The most beautiful beaches of the Var - Our top 5

The most beautiful beaches of the Var – Our top 5

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Updated : 2 February 2026 at 10:01

This department is our favourite in the south of France and here we reveal what we believe are the 5 most beautiful beaches of the Var on the Cote d’Azur ! From Saint-Tropez to Bormes-les-Mimosas and Porquerolles island, it was difficult to choose among the hundreds of beaches lining the coast. That’s why we will focus exclusively on sandy beaches, pebble beaches and coves will be covered in another article. More or less easy to access, we selected them primarily for their beauty but also for their originality. We therefore hope you’ll find your perfect spot among the treasures in our ranking !

Grand Jardin Beach, the hidden jewel (Bormes-Les-Mimosas)

♥️ What we love : It is less well known than its neighbour, Estagnol beach, but it has just as many qualities of a little paradise ! That’s why it fully deserves its place on the podium of the most beautiful beaches in the Var. It is a long stretch of fine white sand, with clear and shallow water. Its advantage ? It is less crowded because access is more difficult than at Estagnol beach. You’ll enjoy a much more peaceful atmosphere ! In short, for us it’s a place that is both stunning and wild, ideal if you want to feel completely transported for a day.

How to get to Grand Jardin beach ? From the car park at Estagnol beach, it takes about a 30-minute walk along the coastal path starting on the right (facing the sea).

Its (small) weak point : As Grand Jardin Beach is not regularly cleaned, there may be dead seaweed and small stones on the sand.

👉 Go further : For more athletic visitors, we recommend continuing the hike to La Mere Dieu Beach, smaller but just as idyllic !

The most beautiful beach in the Var on the Cote d'Azur : Grand Jardin beach

Escalet Beach, an unmissable beauty (Ramatuelle)

♥️ What we love : A small beach of fine white sand, set against a backdrop of smooth rocks shaped by turquoise waters worthy of the Seychelles ! A sublime place that will take your breath away the moment you step onto the sand. It has a slightly wild and unspoilt feel, surrounded by typically Mediterranean vegetation. It is also very close to a car park, making it easily accessible for families or anyone wanting to enjoy a relaxed day. However, we recommend setting off to explore the rest of this coastline, which is just as (if not even more) breathtaking !

How to get to Escalet beach ? The best option is by car, via the departmental road. If the paid car park is full, you can park in Ramatuelle and take one of the free shuttle buses that will drop you directly at the beach.

Its (small) weak point : A victim of its own success, number of parking spaces fill up quickly during the summer season. Be sure to arrive very early or visit in the off-season.

👉 Go further : To extend the experience, enjoy a walk along the magnificent coastal path leading to Cap Taillat, or head out to sea on a paddleboard or canoe. You’ll discover the dazzling Bonporteau bay and its succession of paradise-like coves where you can stop for a swim. A more relaxing alternative: an organised catamaran cruise.

Escalet beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Cote d'Azur

Notre-Dame, the famous BEACH of Porquerolles ISLAND

♥️ What we love : Its character, both authentic and wild, with scenery made up of pine trees and other typically Mediterranean plants. You’ll find a small cove on the left followed by a long stretch of white sand. Its crystal-clear, shallow water makes it an ideal spot for families and for those who enjoy paddling and swimming. For us, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Var and our favourite on the Porquerolles island. It’s no coincidence that it was voted the most best beach in Europe in 2015 !

How to get to Notre-Dame beach ? From La Londe-les-Maures or the Tour Fondue on the Giens peninsula (parking subject to a fee), take the TLV–TVM ferry which will take you directly to Porquerolles. Then walk from the port along the coastal path for about 30 minutes to reach the beach. Be sure to book your ticket in advance !

Its (small) weak point : The somewhat high price of the crossing (€24 during the summer season) > see prices

👉 Go further : Choose a mountain bike tour around the island ! There’s nothing better for discovering hidden treasures and admiring breathtaking panoramas. You’ll find many bike rental shops at the entrance of the village.

Notre-Dame Beach in Porquerolles, a very beautiful beach in the Var

Jean Blanc Beach, the hidden jewel of the Lavandou

♥️ What we love : Its dream-like scenery, just like the other beaches mentioned in this article ! Nestled among rocks and lush vegetation, it has an authentic and wild character. This fine, shimmering sandy beach will also amaze you with the beauty of its blue, crystal-clear water. Sheltered from view as it lies below the coastal road, it is well known to locals and must be earned with around a hundred steps down (and back up !). You can also admire this paradise-like view from the staircase. Finally, just beyond Jean Blanc, you’ll find a very small mixed beach (naturist and non-naturist) : Elephant beach.

How to get to Jean Blanc beach ? From Le Lavandou, take the CD 559 towards Saint-Tropez and park along the road (free spaces). Then take the path behind the cycle lane. The beach is located at the bottom of a staircase, below the road.

Its (small) weak point : Jean Blanc beach is relatively small. During summer season, it can therefore become crowded very quickly.

👉 Go further : Le Lavandou is famous for its 12 beaches, each more beautiful than the last ! To discover some of them, follow the stunning coastal path that ends at La Fossette beach.

Jean Blanc beach, our favorite in Lavandou area

Almanarre Beach, between salt flats and water sports (Hyères)

♥️ What we love : It is a very large beach bordering the “Salins des Pesquiers” of Hyeres, giving it a unique charm between dunes and typical wildlife (including pink flamingos). Its blue water is clear in calm weather and the beach is made up of sand and small pebbles along the shoreline. When the wind blows, it becomes a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers ! You can then enjoy the spectacular show of their acrobatics. To top it all off, it’s also a fantastic spot for watching the sunset.

How to get to Almanarre beach ? By car, you’ll find free parking spaces along the “Route du Sel” road, or in the two car parks near the roundabout (just before the Route du Sel).

Its (small) downside : It can be windy and is sometimes covered with dead seaweed (posidonia).

👉 Go further : We recommend the stunning hike that loops around the Giens Peninsula. Starting from La Madrague, you’ll encounter a diverse landscape, charming little coves, and a multitude of breathtaking viewpoints. It’s one of our favorite coastal trails!

Almanarre beach in Hyères, paradise for kitesurfers

– Our opinion –

Our coastline is full of paradise-like beaches that have nothing to envy those found thousands of miles away ! That’s why it was difficult for us to make our selection and we choose what we consider to be the very best of the most beautiful beaches in the Var. Our personal favorite is Grand Jardin Beach, with its authenticity. We also hesitated for a long time with Escalet beach and its magnificent Bonporteau bay, a true hidden gem that we regularly explore by paddleboard. The latter is, without a doubt, the number one of the most beautiful beach in Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle.


Now it’s your turn, feel free to share your opinion and tell us which beach in the Var is a must-see in your eyes !

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