Var (department)

Var (department)
Department	Var
Number	83
Region	Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Prefecture	Toulon
Subprefectures	Brignoles, Draguignan
President	Jean-Louis Masson
Population	1,095,337
Population date	2021
Area km2	5973
Cantons	23
Communes	153

Var (department). Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France, the Var is a department renowned for its stunning Mediterranean coastline, rugged interior landscapes, and rich historical heritage. Its prefecture is the major naval port of Toulon, and it encompasses famous coastal resorts like Saint-Tropez and Fréjus. The department's name originates from the Var River, which historically formed its eastern border until administrative changes in 1860.

Geography

The department's geography is defined by its dramatic coastline along the French Riviera, featuring the Massif des Maures and the Estérel massif with its distinctive red porphyry rock. Inland, the terrain rises into the foothills of the Alps, including areas of the Provence pre-Alps, and is characterized by Verdon Gorge, one of Europe's deepest canyons. Major rivers include the Argens, which flows through the central plain, and the Verdon River, known for the Lac de Sainte-Croix reservoir. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, supporting extensive maquis shrubland and forests of oak and pine.

History

Human settlement dates to antiquity, with the area being colonized by Greek mariners from Phocaea, who founded Massalia and later outposts. It became part of the Roman Republic following the conquest of Gallia Narbonensis, with important settlements at Fréjus (Forum Julii) and the Roman way station of Glandèves. During the Middle Ages, the region was contested by the Counts of Provence and later became part of the Kingdom of France after the death of Charles III, Duke of Bourbon. The department was created in 1790 during the French Revolution, named after the river that was then its border; the 1860 Treaty of Turin and annexation of the County of Nice shifted the border eastward to the current limit.

Demographics

The population has grown significantly due to migration and tourism, with major urban centers including Toulon, the densely populated Toulon Provence Méditerranée metropolitan area, and the coastal agglomerations around Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël. There is also a notable concentration of British and other northern European retirees and second-home owners in towns like Bormes-les-Mimosas and Le Lavandou. Traditional inland villages, such as Cotignac and Aups, have smaller, more stable populations, with some experiencing seasonal influxes.

Economy

The economy is diverse, with a strong base in tourism and services centered on the Côte d'Azur, including high-end marina facilities in Port Grimaud and Les Issambres. Toulon is a critical economic driver as home to the French Navy's Mediterranean fleet and related industries. Agriculture remains vital, with the department being France's leading producer of rosé wine from vineyards in the Côtes de Provence AOC, and also known for olive oil, honey, and cut flowers. The Aéroport Toulon Hyères and the A8 autoroute (La Provençale) are key transport infrastructures supporting commerce.

Culture and tourism

The department is famed for its cultural events like the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta and the Fréjus Roman archaeological site. Renowned museums include the Musée d'Art de Toulon and the Musée de la Marine in Toulon. Tourists are drawn to the beaches of Saint-Tropez, the natural spectacle of the Gorges du Verdon, and historic hilltop villages like Gassin and Ramatuelle. The area's cuisine features bouillabaisse, tapenade, and wines from domains like Château Sainte Roseline.

Administration

The department is divided into three arrondissements: Toulon, Brignoles, and Draguignan. It is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and is represented in the National Assembly by several deputies. The Departmental Council, headquartered in Toulon, is presided over by Jean-Louis Masson. Key intercommunal structures include the Métropole Toulon Provence Méditerranée and the Communauté d'agglomération Var Estérel Méditerranée. The Court of Appeal of Aix-en-Provence has jurisdiction over the department.

Category:Departments of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Category:1790 establishments in France