What to do in the Var region with your dog?
Planning your next holiday in the Var with your dog? From Wild West landscapes inland to the turquoise waters of the Var coastline: you and your dog won't have a moment to be bored during your stay in the South of Provence!
The Var region is one of those destinations where I know from the start that I'll be able to fully enjoy a stay with my dog. Between the varied landscapes, the numerous dog-friendly activities, the opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and swimming, Everything is in place for a real holiday in the South of France with your four-legged companion.
With Musher, we explored this Provençal region, settling in the Saint-Raphaël area and the Giens Peninsula. Two places I loved and which are perfect for alternating between walks, discoveries and moments with your dog in the water.
In this post, I'll help you discover the Var region through superb, accessible hikes, visits to Provençal villages, and places to swim with your dog..
Table of contents
Practical Memo
Where can I stay in the Var region with my dog? Here are 6 of the best QUALIDOG-certified accommodations for your vacation with your dog!
Hotel Escapade
💦 Dog-friendly beach all year round, 70m away 💦
Hotel Le Château d'Argens
With dog-friendly gourmet restaurant
St-Mandrier Peninsula Campsite
700 meters from a dog beach!
Didn't find what you were looking for in our selection? Here are a few websites where you can find dog-friendly accommodations. They are not QUALIDOG-certified partners, so I don't know their standards of hospitality.
- 🚗 Rent a car
- 🚐 Rent a campervan
- (I.e. Find a train ticket Arrival at the TGV stations of Toulon, Les Arcs-sur-Argens, Saint-Raphaël, then TER regional train
- The M5in Toulon
- Palm Side Restaurant, in Bormes-les-Mimosas
- The Marsico RestaurantHyères
- The Var region borders part of the Mediterranean Sea, promising pleasant swimming as well as numerous opportunities for water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.). Don't forget to equip your dog. a dog life jacket for his safety.
- Be vigilant during your hikes in the Var: you may pass through pine forests and therefore encounter processionary caterpillars (especially in spring). If your dog has come into contact with these small insects, consult our article on emergency procedures to adopt.
- I recommend visiting the Var region during the off-season to avoid the stifling heat of the South of France in summer, nor the risks of fire which greatly reduce the possibilities for walks.
🥾 Hikes and walks in the Var region with your dog
The Var region is full of exceptional trails where wild nature and azure panoramas offer an ideal adventure playground for you and your dog.
- The Grenier Point heritage trail: From port of La MadragueThe Pointe Grenier trail offers a one-hour loop (4 km) ideal for hiking with your dog, winding between cliffs and turquoise waters. This coastal path offers incredible views. Some coves are accessible, allowing you to enjoy a swim in secluded, secluded spots. Bandol et Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer.
- The Latay waterfall in Signes The hike to the Latay waterfall signs offers an easy route of approximately 11 km round trip from the Chibron parking lotThe path winds through a pretty valley dotted with numerous shaded areas, allowing your dog to walk peacefully without suffering from the heat. While the waterfall may be less visible in summer, the natural setting remains stunning and can be truly breathtaking after a few days of rain.
- Walks in the Estérel massif: The Esterel Massif and its famous red rocks offer a spectacular setting for hiking with your dog on easy and accessible trails. In just a few hours, you'll explore wild paths winding through pine forests and enjoying breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The many shaded forest paths allow your companion to fully enjoy the walk in the cool shade, while soaking up the Wild West atmosphere of this unspoiled mountain range. You can, by
for example, borrowing the hike to the Pic de l'Ours since parking lot at the Col de Notre-Dame (2,6 km) or the hike to Cap Dramont (3.8 km) from the Camp Long beach car park.
- The Sillans waterfall: The Sillans waterfall, one of the most famous natural sites in the Var region, can be discovered during a short walk starting from the village of Sillans-la-cascadeWe had the opportunity to explore this trail with Musher, leading to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the large turquoise waterfall nestled in lush vegetation. It's a fairly popular hike, with many dogs and a sometimes narrow path. Good to know if your furry friend isn't comfortable with crowds! Although swimming is prohibited at the base of the waterfall to protect the site, this walk offers an enchanting setting that is definitely worth the trip!
👉 To enjoy worry-free hikes with your dog, consult The Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Your Dog.
💬 I'll interrupt your reading for 10 seconds, but it's for a very useful piece of information, I promise! 
