THREE TOWNS, THREE SURPRISES IN FRANCE'S VAR DEPARTMENT
Provence is a region that wins you over not only with its lavender fields, vineyards and the scent of herbs, but also with picturesque little towns where the Mediterranean climate meets a rich history and local traditions. One especially interesting corner is the Var department in south-eastern France.
Saint-Raphaël, Cogolin and Bormes-les-Mimosas are three places that show just how varied this part of France is. Each has its own character: the first draws you in with seaside life and remarkable rock formations, the second lets you combine discovering authentic Provence with being close to the famous Gulf of Saint-Tropez, and the third charms with its flowers, stone architecture and romantic atmosphere. All three are in the Var, yet each offers a slightly different way of getting to know the Mediterranean coast.
Saint-Raphaël is a great pick if you want your holiday to mix time by the sea with town attractions and actively exploring the surroundings. Set on the French Riviera, it has everything you'd expect from an appealing seaside destination: a harbour, a promenade, restaurants, cafés, shops, beaches and a lively centre. But it's not just a seasonal resort - it also has its own history, an old town and elegant villa districts that give it a distinctive Mediterranean style.
Saint-Raphaël's greatest treasure, though, lies east of town: the Massif de l’Estérel, a mountain range famous for its striking red rocks. Their intense colour, set against the turquoise and deep blue waters of the Mediterranean, creates one of the most recognisable landscapes on this stretch of coast. It's a place where the mountains practically tumble into the sea, and rocky slopes alternate with hidden coves and small beaches.
In the Estérel, plenty of hiking trails wind through Mediterranean vegetation, along rocky ridges and up to viewpoints with sweeping panoramas of the coast. The coves and little beaches are perfect for a swim, some snorkelling or simply relaxing away from the busiest parts of the Riviera.
Cogolin shows you a somewhat different side of the French Riviera. Unlike typical beach towns, it isn't focused solely on seaside tourism. Its historic centre sits a little inland, so this is where you can discover a more traditional Provence. A stroll through the old town takes you along narrow lanes, past stone and pastel façades and through squares where locals go about their daily lives. It's a good chance to slow down, sit in a café, try local produce and get a feel for everyday life in a region that doesn't everywhere bend to the rhythm of the tourist season.
Cogolin stands out for its rich craft traditions. Among other things, the town is known for making briar pipes. If you're interested in local culture, handicrafts and industrial history, this side of the town can be just as fascinating as its location.
The area around Cogolin is also great for exploring a variety of landscapes. On one side there are green hills and forests, ideal for hiking and drives along Provençal roads, and on the other there are seaside towns, beaches and the famous spots of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
It's in Cogolin that fans of retro cars can rent vintage Citroën 2CVs from the family-run company “Deuch’Moiselles”. Their fleet includes 9 Citroën 2CVs, each with its own unique colour scheme and its own name, plus 5 Méharis, whose open-top bodies fit the vibe of southern France perfectly. Their customers include tourists, people celebrating weddings or birthdays, and companies organising team-building trips
Bormes-les-Mimosas is one of those Provençal towns that win you over at first glance. Its old town, perched on a hillside, looks like something off a postcard: stone houses, pastel façades, narrow winding lanes, flowers spilling from balconies and passages running beneath buildings all add up to an incredibly picturesque whole. Above the rooftops rise the remains of a castle, a reminder of the town's medieval past.
A stroll through the historic centre is best enjoyed without rushing. The lanes lead you through one little alley after another, past small squares and viewpoints where you can take in the rooftops, the green hillsides and the blue of the sea in the distance. The architecture has kept many features typical of southern France, and the lush greenery is always beautifully kept - the town employs 20 gardeners.
Bormes-les-Mimosas owes its particular fame to mimosas. In February, when so many other places in Europe are still stuck in winter grey, the landscape here lights up with their yellow blossoms. The flowering mimosas give the town a unique character and draw plant lovers, photographers and travellers looking for the first signs of a Mediterranean spring.
The town also has plenty to offer anyone looking for the quieter side of the French Riviera. Instead of big-city bustle and a busy nightlife, you'll find an intimate atmosphere, charming alleys and landscapes that invite you to explore the region at a leisurely pace. It's a place where you can savour the local cuisine, linger over the view from a terrace and simply enjoy the Provençal way of life. Another sign of how appealing the town is: its seaside fort has become a residence of the President of France.
Saint-Raphaël, Cogolin and Bormes-les-Mimosas show just how diverse the Var department is. Although all three lie in the same part of southern France, each offers a different kind of travel experience. What they have in common is the Mediterranean climate, beautiful nature and the chance to discover Provence from a slightly different angle than in the best-known resorts of the French Riviera. This is exactly where it's easy to combine sightseeing, active holidays, local food and a taste of regional culture.
