On the coastal path in winter

Winter .

Come and spend the winter in the Provençal sunshine, with its unique light and bright blue sky. There are so many benefits to winter here: Christmas and the 'pastorale' plays, the black truffle, mimosa blossoms, the 'corsos fleuris' and the hilltop villages that seem to wait patiently for spring...
Fête des santons à La Cadière d'Azur

Christmas in Provence .

The nativity scene, the ‘santons’, the 13 desserts, but also the Christmas Eve ‘soupa’, Saint Barbara or even Saint Lucy… welcome to Christmas in Provence!
Here, the festivities start on the 4th December, and end with Candlemas on the 2nd February.
It’s a chance to reconnect with tradition, these events and gestures that are passed down through the generations in Provence.
Christmas in Provence is perfect for anyone who wants to keep the childlike magic alive.

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Mimosa et village de Tanneron

Mimosa and 'corsos fleuris' .

From January to March, the valleys, hills and gardens on the French Riviera become covered in mimosa blossom. The bright yellow buds, with their intoxicating perfume and silky petals are like nothing else. A symbol of winter, stark against the blue sky, mimosa can be seen on the hills, along the roads, in greenhouses or even on the procession of ‘corsos fleuris’ (floral floats).

The ‘corsos fleuris’ take place from February to April, and accompany the end of winter. Fanfares, folk groups and people in costume accompany the parade of floats, decorated with multi-coloured carnations, mimosa and many other cut flowers. The fête closes with a flower battle!

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Var truffles

The black truffle .

A real fragrant diamond, the truffle inspires pleasure and enchantment, and its unique woody notes will delight your taste buds. The ‘Tuber Melanosporum’ has made Haut-Var its favourite hideaway. Let your senses take over with our truffle-growers, truffle markets, a museum, a truffle festival and specialised restaurants!

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Village de Tavernes vue du ciel

Villages to explore out of season .

The winter sun lends itself perfectly to visiting the villages in the Var region. The mistral wind clears the sky and gives it a special light unique to the Provençal countryside, simultaneously gentle and pure. It celebrates the stone used to build the houses and cobbled streets, and wafts across the azure blue sky, in the middle of the pine and cyprus trees and other evergreen vegetation unique to the Mediterranean coast.

Discover the history, heritage, beliefs and traditions of the towns and villages of the Var. Passionate and qualified guides will accompany you along 2000 years of history in Fréjus, the alleyways of the fortified village of Lorgues, the submerged village of Salles-sur-Verdon, Hyères – the 2400-year-old city, the feudal Medieval city of Draguignan, and many more villages that are waiting to be discovered throughout the year, away from the summer crowds. Whether you prefer traditional history or unusual visits, captivating stories await.

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Tripettes de Barjols

Festivals and events .

The Var is active throughout the year, and winter is marked by festivals and events linked to the land. The mild climate means these great festival days can be fully enjoyed.

December begins with the ‘Fête du Millésime’ in Bandol, to taste the new Bandol appellation vintages. Next comes the ‘Winter Festival’ in the superb Domaine du Rayol in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. An absolute must-see is the ‘Festival of Light’ in Saint-Raphaël during the build-up for Christmas.

January begins with the ‘Day of the Black Truffle’ in Aups and the ‘Fête de la Saint-Marcel et des Tripettes’ in Barjols.

February heralds the beginning of the ‘corsos fleuris’ with one in Bormes-les-Mimosas, followed by processions in Cavalaire-sur-Mer and Sainte-Maxime. Plant-lovers won’t want to miss ‘Mimosalia’ in Bormes-les-Mimosas.

In March, the ‘corsos fleuris’ continue in Lavandou and Roquebrune-sur-Argens. Toulon hosts ‘Bacchus’ to celebrate Food and Wine.

See whole calendar