The most beautiful scenic roads of the Var

scenic routes var

The Corniche des Maures (D559): between the Mediterranean and red rocks

If you’re looking for a road that strings together postcard views without a dull moment, the Corniche des Maures is a must. Following the D559, you run along one of the most spectacular stretches of the Var coastline, with open sea views, rocky headlands and coves that invite a stop. The light is particularly beautiful late in the afternoon, when the sea takes on metallic reflections and the rock turns ochre.

The charm of this road is its rhythm: gentle bends, natural viewpoints and frequent access to small beaches. It also allows you to cross or pass by iconic places (Le Lavandou, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Cavalaire, up to the outskirts of Saint-Tropez depending on your route). In high season, it’s best to leave early: you’ll enjoy smoother traffic and easier stops in parking areas.

Panorama tip: favor viewpoints overlooking the coast rather than rushing to the most famous beaches. The Var often rewards those who take the time to observe from above, where the coast reads like a map, with its headlands, islets and lines of foam.

The Route des Crêtes (around the Estérel): cliffs, viewpoints and wide angles

At the gates of the Var, the Estérel offers an almost cinematic driving experience: red rocks, pine forests, sheer drops and a very deep blue sea. The Route des Crêtes is known for its viewpoints and panoramic stops that dominate the coast. Even if the exact route varies depending on access and the section traveled, the spirit is always the same: a succession of viewpoints that give the impression of floating above the Mediterranean.

To fully enjoy it, choose a time when visibility is excellent: after a burst of mistral, the sky becomes very clear and the reliefs stand out more. Also think about driving comfort: the road can be winding, with rapid changes in light (shadows from the pines, glints on the sea). Appropriate glasses and a relaxed pace turn the outing into a real pleasure.

Photo tip: at sunrise, the cliffs take on copper tones. Late in the day, the atmosphere becomes softer, ideal for capturing the coast in golden light.

The Corniche Varoise: from Toulon to Hyères, the coastline as a balcony

Between Toulon and Hyères, certain stretches of road offer a true balcony on the sea, alternating port views, headlands and more urban sections that remain interesting nonetheless. It’s a perfect route for those who want to combine panoramas and easily accessible discoveries: you quickly move from a perspective on the islands to a gourmet stop, from a viewpoint to a seaside walk.

The magic often happens in the transitions: when the city fades and the road opens onto a bay, or when a bend suddenly reveals a line of islands on the horizon. In this area, the orientation of the coast creates very variable light effects throughout the day: it can be interesting to do the route in one direction, then repeat it later in the other to compare the atmospheres.

To complete your route plan with ideas by area (and to spot other themed itineraries), you can consult Les Routes Touristiques du Var, a practical resource to compose a tailor-made stay according to your wishes.

The Route of the Gorges du Verdon (Var side): controlled vertigo and turquoise water

The Verdon is one of the great visual shocks of the South: monumental cliffs, water of an almost unreal turquoise, and roads clinging to the rock. On the Var side, several accesses and loops allow you to approach the gorges and enjoy breathtaking viewpoints. The experience is less coastal than other itineraries, but it compensates with a sense of immensity and a remarkable diversity of landscapes.

Here, driving requires more attention: some stretches are narrow, the turns can be tight and the overlooks very attractive. The golden rule: stop only in designated areas, and keep a safety margin, especially in summer when visitor numbers increase. In return, you gain access to incredible panoramas of the canyon and its rock strata, sometimes with birds of prey flying above as a bonus.

Comfort tip: set out with water, bring a light sweater even in summer (the viewpoints can be windy), and don’t hesitate to plan a short walk to reach some quieter viewpoints.

The Provence Wine Route (Var): gentle hills and hilltop villages

Changing scenery without leaving the Var is possible by taking the roads that cross the wine-growing hinterland. Here, there are no cliffs above the sea, but a mosaic of hills, neatly aligned vines, cypress trees and perched villages. The sense of panorama comes from the terrain: you drive from ridge to ridge, and each undulation opens a new perspective on the Provençal countryside.

This type of route is best savored slowly, with stops in villages to take the pulse of the area: shaded squares, fountains, small shops, and occasionally a discreet viewpoint at the end of an alley. The light is superb in spring and autumn, when contrasts are softer and the air is clearer.

Driving tip: these roads are ideal for alternating between driving and wandering. Make a simple rule for yourself: one scenic stop every 30 to 45 minutes. This prevents fatigue and makes the journey more memorable than a mere transfer.

The Sainte-Baume Ridge Road: forests, cliffs and breaths of fresh air

The Sainte-Baume offers another face of the Var: more wooded, cooler, sometimes almost mountainous depending on the season. The roads that run along or cross the massif offer viewpoints over the plains and surrounding relief, alternating undergrowth and panoramic openings that pleasantly surprise.

In summer, it is also an excellent option for seeking a bit of coolness. Temperatures are often milder there, and the shade of the forests makes the road more comfortable. In winter or after rain, caution: some sections can be slippery, and visibility reduced by low clouds clinging to the ridges.

