Sanary sur Mer

Discover the village of Sanary-sur-Mer, a pretty Provençal seaside resort in the Var

Sanary-sur-Mer awaits you between Bandol and Toulon. This port town has retained its fishing village charm. Its port, ranked among the most beautiful in France, is home to around a hundred colorful boats, some of which date back to 1895.

The historic center invites you to stroll through its colorful streets. Portissol beach is a 15-minute walk from the town center. The Provençal atmosphere can be felt on the terraces, at the market voted the most beautiful in France, and around the Saint-Nazaire church.

For a panoramic view, climb up to the Notre-Dame-de-Pitié chapel. Sanary combines seaside relaxation and authentic charm, far from the tourist hustle and bustle.

A natural setting between sea and hills

Sanary opens onto a wide bay protected by the Pointe de la Cride and the Portissol hill. The turquoise waters and sandy beaches contrast with the hills covered with pine trees, olive groves, and vineyards. The light is typical of the Var region: bright, sometimes almost white in the middle of summer, soft and golden at the end of the day. The pastel-colored facades, green shutters, and Roman tile roofs reflect this alliance between maritime tradition and Provençal charm.

Stroll through Sanary-sur-Mer

The walk begins at the port, the beating heart of the town. Lined up along the quay, the pointus – small, brightly colored wooden boats – bear witness to the history of local fishing. Fishermen still sell their catch directly in the morning, creating a lively atmosphere.

As you wander through the pedestrian streets, you will discover artisan shops, small squares lined with plane trees, and the Saint-Nazaire church with its pointed bell tower, a landmark visible from the sea. As you head back up towards the Cride district, the view of the sea widens: you can see Six-Fours-les-Plages on one side and Bandol on the other.

To the west, Portissol beach attracts families and divers with its golden sand, clear water, and Posidonia seagrass beds. At the end of the day, the colors of the sky are spectacular.

Iconic places

The port and its pointed boats

A veritable open-air museum of Provençal maritime tradition, with boats restored and maintained by enthusiasts. Some are over a century old.

Saint-Nazaire Church

Rebuilt in the 19th century, it houses beautiful Byzantine-inspired frescoes and mosaics, which are rare in the region.

Sanary Market

Awarded “most beautiful market in France” in 2018, it is held every Wednesday morning on the harbor. Local products, fishermen's stalls, flowers, crafts: a taste of Provence by the sea.

The Romanesque Tower

Built in the 13th century, it served as a watchtower to protect the village. Today, it houses a museum tracing local history and maritime traditions.

Portissol Bay

A small sandy beach lined with restaurants and coastal paths. An ideal spot for snorkeling and sunsets.

Local life & events

Sanary lives to the rhythm of the sea and its market. In summer, the port hosts concerts, night markets, and craft exhibitions. Les Pointus de Sanary regularly organize boat trips to share the maritime heritage. In December, the illuminations transform the port into a magical setting, with a Christmas market on the quays. The local cuisine features bouillabaisse, anchoïade, and Bandol AOC wines.