Things To Do
in Vidauban

Vidauban, located at 43.4262°N, 6.4325°E, is a quiet Provençal town in the Var department tucked between the Maures hills and the Argens valley. The town has a laid-back charm with olive groves, pine forests, and stairways that wind through the old center. Visitors are drawn to its Provençal markets, vineyard surroundings, and easy access to both coast and inland countryside.

Vidauban serves as a calm base for exploring the wider Var region, with friendly locals and a relaxed pace of life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Local Markets
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the lively local market in Vidauban where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample fresh produce. Stroll through the stalls filled with regional delicacies, handmade crafts, and fragrant herbs as you chat with friendly vendors. Don’t forget to pick up some local cheese and bread for a picnic later!

afternoon
:

After enjoying your market finds, spend the afternoon exploring the charming streets of Vidauban. Visit the ancient churches and local art galleries, soaking in the picturesque surroundings and authentic French culture. Take a leisurely lunch at a quaint café, savoring the local specialties and a glass of rosé.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a cozy bistro for dinner, where you can indulge in traditional Provençal cuisine. Enjoy the intimate ambiance as you chat with locals and fellow travelers over a delicious meal. Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque village, taking in the beautiful evening light.

day 2
Discovering Wine and Vineyards
morning
:

Dedicate your morning to visiting local vineyards and wineries to learn about the winemaking process. Join a guided tour or book a tasting session at one of the renowned vineyards in the region. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of endless grapevines complemented by the serene countryside.

afternoon
:

After tasting some exquisite wines, embark on a bike ride through the picturesque vineyards and olive groves that surround Vidauban. Enjoy the refreshing air as you pedal along scenic paths, taking breaks to capture stunning photos of the vineyards. Stop at a small village restaurant for a rustic lunch, pairing your meal with a glass of local wine.

evening
:

Return to Vidauban and settle in at a lovely restaurant known for its farm-to-table philosophy. Savor a multi-course dinner featuring local ingredients, each dish paired thoughtfully with the wines you’ve sampled. End the night by relaxing at your accommodation, perhaps enjoying a nightcap under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee and pastry$3-6
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$90-150
🚆Public transit pass$20-40
🧺Grocery basket for a week$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm, scenic Provencal countryside
  • Convenient base for day trips to beaches and mountains
  • Excellent local wines and markets
  • Walkable town center with scenic views
  • Limited nightlife and late-evening dining options in some parts
  • Some services may have language barriers outside tourist zones
  • "Bonjour" - Hello
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où est... ?" - Where is...?
  • "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please

Places to Visit in Vidauban

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Town Streets of Vidauban

Cobbled lanes, sun-washed façades, and stairways offer timeless Provencal compositions, best photographed in the early morning light.

Viewpoint over the Village

Elevated terraces around the village provide sweeping views of vineyards, olive groves, and the Maures hills—ideal for panoramic shots at golden hour.

Eglise Saint-Pierre and Square

The church and surrounding squares create classic architectural and street photography opportunities, especially with locals starting their day at markets nearby.

Vineyard and Olive Grove Landscapes

Rolling countryside scenes with rows of vines and ancient olive trees, perfect for seasonal color photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Vidauban

Vidauban sits in olive oil and wine country, where Provençal cooking emphasizes fresh vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and seafood. Expect sun-kissed flavors, simple preparations, and plenty of market-fresh ingredients to inspire your meals.

Vidauban Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tapenade

A classic olive paste often served on bread or with appetizers, best tasted at market stalls or in bistros across the region.

Must-Try!

Ratatouille

A vibrant Provençal vegetable stew featuring zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and herbs, a staple of local cafés and home cooking.

Aioli with seafood or vegetables

A garlicky olive-oil emulsion served with boiled potatoes or fresh seafood, a common Provençal accompaniment.

Soupe au Pistou

A light vegetable soup topped with pistou (basically basil, garlic, and olive oil) that showcases garden-fresh produce in season.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché de Vidauban

Weekly outdoor market offering fresh produce, local cheeses, olives, honey, bread, and regional specialties; arrive early for the best selection.

Climate Guide

Weather

Vidauban has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring and autumn are typically pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and manners

Greet with 'Bonjour' and a polite 'Merci.' Use basic phrases; maintain a courteous tone in shops and eateries.

Dining etiquette

Wait for everyone to be served before starting, keep voices moderate in public spaces, and be mindful of local dining rhythms.

Language and communication

French is preferred; English is common in tourist areas, but attempting basic French greetings is appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is good in Vidauban. Take standard precautions: lock up belongings in the car, stay hydrated in heat, and be mindful of fast-changing weather in the hills. Use common sense in crowds and be aware of pickpockets in busy markets; know local emergency numbers (112 is the general emergency number in Europe).

Tipping in Vidauban

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In France, service is often included in the bill. If not, a tip of 5-10% for good service is customary.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for markets and small shops. Contactless payments are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make it ideal for walks, markets, and outdoor photography without the crowds of summer.

Summer

Hot and dry with abundant sunshine; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Autumn

Grape harvest season brings lively vineyards and pleasant temperatures; vibrant autumn colors enhance photography and village life.

Winter

Cooler but generally mild; rainfall is possible, yet many attractions remain open with shorter hours and fewer crowds.

Nightlife Guide

Vidauban at Night

Vidauban offers a modest nightlife centered on village bars and wine bars. In warm months, squares host small markets and occasional live music; evenings tend to be relaxed with a focus on socializing over a glass of rosé rather than clubbing.

Hiking in Vidauban

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Massif des Maures Ridge Trails

A network of trails through pines and heaths with panoramic views toward the coast and valley below.

Argens River Valley Walk

Gentle riverside paths that follow the Argens, ideal for relaxed hikes or family-friendly walks.

Verdon Gorge Day Trip

A longer excursion for a longer day of hiking and breathtaking scenery in the nearby Verdon region.

Airports

How to reach Vidauban by plane.

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)

Major international gateway; typically 1.5–2 hours by car to Vidauban with highway access through the Var region.

Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN)

Smaller regional airport serving southern France; approximately 45–60 minutes by road to Vidauban.

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Larger hub with extensive connections; about 1.5–2 hours by car to Vidauban.

Getting Around

Walkability

Vidauban has a compact center with pleasant pedestrian streets; many sights are within walking distance, but some hillside viewpoints and countryside routes require a car or longer walks.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many local families live in Vidauban, with good schools, parks, and a safe, relaxed environment.

Retirees

The town is popular with retirees seeking a laid-back lifestyle in a scenic Provençal setting.

Wine and Market Enthusiasts

Visitors and locals drawn to vineyards, markets, and regional cuisine.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Petanque (Boules)

A beloved pastime in village squares and parks; casual games often organized in evenings.

Hiking and Trail Running

The Massif des Maures and surrounding hills attract outdoor enthusiasts for varied routes.

Cycling

Quiet country lanes and vineyard routes are popular among cyclists and e-bike riders.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light in the village, with occasional congestion during market days or during the peak summer tourist season on regional routes. Public transport is available but less frequent than in major cities, so a car is often the most convenient way to explore the surrounding area.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Vidauban.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

In Vidauban, vegetarians can rely on vegetable-based dishes, seasonal legumes, and cheese. When dining out, ask for 'sans viande' or 'plat végétarien' and specify olive oil-based preparations to keep meals true to Provençal flavors.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in Vidauban; for more extensive care, the nearest hospitals and specialists are in Draguignan or Toulon, with pharmacies widely accessible in town. In case of emergencies, dial 112.

Discover France

Read more in our France 2025 Travel Guide.

France Travel Guide