Charming Bastide with Pool and Land in Var

Why Côte d'Azur, Var, France

The Var department offers a compelling middle ground between the high-octane glitz of the French Riviera (Alpes-Maritimes) and the rustic, quiet charm of inland Provence. For buyers seeking a Bastide—a traditional, square-plan stone manor house—the Var is the primary hunting ground.

Investors are drawn here by the region's enduring prestige and the high liquidity of the property market. Whether you are looking for a permanent residence or a holiday home, the Var offers a "best of both worlds" scenario: you are close enough to the beaches of Saint-Tropez and Hyères, yet tucked away in the pine-scented hills of the Arrière-Pays (backcountry) where privacy and space are more affordable than on the coastline.

Climate & Lifestyle

Life in the Var is dictated by the sun. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the lifestyle is inherently outdoor-focused.

• Summer (June–August): Hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. This is the "high season" where coastal traffic peaks, and life slows down to a midday siesta.
• Shoulder Seasons (Spring/Autumn): Arguably the best time to live here. The landscape is lush, and temperatures are perfect for hiking and outdoor dining.
• Winter (December–February): Crisp, bright, and cool. While some coastal seasonal towns "shut down," the inland villages of the Var remain active with weekly markets (truffles in winter) and local festivals.

The rhythm of life revolves around the morning market, a long lunch, and a glass of local Côtes de Provence rosé at sunset.

Getting There & Around

The Var is exceptionally well-connected:

• Airports: Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) is the main hub for long-haul and European flights. Marseille Provence (MRS) is an excellent alternative for the western Var. Toulon-Hyères (TLN) offers seasonal domestic and European connections.
• Rail: The TGV (high-speed train) stops at Les Arcs-Draguignan, Toulon, and Saint-Raphaël, connecting you to Paris in under 5 hours.
• Driving: The A8 motorway (La Provençale) bisects the region. Road quality is excellent, but be prepared for narrow, winding roads once you head into the villages of the Haut-Var. A car is an absolute necessity here; public transport in rural areas is sparse.

Practical Living

Daily life for foreigners is relatively seamless, provided you are prepared for French administration.

• Healthcare: Excellent. The Var has high-quality public and private hospitals in Draguignan, Toulon, and Fréjus.
• Education: While most international schools are centered around Sophia Antipolis (near Nice), there are reputable bilingual options in the region, and local village schools are generally welcoming to foreign children.
• Connectivity: Fiber optic internet (La Fibre) is being rolled out rapidly across rural Var, though you should verify connectivity specifically for isolated Bastides.
• Shopping: You will find massive "Hypermarches" (Carrefour, Leclerc) on the outskirts of towns, while villages provide high-quality bakeries and butchers.

Property Considerations

A Bastide is characterized by its symmetrical facade, tiled roof, and stone walls.

• What to watch for: Many traditional Bastides lack modern foundations, leading to rising damp. Verify the state of the falle (drainage) around the house.
• Natural Risks: The Var is prone to forest fires; strict débroussaillement (brush clearing) laws apply. Check "ERRIAL" reports for flood zones and seismic activity (generally low to moderate).
• Renovations: Labor is expensive and the best artisans (tradespeople) are often booked months in advance. Budget roughly €1,500–€2,500 per square meter for high-end renovations.
• Regulations: Properties are often subject to Bâtiments de France (heritage) oversight, meaning you may be restricted in your choice of shutter colors or window materials.

Buying as a Foreigner

The French buying process is highly regulated and secure.

1. Compromis de Vente: The initial sales agreement. Once signed, you have a 10-day "reflection period" to withdraw without penalty.
2. Notaire: The Notary is a government official who handles the conveyance. They represent the state, not the individual, though you can (and should) appoint your own Notary to work alongside the seller’s at no extra cost.
3. Fees: "Notary fees" are actually mostly taxes. Budget 7–8% of the purchase price for an existing property.
4. No Restrictions: There are currently no restrictions on foreigners (including non-EU citizens) buying property in France. However, post-Brexit, UK citizens must monitor stay-duration rules (90/180 days) unless they have a visa.

Community & Expat Life

The Var has a sophisticated, understated expat community—mostly British, Scandinavian, Dutch, and German. Unlike the busy coastal strips, the inland Var attracts those looking for integration rather than "expat bubbles."

• Language: In villages like Lorgues, Cotignac, or Fayence, you will find English speakers, but learning basic French is vital for building rapport with neighbors and the local Mairie (town hall).
• Integration: The French value "politesse." Always start an interaction with "Bonjour," and participate in village events (the Fête de la Musique or communal aioli lunches) to be accepted into the community. Often, the best way to meet people is through local associations (hiking, tennis, or wine tasting).