climate | Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild winters |
Best suited for | Retirees, families, remote workers, entrepreneurs, second-home owners and outdoor enthusiasts |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, particularly away from the coast |
English-speaking community | Well established, particularly around the coast and larger towns |
Lifestyle summary | Mediterranean living with excellent climate, strong infrastructure, beautiful countryside and vibrant coastal communities |
Why Choose Var?
Var consistently ranks among France's most desirable places to live, and for good reason. It combines exceptional natural beauty with modern services while maintaining much of its traditional Provençal character.
Lifestyle
Life in Var revolves around the outdoors. With over 300 days of sunshine each year in many areas, residents spend much of their time enjoying beaches, markets, cafés, vineyards and countryside walks.
The pace of life varies considerably depending on where you choose to live. Coastal towns can be lively throughout much of the year, while inland villages remain peaceful and community-focused.
Community
Var has one of the largest international communities in southern France without feeling dominated by expatriates. English-speaking residents are particularly common around Hyères, Saint-Raphaël, Lorgues, Fayence and parts of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Many villages have active social groups, clubs and associations, making integration easier for newcomers.
Scenery
The department offers remarkable variety:
Mediterranean beaches
Hidden coves
Pine forests
Vineyards
Olive groves
Mountain landscapes
Traditional Provençal villages
The spectacular Gorges du Verdon nearby
You can enjoy coastal living or choose peaceful countryside while remaining within easy reach of the sea.
Accessibility
Var benefits from excellent transport links.
Residents have access to:
Toulon-Hyères Airport
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport
Marseille Provence Airport
High-speed TGV rail services
Excellent motorway connections
This makes travelling to the UK and elsewhere in Europe relatively straightforward.
Food
Food lovers are particularly well served.
Local favourites include:
Fresh Mediterranean seafood
Provençal vegetables
Olive oil
Goat's cheese
Rosé wine
Truffles
Lavender honey
Seasonal fruit
Weekly markets remain central to local life.
Culture
The department has a rich Provençal identity.
Throughout the year you'll find:
Traditional village festivals
Wine celebrations
Summer concerts
Art exhibitions
Historic churches
Roman remains
Maritime heritage
Property
Property ranges from luxury coastal villas to affordable inland village houses.
The coast commands premium prices, but excellent value can often be found just 20–40 minutes inland.
Pace of Life
Outside peak tourist season, daily life becomes much calmer.
Many residents appreciate the balance between having modern facilities while still enjoying relaxed Mediterranean living.
Var Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent healthcare, climate, social opportunities and year-round activities. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Good schools, outdoor lifestyle and facilities, although coastal housing can be expensive. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy travel connections and excellent rental potential. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Strong tourism economy and growing service sector, though competition can be high. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Reliable internet, attractive lifestyle and good transport links. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Beaches, cycling, hiking, sailing, climbing and water sports are all easily accessible. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Toulon provides urban amenities while remaining smaller and more relaxed than Marseille or Nice. |
Popular Places to Live
Toulon
The department's capital offers excellent shopping, healthcare, transport and cultural facilities.
Ideal for
Professionals
Families
Retirees wanting city conveniences
Advantages
Excellent hospitals
Good public transport
Marina
Universities
TGV station
Things to consider
Busier than rural areas
Some districts are more desirable than others.
Hyères
Known for its historic centre, beaches and nearby islands.
Ideal for
Retirees
Second-home owners
Outdoor enthusiasts
Advantages
Beautiful coastline
Palm-lined streets
Airport nearby
Sailing opportunities
Things to consider
Busy during summer
Coastal property commands higher prices.
Saint-Raphaël
An elegant seaside town bordering the Estérel mountains.
Ideal for
Retirees
Holiday homeowners
Remote workers
Advantages
Beaches
Marina
Good rail connections
Attractive town centre
Things to consider
Tourism significantly increases during summer.
Draguignan
Located inland, Draguignan offers a more authentic Provençal lifestyle.
Ideal for
Families
Permanent residents
Budget-conscious buyers
Advantages
Lower property prices
Good services
Traditional atmosphere
Things to consider
A car is essential.
Lorgues
One of inland Var's most popular villages among international buyers.
Ideal for
Retirees
Lifestyle movers
Food lovers
Advantages
Excellent weekly market
Wine region
Friendly atmosphere
Things to consider
Summer tourism increases demand for accommodation.
Fayence
A picturesque hilltop village with a thriving international community.
