Geography
The Department of the Var has a surface area of 6032 km2, and 420 km of coastline, including the offshore islands.
56% of the Var is covered with forest. Its geological formations are divided into two regions; one composed of limestone to the north-west of a line between Toulon and Draguignan; and of crystalline rock (quartz) to the south-east.
The department is in the foothills of the Alps and is largely mountainous. The major mountains include:
- Massif des Maures (771 m) and Massif de l'Esterel, along the coast, (618 m) are made of quartz rock.
- The Sainte-Baume mountain ridge (1147 m), which lies in the west.
- Mountain of Lachens (1715 m), in the northwest of the department, and the highest point in the Var.
The Plateau of Canjuers (Plan de Canjuers) is located in the northeast of the Var, and gradually rises from 500 to 1000 metres. In the south and west there are several plateaus, such as the plateau of Siou Blanc to the north of Toulon, which rise from 400 to 700 metres in altitude.
- The Canyon du Verdon, the gorges of the Verdon River, is a popular place for hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers.
- The Îles d'Hyères (or Porquerolles) is a group of three islands off Hyères The islands are named Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Île du Levant. Together, they make up an area of 26 km2. They can be reached by boat from either Hyères or Toulon.
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