Sanary-sur-Mer, Mediterranean coastal commune in Var department, France
Description
Sanary-sur-Mer is a coastal commune on the Mediterranean in Var department, where a harbor sits between low hills and open sea. Pastel-colored houses with shutters line the waterfront promenade, while palm trees and plane trees cast shade over cafés and shops that open toward the water.
History
The settlement separated from Ollioules in 1688 through a royal decree by Louis XIV and developed into a fishing harbor. During the 1930s, German intellectuals and writers including Thomas Mann found refuge here from persecution by the Nazi regime.
Culture
Fishermen still work with colorful pointus, the traditional wooden boats of Provence, bringing their catch straight to the harbor each morning. The quay serves as a meeting point for locals who gather here between market days to share news and watch the rhythm of life along the water.
Practical
The harbor fish market runs daily in the morning and offers fresh catch directly from local boats. On Wednesdays, a larger weekly market with regional produce and crafts opens in the streets near the water.
Did you know?
The Frédéric Dumas International Diving Museum displays early equipment and developments that Jacques Cousteau and his team tested nearby. The collection documents experiments with breathing apparatus and underwater cameras that took place in the waters off this coast.
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Exotic Garden and Zoo of Sanary-Bandol
3.8 km
Gros-Cerveau
4.4 km
Plage de Portissol
1.1 km
Viaduc de Bandol
3.4 km
Plage de la Gorguette
2.1 kmChâteau de Pierredon
1.4 km
Plage du Grand Vallat
3.5 kmScenic viewpoint
4.4 kmScenic viewpoint
5.1 kmScenic viewpoint
1 kmScenic viewpoint
4.3 kmPlage de la Frégate
664 mToposcope
4.2 kmPlage dorée
2.3 kmThéâtre Galli
156 mPlage de la baie de Cousse
2.1 kmCarrousel de Sanary
300 mGalerie d'art du rond point du péage de Bandol - Adaoust
3.7 kmLe Roi des Poissons
3 kmToposcope
4.4 kmPlage du Lido
2.8 kmScenic viewpoint
5 kmScenic viewpoint
3 kmScenic viewpoint
4.2 kmScenic viewpoint
4.2 kmThomas Mann (1875-1955) & Katia Mann (1883-1980)
981 mLiesl Franck (1903-1979) & Bruno Franck (1887-1945)
962 mCannon
224 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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