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The Var
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| The French department known as the Var (83) has been characterized as one of Provence's best-kept secrets. Most aficionados of the south of France are familiar with the Côte d'Azur in the Alpes-Maritime department (06) and with the Provence of the Bouches du Rhone department (13). The latter's charming villages have been made famous in recent times by Peter Mayles's book "A Year in Provence" and its sequels. The second "greenest" department in France, the Var has escaped the development that continues to compromise the beauty of the neighboring departments. |
Click on the map to enlarge it. |
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The Var takes its name from the river that flows next to the airport in Nice. Its attractions, both natural (stunning, craggy landscapes, huge forests, streams and lakes, mountain ranges, gorges, calenques, the Mediterranean coastline) and man-made (ancient castles, monasteries, restanques, medieval villages, vineyards, olive groves) compelled the Counts of Provence to set up their headquarters here in the Middle Ages. In earlier times the Romans settled the coast that stretches for 300 kilometers (186.4 miles) from Saint Raphaël to Bandol, as well as around the inland areas, like that of La Source St. Michel, where they found natural springs.
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Today the Var offers many enchantments and many different ways to enjoy la vie francaise. From daily local markets (see below) to museums; from river rafting to Roman ruins; from horseback riding to hang gliding; from jazz festivals to mimosa, chestnut, antique and truffle fairs; from beach-combing to bicycling among perched villages; from sailing to a sheltered island for lunch to shopping in a smart boutique; from wine tasting at any of the countless vineyards to wandering along medieval streets and country roads -- visitors to the Var can choose from a vast array of things to see, do, taste, and enjoy.
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Selected Markets in the Var
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For much more than grocery shopping, go to the daily farmers' markets in the Var. Here one finds myriad buying opportunities for everything from roast chicken, charcuterie, and fruits and vegetables in season to les produits du terroir -- olives, olive oil, tapenades and spreads, essential oil of lavender, soaps, nougat, honey, goat cheese, wine, etc. Daily markets also offer inviting venues for socializing amidst a rich cultural experience. Many local artisans sell their wares in the local markets, which typically begin early in the morning and wind down at midday. Shopping for lunch at a market punctuated by an aperitif in a café, bar or bistro, is the perfect prelude to a great feast back home on the dining terrace.
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| SUNDAY |
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
| Cannes |
Biot |
Bormes-les-Mimosas |
Aups |
| Grasse |
Flayosc |
Fayence |
Cogolin |
| La Garde-Freinet |
Grimaud |
Frejus |
Draguignan |
| Le Muy |
Les Issambres |
Grasse |
Frejus |
| Nice* |
Nice* |
Lorgues |
Grasse |
| Ramatuelle |
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St. Cezaire |
La Garde-Freinet |
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| Salernes |
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St. Tropez |
Salernes |
| Trans-en-Provence |
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Vence |
Tourettes sur Loup |
| Vidauban |
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Vallauris |
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| THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
| Bargemon |
Biot |
Aups |
| Fayence |
Entrecasteaux |
Draguignan |
| Le Muy |
Le Beausset |
Carces |
| Le Lavandou |
Le Luc |
Cogolin |
| Les Arcs |
Roquebrunne |
Fayence |
| La Plan de la Tour |
Ste. Maxime |
Frejus |
| Port Grimaud |
Tourtour |
St. Cezaire |
| Ramatuelle |
Valbonne |
St. Tropez |
| Villecroze |
Vence |
Vallauris |
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| * Sunday for
flowers; Monday for antiques and brocante. |
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Draguignan has a farmers' market daily, except Monday. The biggest market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays.
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Daily markets may also be found in Antibes (except Mondays from September through May), Cannes (except Mondays), Cagnes-sur-Mer, Grasse, Hyeres, La Seyne-sur-mer (except Mondays), Nice, Sanary-sur-mer, St. Cyr-sur-mer, St. Raphaël, and Toulon. Daily fish markets are held in St. Tropez (Place aux Herbes) and along the quai in St. Raphaël.
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For more information about the Var, please visit: |
http://riviera.angloinfo.com |
http://www.tourinfos.com |
http://www.tourisme.fr |
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