Nighttime Artisan Markets
Night markets in the Var are must-see summer events, offering a friendly and festive atmosphere to visitors. They usually take place from June to August in various villages and seaside resorts in the region. Each market showcases local products, regional craftsmanship, and unique handmade creations, ranging from jewelry to decorative objects.
The markets in Saint-Raphaël, Sanary-sur-Mer, Sainte-Maxime, and Pignans are especially popular, attracting both locals and tourists. These evenings are often enhanced by live music and entertainment, creating an atmosphere perfect for strolling and discovering local specialties.
Saint-Raphaël Night Market: A seaside market, popular with both locals and tourists, where you can discover stands selling handmade goods, jewelry, and regional products. The friendly atmosphere is often lifted by street performers.
🕒 Travel time: 35 minutes
Sainte-Maxime Night Market: Perfect for a post-dinner outing, this market offers fashion and craft stands along the docks, creating a colorful and lively atmosphere with a view of the Saint-Tropez Gulf.
🕒 Travel time: 40 minutes
Vidauban Night Market: More intimate, this market features local and artisanal products. Just minutes from Le Luc, it’s the ideal choice for a quiet evening.
🕒 Travel time: 15 minutes
Pignans Night Market: Held during the summer as part of the event “Un Bel Été à Pignans,” this market takes place on the school square with specific dates in July and August. Visitors can discover local products, crafts, and enjoy a friendly atmosphere, sometimes with musical entertainment. Perfect for a family or friends’ evening.
🕒 Travel time: 20 minutes
Ramatuelle Festival and More...
Cultural Activities and Outdoor Cinema
Summer in the Var is marked by a rich array of cultural activities, attracting music, theater, and visual arts enthusiasts.
Many towns such as Draguignan and Le Luc host a vibrant program of concerts and performances. Additionally, outdoor movie screenings are organized in several villages and seaside resorts of the Var, offering a convivial evening for families and friends. Check the websites of the towns for summer schedules, or visit cultural event sites like Sortie en Provence, Agenda Culturel, or the events section in La Provence newspaper.
Here’s an overview of the key cultural activities you shouldn't miss:
Ramatuelle Festival: A summer festival offering theater performances and concerts.
Les Nuits Blanches: Several towns and villages (such as Le Thoronet, Fréjus, and Hyères) organize this event with street performances and activities during the summer.
Concerts at the Toulon Opera: During the summer, Toulon Opera offers outdoor concerts and performances, including classical music and recitals, attracting music lovers from the region.
Festive Evenings
Les Caves du Roy in Saint-Tropez: Located in the Byblos Hotel, this club is a must-visit for the Saint-Tropez nightlife, known for its chic and glamorous atmosphere. The luxurious décor and renowned DJs attract an international crowd.
Le Papagayo in Saint-Tropez: This club-restaurant offers a view of the Saint-Tropez Port and transforms into a lively dance floor after midnight. A night out here can start with an elegant dinner, followed by DJ mixes.
Club Le Gaulois in Fréjus: A friendly club offering themed parties, with both locals and tourists. Perfect for a laid-back evening with friends.
La Villa Bivona in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume: A popular club known for its festive nights and DJ sets, blending friendliness with elegance.
L’Acapulco in Fréjus: This iconic club on the French Riviera offers a large dance floor and DJ-hosted nights, providing a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
Le Mistral in Saint-Raphaël: With a view of Saint-Raphaël Bay, this seaside club is perfect for an animated night, featuring a varied music program.
Le Club 83 in La Garde: Near Toulon, this club attracts young crowds with themed nights and a music program ranging from contemporary hits to 80s classics.
Le Quai Sud in Hyères: A seaside club with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, perfect for dancing under the stars.
Casino
Casino Barrière de Saint-Raphaël: A modern seaside casino with over 200 slot machines, table games, and a lounge bar for a break between gaming sessions.
Casino Partouche in Hyères: A casino near the beaches of Hyères, offering a wide selection of games and a restaurant with a view of the sea.
Casino de Sainte-Maxime: An elegant setting with a view of the Saint-Tropez Gulf, where you can try your luck at slot machines and table games.
Casino de Cavalaire-sur-Mer: A friendly casino offering slot machines and table games just steps from the beach, with themed nights for an even more festive experience.