A hidden pearl in Europe. Tourists don’t know what they’re missing

France – according to data from 2025, it is the country most frequently visited by foreign tourists in the world. Paris and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region are particularly attractive. Nice, Cannes and St. Tropez – everyone knows these names of cities and towns on the Mediterranean Sea.

LeVar. It all started with cinema

While the latter town immediately brings to mind Brigitte Bardot, the beach and yachts, few people in Poland know the name of the department in which it is located – Le Var. In their presentation to tourists, its representatives resemble scenes from cult films from the 1950s and 1960s. Thanks to them, it has become one of the most luxurious destinations in Europe.

“Of course, our direction became iconic thanks to Brigitte Bardot. It all started in the 1950s in St. Tropez. Although Bardot unfortunately passed away in December, her legend continues,” says Anthoine Matteuzi, representative of Le Var, to “Wprost”. He adds that Belle Epoque hotels are being revived here, and there are plans to open new luxury facilities. “We have 33 5-star hotels and three palaces (the highest official distinction for luxury hotels in France – ed.),” he encourages.

Beautiful canyon of Europe. Nature next to luxury

The department known for the production of rosé wine also invites those for whom proximity to nature is a luxury. It describes itself as a bridge between the French Riviera and Provence. Thanks to this, it tries to disperse the tourist traffic and show that it does not have to be associated only with the sea.

“We are a land of contrasts. We have over 300 sunny days a year, 400 km of coastline, parks, including the national one – Port Cros, on the island of the same name” – lists the representative of the department.

On the eastern side of Le Var are the red hills of the l’Esterel massif, on the west the Sainte-Baume mountain range, and in the north Verdon canyon, one of the largest in Europe.

The Sainte-Croix Dam Lake at its end is a popular spot for renting pedal boats and kayaks, allowing you to enter the breathtaking canyon. It takes about 2.5 hours by car from Nice or Marseille.

In addition, tourists go kayaking in another place – around the red rock of Roquebrune.

Le Var Islands. Each one is different

Nothing puts you in the holiday mood like a cruise. The department includes the Îles d’Hyères archipelago, consisting of four islands: Île de Porquerolles with beautiful beaches and Île de Port-Cros with a national park. There is also the island of paradox, Île du Levant, with its naval headquarters and a naturist beach. Île de Bagaud is completely inaccessible and uninhabited.

The fifth, private island, Île de Bendor, was also once uninhabited, but is now accessible by boat. A luxury hotel will open there this year.

Each season brings a different experience. Before the weather gets warmer, it’s a good idea to go for a walk among the yellow flowers in Le Var in winter. The Mimosa Trail stretches through 8 communes, 130 kilometers long, from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse.