Villages in the Var

La Garde Freinet
La Garde Freinet is a quiet village nestled in the oak and chestnut forests of the Massif des Maures found 25 km from St Tropez. While in a hushed location, this attractive village is a gateway to the Gulf of St. Tropez via Le Luc. As old as the 11th Century, the stone houses, old fashioned street names, and the intimate village square create a special atmosphere. The famous Chestnut Festival in autumn sees this quiet little village come alive with local folk coming from many little hamlets outside the village: (Mourre, Cour, and Val d'Aubert) to take part in a this village “fete.”The peaceful feel and the surrounding naturehas attracted bohemian writers, and artists making the town even more "funky."

Plan de La Tour
Plan de la Tour is a quaint unspoiled wine village which dates back to medieval times. When you walk through the cobbled streets through tiny streets you get a real feeling of France. The village church is central to the village and appears over the pretty tile roofs as you enter Plan de La Tour. It is set on a plateau between the vivid peaks of the Massif des Maures. Plaines of vineyards are broken by fantastic provencal villas, and the setting is peaceful. St Maxime is only 9kms away, and St Tropez a further 18kms. 18 “hameaus” satellite Plan de la Tour and the stars are hidden here with Sean Penn having his home here.

St Raphael&Frejus
St. Raphael is the Var city where tourism meets business. St Raphael and Frejus merge into
each other on the Mediterranean to form a large happening centre on the cote d’azur. The volcanic Esterel Mountains which are thought to be a part of the African continent of old are a vivid backdrop, and beaches west of St Raph have fantastic red rock. 13,000 hectaries are protected, and haven for trekkers, and nature enthusiasts.With 5 different harbors, St. Raphael is known for sailing and is the a great place for boating enthusiasts. Along its 40 kms of coastline you can discover sandy beaches, creeks, and inlets, all carved out of the famous red rock of the Esterel Mountains. “You will be able to discover traditional festivities in

every season. There are joust tournaments, celebrations of St. Baume and St. Pierre, Mimosa Week, Jazz festivals, and other typical St. Raphael entertainment”





St Tropez

St. Tropez became "St. Trop" when the show business people, artists and writers all fell under the spell of this charming little port in the 1950's. In the summer one could bump into Picasso, Francoise Sagan, Jacques Prévert and many others, With the arrival of Brigitte Bardot in the 6O's the myth was installed for good. Since then St. Tropez has become the in vacation spot for chic Parisians and the international Jet Set. Night life is very lively and often one can see helicopters bringing elegant guests to private parties in one of the many luxurious villas on the bay. People watching is a favorite sport here in the summer, Visitors like to sit at the outdoor cafés hoping either to be seen or to see some one else. Competition is rife. Huge yachts line up in the port rivaling to see which is the biggest, the prettiest, the best kept, or has the snappiest crew . Only beautiful people hop on board. It is quite a spectacle for the casual visitor!
If you have the choice come here in May, June or September, without the crowds one can take the time to admire the charming little streets and alleys. Early in the morning at the Place aux Herbes one can find fruit vegetables and flowers and watch the local fishermen selling their new catch. This is also the neighborhood of the famous brasseries Le Gorille and Sénéquier. A typical Provencal market is held every Tuesday and Saturday morning in the Place des Lices. Religious and festive processions called "Bravades" are lively celebrations which begin in May and continue until the 15th of June.

Ste Maxime

Ste Maxime is a fun family beach town which faces St Tropez across the Gulf. Sainte Maxime faces straight south and is sheltered from the winds by the Maures Mountains. The nightlife is full of people music at Le Wafoo, and Markets in the main town square. The wonderful weather and the beautiful location make it the ultimate holiday destination with lively pedestrian streets. The beaches right across Ste Maxime and out towards St Raphael: La Nartelle.