Things To Do
in Draguignan
Draguignan is an historic inland town in the Var department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, perched on gentle hills and surrounded by pine forests. It serves as a gateway to the Var hinterland, blending Provençal markets, shaded squares, and a strollable old town. The city is known for sun-soaked terraces, easy access to the Maures mountains and the Verdon region, and a relaxed Provençal tempo.
Visitors experience an authentic Provencal atmosphere with plenty of day-trip options and rural charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival in Draguignan, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets filled with traditional Provençal architecture and vibrant markets. Enjoy a breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh pastries and the region's renowned coffee. Visit the Place de la République and the impressive Town Hall to soak in the local culture.
After lunch, explore the Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires to dive into the rich history and culture of the Var region. Wander through nearby boutiques and artisan shops for unique souvenirs and crafts. As the afternoon sun sets, appreciate the stunning views from the hilltop at the Colline des Moulins.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying traditional Provençal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. After your meal, take a peaceful walk around the town, feeling the ambiance of the warm, southern French night. Conclude your day with a glass of local rosé at a cozy wine bar.
Start your day with a visit to the ancient ruins of the Roman amphitheater, where you can learn about Draguignan's history dating back to Roman times. Enjoy breakfast at a café nearby, savoring a croissant or quiche. Afterwards, head to the Notre-Dame-du-Bourg church to admire its stunning architecture and artwork.
In the afternoon, venture to a local vineyard for a guided wine tasting experience, where you’ll learn about the region's wine production and enjoy sampling different varieties. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the vineyard, surrounded by beautiful views of the rolling hills and grapevines. Take some time to relax and soak in the idyllic Provençal landscape.
Return to Draguignan for an evening of culinary exploration at a local bistro. Revel in the flavors of the region with a multi-course meal, paired with exceptional local wines. Wrap up your evening with a walk through the city center, where you may catch a glimpse of local performances or live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🧀Local cheese platter | $8-15 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $6-12 |
| 🚌Public transport day pass | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to nature and scenic day trips
- Relaxed Provencal atmosphere and authentic cuisine
- Strong market culture and friendly locals
- Good base for exploring the Var hinterlands
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Hilly terrain can be challenging for long walks
- Summer heat can be demanding outdoors
- Some rural services may be sparse in peak tourist season
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est...?" - Where is...?
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Je suis perdu" - I am lost
- "À bientôt" - See you soon
Places to Visit in Draguignan
Visit one of these nice places.
A vantage point above the old town offering sweeping views over the valley and red-tiled roofs.
Gothic arches and colorful market stalls provide vibrant street photography opportunities.
Soft light, shutters, and cafe terraces capture Provençal street life.
Rural vineyard rows with hillside light and distant hills for portraits and landscape shots.
Food in Draguignan
Draguignan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked beef stew with red wine, garlic, and aromatic herbs, often served with polenta or potatoes.
Must-Try!
A coastal-inspired fish stew that highlights local seafood and saffron-accented broth.
A colorful medley of tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and eggplant, stewed with garlic and herbs.
Garlic mayonnaise served with boiled vegetables and sometimes seafood.
Creamy salted cod purée blended with olive oil, often served with bread or potatoes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market hall and open-air stalls offering fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and prepared foods.
Historic market area where you can sample regional street foods and seasonal produce.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a polite 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' and use 'vous' for strangers; a handshake is common in business settings.
Keep hands visible, wait for others to start eating, and try to avoid loud behavior in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Draguignan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included, rounding up for small cafes.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for markets and small shops; contactless payments common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with long daylight hours; stay hydrated, seek shade, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Pleasant temperatures and harvest ambiance; ideal for countryside walks and wine-tasting trips.
Mild to cool with occasional rain; fewer crowds and calm city atmosphere, cozy cafés and markets shine.
Blooming landscapes and comfortable temperatures; great for walking tours and hillside hikes.
Draguignan at Night
Hiking in Draguignan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic ridge walk through pine forests with viewpoints over the Var countryside.
Accessible viewpoints and short hikes offering dramatic canyon vistas.
Cliffside trails with sweeping sea views; note this is a longer day trip from Draguignan.
Airports
How to reach Draguignan by plane.
Major international hub about 1.5–2 hours by road or rail; frequent connections to Europe and beyond.
Smaller airport closer to the coast; convenient for domestic and seasonal routes.
Large airport serving the region; about 1.5–2 hours by car or rail; good for long-haul connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families and retirees with ties to agriculture and small business.
Tourists drawn to Provençal life and countryside; some seasonal residents.
Smaller presence tied to regional education and work programs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A classic Provençal pastime played in town squares and parks.
Rural lanes and hills attract road cyclists and gravel riders.
Easy to challenging trails in the Maures Massif and surrounding hills.
Local clubs and friendly matches are common on weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Draguignan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for dishes featuring seasonal vegetables, grains, legumes, and cheeses; ask for overrides like 'sans viande' or 'sans poisson' to adapt meat and fish dishes.