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In the heart of the Var, Sanary-sur Mer is a small village in Provence renowned for its attractive living environment. World city of scuba diving, this warm and authentic fishing port anchored between Marseille and Toulon is the ideal place for holidays under the Provençal sun, at the rhythm of its traditions and the numerous activities dispensed in its seaside.

Start your stay by visiting the old town of Sanary-sur-Mer : take the time to stroll through its pedestrian streets and discover its houses with colourful and warm facades, its local shops, its art galleries, its flower market in front of the town hall, its fountains and its shady squares where you will love to have a coffee before continuing your visit in the direction of Notre-Dame de Pitié. Located in the heights of Sanary on the hill of Portissol, this chapel to the west of the city is the ideal place to observe an absolutely magnificent panorama on the Embiez Islands, the Pointe Nègre, the Rouveau and the red rocks of the coast. The market of Sanary is a must of your visit : elected "Most beautiful market of France" in 2018, its stalls are filled with local products like olive oil, fruits and vegetables full of sun, but also typically Provencal fabrics. At port level, facing the sea, is the Romanesque tower : built in the 13th century, this defensive tower facing the bay today houses the Frédéric Dumas Diving Museum. Still facing the port, the Saint-Nazaire church and its Neo-Byzantine façade is the starting point of the "Way of the Cross", also called "Climb of the oratories" which will offer you sumptuous views of the city and the sea. Then enter the port of the city, walk along its colourful quays and smell the iodine scents that scent the seashore... You will discover the famous "sharp" moored, these small traditional fishing boats remarkable for their bright colors. If you get up early enough, you may have the opportunity to see fishermen returning to port and selling their fish along the docks : rush onto fresh sea bream, scorpion fish, redfish and freshly caught crustaceans to concoct delicious local dishes, such as fish soup. From the port, budding sailors will even have the possibility of setting sail on the high seas for days dedicated to "big game fishing", or even for boat cruises along the Mediterranean coast towards the Embiez islands, Bendor Island, the bay of Toulon or the sublime calanques of Cassis. Many cruises depart from Sanary-sur-Mer, including several ideal family cruises: aboard the "Croix du Sud V", you will embark on a 7-hour long sea excursion and set out from the large sea pits that border the seaside resort, to observe marine animals such as the blue dolphin, the white dolphin and the whale in their natural environment. Memories guaranteed !

Between the sea and the mountains, Sanary-sur-Mer is the ideal destination to enjoy 100% natural activities with family or friends. Its many marked hiking trails cross the hinterland for pleasant walks, horse riding or mountain biking, while its coastal paths along the beaches and turquoise water coves are perfect for lovers of wide open spaces and stunning views over the great blue. The municipality also offers a wide range of nautical activities to its visitors : sailing, parachuting over the bay, or scuba diving (the Portissol underwater trail is one of the most beautiful to take) : there will be something for everyone.

More information about the region :

Côte d'Azur

Provence

Activities and Events

Live at the rhythm of these 3 markets: the Provençal market in the city centre, the port market and the night market

With its beaches and marina, Toulon is the ideal starting point for beautiful walks by the sea

Fine sandy beaches, islets and coves with crystal clear waters make this territory a protected area.