Var, Department in Southeastern France
Var is a department in southeastern France belonging to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, covering Mediterranean shoreline, upland areas, and rural zones. The territory stretches from the coastal strip with its coves to forested hills inland, forming a varied landscape between sea and mountains.
The department came into being in 1790 during the Revolution and had its administrative seat first in Grasse before moving through Brignoles and Draguignan to reach Toulon. This last transfer took place in 1974 and made the port city the current center.
Local wines carry the Côtes de Provence designation and come from estates scattered across much of the territory. Many cellars welcome visitors for tastings and demonstrate the daily work of winemakers who focus mainly on rosé production.
Three administrative districts organize the territory and each provide points of contact for official matters as well as connections to neighboring regions. The main towns of Brignoles, Draguignan and Toulon lie scattered across the department and help with orientation during longer stays.
The name derives from the Var River, which has flowed outside the current territory since the border changes of 1860. This shift occurred through the cession of Nice to France and moved the watercourse into another department.
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