Property & Lifestyle in Var

Sunshine living, vineyard hills, and Mediterranean dreaming.

The Var is one of those rare parts of France where property and lifestyle blend effortlessly into something truly aspirational. With its extraordinary mix of coastal beauty, inland tranquillity, thriving year-round communities, and an outdoor lifestyle shaped by more than 300 days of sunshine, it’s easy to understand why the Var is consistently one of France’s most sought-after departments for homebuyers from across Europe.

Whether you’re looking for a lock-up-and-leave bolthole, a Provençal stone farmhouse, a modern villa with a pool, or a stylish apartment steps from the sea, the Var offers an extraordinary variety of choices—each tied to its own rhythm of living.

A Lifestyle at the Crossroads of Coast and Countryside

The Var is defined by contrasts. Along the Mediterranean, life hums with the sound of cicadas, waves and clinking glasses on sunlit terraces. Move inland and the atmosphere shifts to one of olive groves, vineyards and hilltop villages where time slows down and community life is cherished.

This dual identity is what makes the Var so desirable. Buyers can choose the sophistication of the coast or the rustic peace of the interior—or enjoy both, depending on where they settle.

The Mediterranean Coast

Stretching from Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer through Bandol, Le Lavandou, Hyères, Fréjus, and Saint-Raphaël—and brushing the legendary Saint-Tropez peninsula—the coast is a blend of glamour, culture, and nature. Seafront promenades, marinas, golden beaches and chic resort towns offer a lifestyle that feels like an uninterrupted holiday.

These areas tend to have higher property values, strong rental potential, excellent amenities, and a vibrant atmosphere year-round.

The Provençal Interior

Inland Var is a completely different world—one of medieval villages, lavender fields, truffle markets, and gently rolling landscapes.Places like Cotignac, Lorgues, Aups, Flayosc, Tourtour, Fayence, and Le Thoronet are beloved by expats seeking more authentic, quieter living without sacrificing access to the coast.

Here, you’ll find more spacious properties, large gardens, mature trees, and often better value for money—ideal for permanent living, gîtes, or retirement homes.

Property in the Var: What’s Available?

The Var offers some of the most varied property stock in Provence. Typical property types include:

🔹 Elegant Sea-View Apartments

Found in Toulon, Bandol, Saint-Raphaël, Cavalaire-sur-Mer, and Fréjus. Perfect for people who want:

• Lock-up-and-leave convenience

• Rental income potential

• Beach and marina access

Expect modern buildings, terraces, sea views, and easy maintenance.

🔹 Provençal Stone Houses (Mas & Bastides)

Scattered across the interior—especially around Lorgues, Cotignac, Flayosc, Salernes, and Aups. These homes offer:

• Character features

• Exposed stone walls

• Olive groves and vineyards

• Space and privacy

They are excellent for full-time living, retreats, or seasonal rentals.

🔹 Modern Villas with Pools

Very common in the “golden triangle” around Draguignan, Fayence, and Flayosc. Appeal to buyers wanting:

• Little to no renovation

• Gardens with pools

• Outdoor kitchens and terraces

These are some of the most popular choices among expat families and retirees.

🔹 Luxury Villas

Particularly around Saint-Tropez, Grimaud, Ramatuelle, La Croix-Valmer and Sainte-Maxime. Expect:

• Infinity pools

• Panoramic sea views

• Contemporary architecture

• High-end security and automation

Prices reflect the exclusivity of the location.

🔹 Village Houses (Maisons de Village)

Found throughout the department. These provide:

• Charming and affordable living

• Walkable access to cafés, bakeries, markets

• Close-knit community feel

Ideal for those wanting to be part of a traditional Provençal village.

What Does Property Cost in the Var?

Prices vary dramatically depending on location, views, and proximity to the sea.

Coastal Areas

• Apartments: €350,000–€900,000+

• Modern villas: €900,000–€2M+

• Saint-Tropez peninsula: €2M–€10M+

Inland Provence

• Village houses: €180,000–€350,000

• Renovated stone homes: €400,000–€700,000

• Villas with pools: €450,000–€800,000

The inland Var typically offers far better value while still being within an hour of the coast.

Lifestyle: What Is It Like to Live in the Var?

☀️ Mediterranean Climate

Hot summers, mild winters, and warm springs and autumns make outdoor living feel like a lifestyle—not a luxury.

🍷 Wine & Food Culture

The Var is France’s rosé capital, with vineyards stretching for miles. Local gastronomy includes:

• Olive oil

• Truffles

• Figs

• Provençal vegetables

• Bouillabaisse and seafood

• Rosé, rosé, rosé

Markets are the heart of daily life—colourful, vibrant and filled with fresh produce.

🏖 Outdoor Life All Year

The Var is perfect for:

• Swimming, sailing, kayaking, diving

• Hiking the Estérel and Maures massifs

• Cycling through countryside routes

• Exploring the Verdon Gorge

• Picnicking by Lac de Sainte-Croix

🏡 A Welcoming Expat Community

The Var has long attracted international residents—British, Dutch, Belgian, Scandinavian, German, American—who come for the lifestyle and climate.You’ll find:

• English-speaking clubs and groups

• International schools near coastal hubs

• Strong digital connectivity for remote workers

🚗 Transport Connections

• Nice Airport for most international travel

• Toulon–Hyères Airport

• TGV from Toulon or Les Arcs–Draguignan to Paris

• Easy access to the A8 and A57 autoroutes

Who the Var Suits Best

The Var is ideal for:

• Retirees seeking sunshine and peaceful living

• Remote workers wanting nature and good connections

• Families seeking outdoor lifestyle and beach proximity

• Second-home buyers looking for reliable investment

• Sailing and water-sport enthusiasts

• Lovers of Provençal culture, wine, and food

It offers that rare blend of elegance, nature, heritage and warmth that makes day-to-day living feel special.

Why Buy in the Var?

Because it offers:

• Proven investment value

• Quality of life

• Year-round sunshine

• Authentic Provençal living

• Access to beaches, nature, and culture

• A stable, desirable property market

For many, buying in the Var is not just a property decision—it’s a lifestyle choice. A chance to live in a place where mornings smell of wild herbs and evenings stretch out with glasses of rosé under pink skies.