Saint-Laurent-Du-Var: Beaches, Local History and Nature

Saint-Laurent-Du-Var combines a seaside stay with historical and nature-focused attractions. Beaches and the Promenade des Flots Bleus give the town its coastal character; the Vieux Village offers insights into early construction and later changes, while birdwatching at the mouth of the Var and in the Parc Départemental des Rives du Var is a distinct focus. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether beaches and the sea, local history or nature watching should take priority.

Beaches and Seaside Paths

Saint-Laurent-Du-Var has a total of two kilometres of public and private beaches. The Promenade des Flots Bleus runs along the seafront. It is entirely for pedestrians and connects the Cap 3000 shopping centre with the marina. Cycle paths also connect the waterfront promenade to the town centre. This distinction is useful when planning: the promenade is a seaside route for pedestrians, while the cycle paths link the waterfront promenade with the centre.

At one of the beaches along the promenade is the Aquarium Naturel des Flots Bleus, a protected outdoor educational area by the sea. It adds a nature-education focus alongside the beach and promenade. The Beach Sport Festival takes place every summer on the beach at Saint-Laurent-Du-Var. The programme includes races, tournaments, introductory sessions and other activities. If the festival is important to your trip, check the dates for your intended travel period.

Historic Vieux Village and Townscape

You can explore the historic walking tour through the Vieux Village independently at any time, using 11 explanatory panels and a free e-balade app. As access information may change seasonally, check it before your visit.

The first construction phase of the Vieux Village dates to the 11th and 12th centuries. The wall with a twin window adjoining the Eglise Saint-Laurent is the oldest structure in the town and dates to the 11th century. The Romanesque Eglise Saint-Laurent itself dates to the 12th century and was altered over the following centuries. Its bell tower with wrought-iron campanile bears witness to the town’s Provençal past. The dates therefore highlight different aspects: from the early construction phase, to one individual old structure, to a church that was later altered.

The location also forms part of the historical context: Saint-Laurent-Du-Var was built in an elevated, easily defended position. The church served as the central and highest landmark.

Birdwatching on the Var

At the mouth of the Var lies the Zone Ornithologique, a favoured stopover for migratory birds. It is designated Natura 2000, a nature reserve and a ZICO. As administrative area designations may change, check their current status before your visit if needed.

In the Parc Départemental des Rives du Var, walkers and cyclists can watch migratory birds from the information panels along the wooden walkway. The Zone Ornithologique is described as a stopover at the river mouth; in the park, the focus is on a specific birdwatching opportunity from the wooden walkway. Nature enthusiasts can therefore find both a described bird stopover and a clearly identified birdwatching activity.

Discover more destinations: Chateauneuf-Villevieille, Opio, Bouyon, Bézaudun-Les-Alpes, Saint-Cezaire-Sur-Siagne, Vallauris, Contes, Gréolières.

For the regional travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.