Five Family-Friendly Experiences Around Var, Provence in the Month of August

This year, Andy and I have begun exploring the Var department of Provence more than any other year and, as we’ve gotten more familiar with its charming villages, we’ve stumbled across some really neat events that really highlight what makes this region so special. While the activities in this post are kid friendly, adults can partake in all but one of the experiences whether they have children or not, so don’t let the title deter you from finding new ways to explore Provence!

Balade aquatique à la Pointe des Sardinaux

Visitors around the beautiful coastal town of Saint Maxime will no double find themselves at some point in or around the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

This event allows them to take a deeper dive, pun intended, into the Pointe des Sardinaux nature reserve off of the town’s stunning coast. Following an experienced guide, explorers will not only learn more about the local sea life, but also be taken on an exploration of Posidonia meadows and the anemone gardens. Each stop around the marine trail is equip with informational markers, giving guests a deeper understanding of their surroundings.

The activity is offered in both French and English, allowing visitors the chance to partake in the marine trail while learning all about the sea life and the nature reserve in their preferred language.

**Wet gear is not provided. While it is not mandatory to have snorkel gear, it is suggested. However, there are many surf shops around town where you could buy a cheap pair of goggles and fins.

Date: Every Friday in August

Time: 9h 30 - 11h 15 am

Price: 11 Euros for Adults, 8 Euros for Kids

For more information:

Phone: +33 (0)4 94 55 70 30

Email: contact@golfe-sainttropez.fr

Location: La Pointe des Sardinaux 1 avenue Général Touzet du Vigier
83120 Sainte-Maxime

Astronomy Festival

Presented by AstroVerdon

Come spend the evening “under the stars of the Verdon” where guests can take in the breathtaking celestial skies along with local astronomers to assist in their viewing.

This even takes place over a three-day period, August 2nd through the 5th, giving guests the option of visiting at different times suited to their availability and schedule. The evening commences at 8 pm where attendees can pack their own picnic or buy one from the vendors at the evening’s festivities.

From 9 to 9:45, guests will be introduced to an all-encompassing presentation of the solar system and its stars.

Each night has a different theme:

2nd: life and the death of the stars

3rd: constellations and their mythology

4th: the planets of the solar system

5th: a trip into the Universe

After learning a little more about the topic of the night, guests will begin viewing the constellations with the naked eye.

Around 10 pm, viewers may begin using telescopes, allowing them to participate in the night-time gaze of the sky along side the astronomers and ask any questions that may arise during their viewing.

Date: August 2nd-5th

Time: 20h

Reservations accepted online: AstroVerdon.fr

Cost: 25 Euros for adults, kids under 15 are free

Location: Baudinard-sur-Verdon

For more information, call: 06 62 25 58 31

Escape Game

Le vol d’un chef d’œvre

When I was much younger and went on vacation with my family, we all seemed to have a different idea as to how to spend our vacation. My parents wanted to visit the local museums, trying to get a deeper sense of the culture and history of the area. My brother and I, however, would rather partake in the youthful activities that dotted the main street around our destination, leaving us at odds as to how to please everyone.

So, when I came across this activity, I smiled, thinking how this would have been the absolute best activity for my family, appealing to everyone involved. This adventure is the perfect activity for after you’ve spent the day at the beach and are now looking for something interactive, but also relaxing to fill that space before dinner.

Your team, or family, has been tipped off. Someone plans to steal a special piece of work from the Bormes Museum of History and Art. Using the clues that have been sloppily left behind by our potential art stealer, you and your group must work together to find the piece of art before the hour is up and the thief has stolen it!

This event has limited space, and you must register online to attend. Groups can consist of 4-6 people, but each group must have at least 2 adults.

Date: August 8th, 2024

Time: 19h 30 - 20h 30

Cost: 15 Euros for adults, 10 Euros for children

Reservations required

Location: Bormes History and Art Museum 103 rue Carnot 83230 Bormes-les-Mimosas

For more information:

Website: https://musee-bormes.com

Call: 04 97 7156 60

DIY soap workshop and lavender field visit

When absolutely anyone thinks of Provence, their mind usually goes straight to vibrant fields of deep purple lavender. The smell is one of the most intoxicating, enveloping you in a deep aroma the moment you walk to its edge.

This one-hour workshop is set in the middle of the lavender fields themselves, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic organic lavender estate of Terre Ugo. Each participant will leave with their own 200g bar of soap, which they can choose to create in the traditional Marseille fashion or add their own spin. It’s a souvenir and experience you will surely not forget.

The workshop is offered every day in August and offer one-hour spots from 10h 30- 17h.

Date: All August

Time: 1 hour-time slots starting at 10h30 to 17h

Cost: 20 Euros for Adults 13 and up, 13 Euros for Children 12 and under

Reservations can be booked: here

Location: Terre Ugo -1885 Route Du Puy Sainte Réparade 13540 Aix-en-Provence

For more information, call: +33 4 75 08 10 23

Cooking Classes for Little Chefs

This Provençal cooking class is designed specifically for children 6 and older and allows the budding chefs to explore the world of French cooking. Allow Aurélie from Le Rendez-Vous restaurant to guide your little ones through a cooking experience they’ll never forget in the beautiful seaside town of Bandol.

Classes happen each Monday and Tuesday, but there are only six spots for each, so make sure you connect with Aurélie early to save your spot.

Date: Each Monday and Tuesday in August

Cost: TBD

Location: Bandol, next to the church

For more information, contact Aurélie at: 04 94 06 51 68.

Has your family found a fun and interesting way to discover Var? Share its information below and allow others to experience this beautiful region in an alternative way!

Happy Exploration!

-R