Ideal for
Remote workers
Families
Retirees
Advantages
Beautiful scenery
Strong community
Good restaurants
Things to consider
Limited public transport.
Le Lavandou
A charming coastal town famous for beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Ideal for
Holiday homes
Retirees
Beach lovers
Advantages
Outstanding coastline
Pleasant town centre
Ferry services
Things to consider
Seasonal traffic.
Cost of Living
Compared with much of southern France, Var offers a wide range of living costs depending on location.
Property affordability
Coastal areas are among the most expensive outside Paris and the Riviera. However, moving inland often provides significantly better value while still allowing easy access to the sea.
Traditional village houses, renovation projects and family homes are more affordable away from the coastline.
Shopping
Supermarkets are plentiful, while local markets provide excellent fresh produce.
Shopping costs are generally in line with national averages, although tourist areas may be more expensive during peak season.
Utilities
Energy costs follow national trends. Air conditioning is common in summer and can increase electricity use, while winters remain relatively mild.
Eating Out
Var offers everything from simple village cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Many local restaurants provide excellent lunchtime menus that offer particularly good value.
General Value for Money
Although coastal living carries a premium, many residents believe the quality of life more than justifies the additional cost.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision in Var is excellent.
Main hospitals include:
Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Toulon-La Seyne-sur-Mer
Centre Hospitalier de Draguignan
Hospital facilities in Fréjus and Hyères
Specialists are widely available, particularly around Toulon.
Pharmacies are found in virtually every town and village, with larger towns offering extended opening hours.
Private healthcare services complement the public system, providing additional choice.
Education
Families moving to Var have access to a broad range of educational options.
Primary and secondary schools are available throughout the department.
Toulon offers colleges, vocational training and higher education, including the University of Toulon.
Several bilingual and international schools can be found within the wider Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
French language schools are available in Toulon, Hyères and several larger towns, helping newcomers improve their language skills.
Getting Around
Airports
Residents benefit from several nearby airports:
Toulon-Hyères Airport
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport
Marseille Provence Airport
Rail
Toulon is on the high-speed TGV network with direct services to Paris and connections throughout France.
Regional TER trains serve many coastal towns.
Roads
The A50 and A57 motorways connect Var with Marseille, Nice and the wider region.
Public Transport
Bus services are generally good in urban areas but become limited inland.
Is a Car Recommended?
Yes.
Anyone planning to live outside larger towns will find a car essential for shopping, healthcare and everyday life.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Toulon | Monday |
Hyères | Tuesday & Saturday |
Lorgues | Tuesday |
Draguignan | Wednesday |
Saint-Raphaël | Wednesday & Saturday |
Fréjus | Wednesday & Saturday |
Le Lavandou | Thursday |
Fayence | Tuesday |
Local Food & Drink
Var is famous for its Provençal cuisine and Mediterranean produce.
Specialities include:
Provence rosé wines
Bandol wines
Côtes de Provence wines
Olive oil
Tapenade
Aioli
Bouillabaisse
Daube Provençale
Ratatouille
Fougasse
Goat's cheese
Black truffles
Lavender honey
Fresh figs
Citrus fruits
Seafood
Provençal herbs
Things to Do
Residents enjoy a huge variety of activities throughout the year.
Historic Sites
Medieval villages
Fortifications
Roman remains
Historic ports
Outdoor Activities
Walking
Cycling
Mountain biking
Sailing
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Diving
Golf
Museums
Numerous museums celebrate art, naval history and Provençal heritage.
Festivals
Wine festivals
Lavender celebrations
Music festivals
Christmas markets
Traditional village fêtes
Nature
The department includes:
Massif des Maures
Estérel mountains
Mediterranean coastline
Nature reserves
Vineyards
Forest parks
Family Attractions
Water parks
Wildlife parks
Boat excursions
Beaches
Adventure parks
Botanical gardens
Good to Know Before You Move
Learning French will make everyday life significantly easier, particularly inland.
Coastal areas become much busier during July and August.
Inland villages remain quieter throughout the year.
Fibre broadband continues to expand and is widely available in many towns.
Summers are hot, with wildfire precautions sometimes affecting access to forests.
Community life often revolves around markets, local festivals and village associations.
Healthcare is excellent, but registering with a local GP soon after arrival is advisable.
Buying inland can provide substantially better value while remaining within easy reach of the coast.
Winter is much quieter than summer, which many permanent residents appreciate.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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