Pet food, vet visits, holidays, equipment… The dog budget is becoming a real money pit, isn't it? It's unbelievable!
With Musher, we've been working for you: the Wouafer's Pass gives access to Over 30 negotiated discounts, including Corsica Ferries, Campings.com, SantéVet and dozens of discounted pet food brands 🐾 Personally, I'm going to save €344 this year… and that feels good!
I'm including the link to Wouafer's Pass here… and I'll let you continue reading 
The Var region is not limited to its hiking trails; the department is also full of small medieval villages and activities to do with your four-legged companion.
🏘️ Sightseeing and activities to do in the Var region with your dog
Located in Provence, the Var is renowned for its small medieval villages and its wild, unique excursions, far from major cities like Marseille, Toulon, or Saint-Tropez. Here are some ideas for exploring the Var properly with your dog 😉
- Strolling through Provençal villages : Exploring Provençal villages such as Bormes-les-Mimosas, Ramatuelle, Grimaud or, Sanary-sur-Mer is an unmissable experience to share with your dog. I actually visited this last village with Musher and we loved the authentic Provençal atmosphere and the colorful boats in the port! But all these villages offer an ideal setting for strolling peacefully through charming cobbled streets and enjoying the atmosphere of Provençal markets, shaded squares and café terraces, where you can relax with your dog.
- Going on a boat trip with your dog Embark on a private catamaran excursion with your dog departing from ports such as Hyères, Saint-Raphaël, or Saint-Tropez. Les Bateaux Verts, for example, offers excursions from Port of Grimaud.
- You can also visit thePorquerolles Island for Hyères. With Musher, we took the ferry from La Tour Fondue (departing from the Giens Peninsula) with the TLV company. Pets are welcome on board free of charge, provided they are kept on a leash. Once there, we decided to explore Porquerolles Island by bike. There are numerous bike rental shops at the port, and it's also possible to rent a trailer for your cycling excursion. Since our little girl didn't want to walk that day, we rented two bikes and two trailers: one for our two-legged daughter and one for our four-legged one. This allowed us to reach different spots on the island and discover many places. Everything is quite well signposted. A very enjoyable day, but admittedly, very expensive… between the equipment rental, the round-trip ferry fare, and the restaurant… I wasn't expecting such a bill, even in the middle of December!
- Dog-friendly parks and gardens For a green break in the city, the Var region has several dog-friendly parks and gardens, particularly in Toulon. Spaces like the Alexander I Garden, Raoulx Park or Cedars Park are ideal places to offer your companion a breath of fresh air.
Because days in the South can be sporty, it is essential to know the places where your dog can cool off in peace and quiet in the Var.
🌊 Swimming spots to cool off with your dog in the Var
The Var region borders part of the Mediterranean coastline. According to an expert (a musher!), swimming is therefore essential during your stay with your dog in the department! Here's where to go to swim with your dog in the Var:
- Cani-paddleboarding: Many paddleboarding spots in the Var region are suitable for an outing with your dog. Two sites are must-sees: the Antheor Bay, to wind between coves and islets towards the Agay lighthouse, And the Giens peninsulaSome dog trainers offer introductory sessions, so don't hesitate to ask if you'd like to try it out!
- Bandol Dog Beach The Dog Beach in Bandol, located just behind the Deferrari StadiumThis is a true aquatic paradise for your canine companion. This pebble beach, entirely dedicated to them, boasts crystal-clear waters where they can swim to their heart's content. It's the ideal meeting place for them to run freely along the shore and meet other dogs for memorable playtime.
- The cove of Port d’Alon Accessible via the coastal path near Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, the Calanque de Port d'Alon This is a true gem where dogs on leashes are welcome year-round. It's the perfect spot for a refreshing swim or an impromptu picnic in a natural setting. This unspoiled cove allows you to savor a peaceful moment by the sea, in perfect harmony with your faithful companion. However, dogs are not allowed in the Calanque d'Alon from April 1st to September 30th, between 9 am and 17 pm.
👉 If you would like to enjoy other dog-friendly beaches, you can check out our Top 5 dog-friendly beaches in the Var.
You're all set to spend your next holiday in the Var with your dog. For a successful stay, don't forget the QUALIDOG accommodations that I told you about at the top of the article. These are perfect establishments for your holiday with your dog; they are eagerly awaiting your arrival.