Bastide Var is set in a small hamlet just a short drive from a beautiful French village in the Var department. Just over 1km away you will find a bakery, pharmacy, a couple of places to eat and a little further away there is a large supermarket. There’s also a place where you can hire bikes just down the road.
Within a five to ten-minute drive you will reach a beautiful French hilltop village, one of the nine perched villages of the Pays de Fayence. Wander around and discover the village’s historic charm with narrow lanes, pretty fountains and studios creating artisan crafts. Visit on a Tuesday morning to experience the weekly market and throughout the year there are all sorts of events and festivities organised by the townhall.
Other stunning perched villages include Callian (6km) with its medieval castle and flower filled alleyways, fortified Seillans (15km), one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and Mons (23km), one of the Var’s highest villages, an incredibly picturesque place for lunch with a view of the sea and mountains. Fayence (9km) is also a short distance away with its many restaurants and cafes as well as a morning market on a Tuesday and Saturday.
The landscapes of oak and pine forests offer wonderful opportunities for hiking, passing incredible scenery such as waterfalls, stone bridges and the Siagne river with its gorges where you’ll find locals splashing around to cool off from the summer sun. There’s also rock-climbing, fishing and bird-watching opportunities here, not to mention cycling trails including off-road paths through the woodland.
There are further walking trails around the magnificent Lac de Saint-Cassien, just a five-minute drive away (or 2-3km hike) as well as fishing, watersports and lovely spots for a lakeside picnic. The lake offers rowing, canoes and kayaks, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing and pedaloes as well as an aquatic park with giant inflatables at nearby Okwide Plage. Other activities here include mountain biking, buggy tours and horse-riding treks.
Golf-lovers have a choice of many courses in the area, including the prestigious Terre Blanche Golf Resort around a ten-minute drive away. For a true adrenaline fuelled experience you can book a flight excursion at the well-known gliding centre in Fayence or head further inland to the Verdon Gorge with its incredible canoeing and white-water rafting.
Another great aspect of the Var department is your proximity to the sea with the French Riviera just over half an hour away. Visit Théoule-sur-Mer (31km), Cannes (34km) and Antibes (44km) or take a boat excursion out to the Île Sainte-Marguerite for a wonderful day out. The beautiful beaches and the glitz and glamour of the Côte d'Azur awaits you!
The Region
Despite being renowned for its annual international film festival in May at the iconic Palais des Festivals, Cannes is not just a glamourous destination for the rich and famous. The attractive Côte d’Azur town is loved all year round for its palm-fringed beaches, upmarket shopping opportunities and wonderful restaurants as well as a certain French Riviera charm.
Stroll along Cannes’ iconic La Croisette boulevard following the footsteps of stars from years gone by as you admire prestigious hotels, luxurious boutiques and private beach clubs. Stop off for a cocktail as the sun sets and admire the twinkling lights across the bay. Even at night, La Croisette remains the vibrant heart of this bustling town.
Shop to your heart’s delight along the streets of the Carré d’Or district – come across hundreds of well-known stores along Rue d’Antibes. At the end of a busy day there’s a vast choice of restaurants to suit every taste and budget from authentic bistros spilling out on to the street to Michelin starred establishments.
Soak up the historic side of Cannes as you explore Le Suquet quarter’s medieval lanes passing little shops, atmospheric restaurants, flower-filled balconies and old fishermen’s houses. Climb to the top of the hill by Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance for stunning views of the harbour, followed by a visit to Château de la Castre and its popular museum. This part of Cannes is also home to the colourful Marché Forville showcasing the very best gourmet delights of Cannes and beyond.
Escape the crowds as you venture to Croix Des Gardes natural park with forest walking routes, botanical plants and glorious views across to the Lérins Islands. Look out for some fantastic boat trips from Cannes’ marina from whale and dolphin-watching excursions to family adventures on board a chartered yacht, sight-seeing ferries and romantic sun-set cruises.
Beyond the city centre, visit the ceramic studios and National Picasso Museum in Vallauris, follow Picasso’s footsteps in the enchanting hilltop village of Mougins (loved for its galleries and gastronomy) and appreciate the artistic vibe of Biot with beautiful views of the French Riviera. Chic Juan-les-Pins, so loved by Parisians in the summer, is home to beachside restaurants and more watersports whilst keen walkers will adore the incredible coastal trail around Cap d’Antibes.
In the other direction is the charming seaside village of Théoule-sur-Mer, backed by the dramatic Esterel massif, another paradise for hikers. By staying in one of our collection of handpicked rentals in Cannes you can experience all of this and more during your time on the glistening Côte d’Azur.
