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Far from the summer crowds, the path winds around creeks and beaches, vines and pines, offering exceptional views. From Graniers beach to Cap Camarat takes six hours.

Cars are banned, so cycling is the most rewarding way to discover the island. Hire bikes from the village (see Notre Dame Beach, Ile de Porquerolles).

Try the one-day course, open to all drivers at the Le Luc circuit. Expensive but undeniably thrilling.

The Var has a dozen golf courses, of which the best-known is the Golf de Frégate, set among vineyards and olive groves and overlooking the sea.

The walking possibilities amid these forests, valleys and peaks are magnificent. Among the best is the two-hour trek from Collobrières to the Chartreuse de la Verne monastery (see p79).

Rising 600 m (2,000 ft) behind Toulon, Mont Faron is most dramatically reached by cable car from blvd Admiral Vence. The views and walks are terrific.

Tough trail cyclists are spoiled for choice in the Var. The most dramatic trips are around the Verdon gorges (see Grand Canyon du Verdon) but Draguignan, Figanières and Fréjus also provide challenging routes.

This vast artificial lake (see Lac de Ste-Croix) offers all sorts of boating, from pedalo through to dinghy. It’s also an access point for canoe trips up the gorges.

An underwater guided path. Hire flippers, snorkel and a mask, make for Le Palud beach and follow the buoys to discover posidonia, coral, mother-of-pearl and brightly coloured fish. It is vital you call the tourist office before setting out.

The Var coast offers everything, from sailing and tuna-fishing through to windsurfing and parascending. Resorts awarded the “Station Voile ” symbol for excellent watersports facilities include Hyères and Bandol. Meanwhile, Brutal Beach at Six-Fours draws international windsurfers (see Port-Cros, Iles d’Hyères) and Cavalaire claims to be the French capital of jet-skiing.