If you like to combine driving and walking, this area lends itself well to a mixed outing: a scenic drive, then a short hike to reach a viewpoint or a notable spot before getting back on the road further on.

The Artuby Road and villages of character: blond stone and secret valleys

Less known than the Verdon, the Artuby valley nevertheless offers very fine driving moments, with roads that follow the relief, bridges, more intimate gorges and villages that seem set on the rock. Here you find a more discreet Provence, far from the coast, ideal for those who enjoy discovery routes and breaks in quiet places.

The panorama here is not always frontal: it reveals itself in touches, around a bend, when the valley opens, or when the road gains height. These are landscapes that demand a little attention… and repay it a hundredfold, so varied and authentic are they.

Practical tip: bring something for a picnic. In the hinterland, a simple stop in the shade with a view of the hills can become a great travel memory.

The roads around the Massif des Maures: ridgelines, cork oaks and wild vistas

The Massif des Maures is not just a backdrop for the coast: it is a territory in its own right, with its forests, ridges, hollows and unexpected views. Some secondary roads offer a deep South atmosphere: cork oaks, pines, the smell of resin, and sometimes, at the top of a climb, a distant glimpse of the sea emerging between two contours of the landscape.

These are perfect routes for slowing down and driving by feel. Ideally, leave yourself the option to turn off, take a smaller road, visit a village, then return to a main route. In summer, these areas can also be sensitive to fire risks: follow instructions scrupulously and avoid stopping outside authorized zones.

To find other ideas for road routes already selected and designed for cars, you can take a look at Top 5 of the most beautiful roads to discover in the Var in ..., useful for comparing routes according to the time you have available.

Prepare your day well: timing, safety and wow breaks

In the Var, the difference between a pleasant outing and an exceptional day often comes down to three details: departure time, choice of stops and traffic management. In summer, leaving early helps avoid some traffic jams, find spots at viewpoints and enjoy softer light. The afternoon can be devoted to shaded areas (massifs, hinterland), then return to the coast at the end of the day, when the road eases up.

For safety, a simple rule: never sacrifice an official stop for an improvised roadside stop. Scenic roads draw the eye, but they require discipline: park properly, keep your distance and adjust your speed for cyclists, who are numerous on some routes. For comfort, think of water, a small first-aid kit, and a power bank if you use GPS a lot.

Finally, plan real breaks: a bakery in a village, a lookout point, a small harbor, a short walk. It’s the alternation of road/stops that gives the route its flavor.

Combo ideas: road + local experience (without overloading the schedule)

To make your itinerary even more memorable, ideally pair a road with a simple, coherent activity, without piling on objectives. For example: a morning on the coast, then a cooler afternoon inland. Or a ridge route followed by an evening in a lively village.

After the drive: a pause for two

If your scenic outing turns into a romantic getaway, a pleasant option is to extend the experience with Wellness weekend for couples, — perfect for recovering after a day of turns, walking and viewpoints.

For green enthusiasts: drive and play

Var is well suited to mixed stays where you alternate roads and activities. If you like golf, you can plan a panoramic day, then schedule a calmer session the next day with Golf and relaxation stay in the.

In the evening: markets and Provençal atmosphere

After a drive at sunset, nothing beats a gourmet stroll. To choose outing ideas, take inspiration from The most beautiful night markets of Provence : the atmosphere there is often as panoramic as the landscapes, but in a version of lights, scents and music.

Traveling with your dog: without giving up the viewpoints

Many overlooks and small access paths are well suited to an outing with a four-legged companion, provided you remember water and avoid the hottest hours. To prepare a stress-free stay, Holidays with pets dog-friendly hotels in the can help you organize accommodation without worry.

Add an easy walk from a convenient starting point

Some of the most beautiful viewpoints are earned with 20 to 60 minutes of walking, which remains accessible and very rewarding. If you are looking for loop ideas to combine with a driving route, The best hiking routes starting from Les Arcs is a good base for adding a touch of nature to your itinerary.

Where to sleep to easily range between coast and hinterland

The Var is vast and very varied: to enjoy several atmospheres (sea, mountain ranges, villages), choosing a well-located base changes everything. Ideally, sleep in an area that allows you to reach either the coast or the interior quickly, to avoid having to endure too many kilometers at the end of the day. Also consider the season: in summer, moving closer to the hinterland can offer more calm and simpler returns after the sunsets.

If you want to simplify organizing and keep flexibility for your trips, Need a room? Book directly!

What makes these roads unforgettable

What strikes you in the Var is the variety within a relatively compact area: in a single day you can go from the sparkling sea to dense forests, from vertiginous cliffs to gentle hills, from a lively coastal road to a silent valley. The most memorable roads are not just beautiful: they tell a geography, a light, a way of traveling that is more attentive.

By taking the time to alternate between coast and hinterland, by choosing a few well-placed stops and driving at a calm pace, you turn a simple route into a complete experience. The Var is often best discovered by road, provided you leave room for the unexpected: an unplanned viewpoint, a village that holds you, or a sunset that makes you extend the day.