The most beautiful beaches in the Var: our ultimate ranking for your holiday

In the heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, the Var is a dream holiday destination that smells of pine and garrigue scrubland. Discover our ranking of the most beautiful beaches in the Var, from world-famous stretches of fine sand to secret, paradise-like coves, and find the perfect beach for your next waterside camping holiday.

1. Pampelonne Beach (Ramatuelle): the legend of Saint-Tropez

You can’t talk about the best beaches in the Var without mentioning the legendary Pampelonne. Located in the town of Ramatuelle, this isn’t just a beautiful beach, it’s a legend on the doorstep of Saint-Tropez. Its vast stretch of fine sand, running for nearly 5 km, is a true international icon. Famous for its trendy beach clubs where people come to see and be seen, it also has plenty of large, more family-friendly public areas where you can lay out your towel in peace.

• The added value: beyond its glamorous, festive atmosphere, Pampelonne is a remarkable and protected natural area. Its wild dunes and preserved vegetation are a reminder that this gem is, above all, a work of nature.
• What’s nearby: you’ll find plenty of beach restaurants for every budget, car parks (often chargeable in peak season) and a wealth of water sports activities. For a cultural break, the hilltop village of Ramatuelle, with its charming lanes and breathtaking views, is just a few minutes away by car.

2. l’Estagnol Beach (Bormes-les-Mimosas): a Caribbean lagoon

l’Estagnol Beach in Bormes-les-Mimosas is often the first answer when people ask about a paradise beach in the Var. And with good reason: with its incredibly fine white sand and shallow turquoise water, you could easily believe you’d been transported to the Seychelles. Surrounded by a beautiful pine forest that provides welcome shade during the hottest hours, it’s the Var’s beach for children par excellence. They can swim there in complete safety, making it a real plus when choosing a campsite for a family holiday.

• The added value: access is via private land and the car park is chargeable. This entry fee, while a bit restrictive, helps preserve the exceptional character of the l’Estagnol Bormes-Mimosas site and limit summer overcrowding for a more pleasant experience.
• What’s nearby: there’s a restaurant right on the beach where you can have lunch with your feet in the sand. For walkers, the coastal path leads to other gems such as Pellegrin Beach, and the famous Fort de Brégançon isn’t far away.

3. Notre-Dame Beach (Porquerolles Island): the most beautiful in Europe

Voted “Europe’s most beautiful beach” a few years ago, Notre-Dame Beach on Porquerolles Island is an absolute masterpiece of nature. This wide cove of fine sand, fringed with eucalyptus and umbrella pine trees, offers a wild, completely unspoilt setting. The water is crystal clear, perfect for contemplation and swimming alike. A visit to this magical island is an unmissable part of your stay.

• The added value: you have to earn your way there, and that’s what makes it so special! It takes around 40 minutes on foot or 25 minutes by bike through the scented scrubland from Porquerolles village. That effort guarantees rare peace and quiet, even at the height of summer.
• What’s nearby: the whole island is yours to explore! Rent a bike and set off to discover more trails, the lighthouse, the vineyards and the charming village with its timeless atmosphere.

4. l’Escalet Beach (Ramatuelle): the wild cove

If you’re looking for a hidden beach in the Var, head for l’Escalet. Far from the crowds, this wild beach between Cap Camarat and Cap Taillat is in fact a string of small coves of sand and sea-smoothed rocks. It’s a magical spot, a paradise for snorkelling enthusiasts who will discover crystal-clear seabeds. It’s the ideal place for anyone escaping the crowds in search of authenticity.

• The added value: it’s the starting point for a stunning hike along the coastal path towards Cap Taillat, a fine sandy isthmus ranked among the best-preserved areas of the coast. The walk is simply breathtaking.
• What’s nearby: nature in its purest form. Bring water and a picnic, as amenities are scarce. The car park, often full, is small, so it’s best to arrive very early in the season if you hope to find a space.

5. Renécros Beach (Bandol): the elegant town beach

Located in the heart of the seaside resort of Bandol, Renécros Beach is a beautiful cove of fine sand, perfectly sheltered from the prevailing winds by two rocky headlands. Its south-facing position and crescent shape make it a very pleasant and particularly safe spot for families.

• The added value: this is the ideal beach if you’re after a Var beach with a restaurant and every amenity close at hand. Its immediate proximity to Bandol town centre is its biggest asset, making it easy to switch between swimming and shopping.
• What’s nearby: Bandol harbour, with its shops, ice-cream parlours and numerous restaurants, is just a stone’s throw away. It’s the perfect balance between lazing on warm sand and the buzz of a lively Provençal town.

Every beach in the Var has its own personality and unique charm. Whether you’re after a secluded beach to recharge, a family atmosphere for unforgettable memories, or a setting worthy of a far-flung island, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the French Riviera. All that’s left is to plan your next waterside holiday rental in France.