Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Var

The cave, 950 metres above the Sainte-Baume massif, would have welcomed the disciple of Christ for the last thirty years of his life. It is therefore both a cave and a place of worship.

Many statues of Marie-Madeleine are logically inside, one of which is Carrara marble, the work of the famous sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. A staircase leads to a source, named «Source of Saint-Sidoine», from the name of the blind young, healed from his blindness by Christ.

Nestled between Signs and Le Beausset in a veritable greenery, the Maison de la Quatre Frères is a place dedicated to environmental awareness. With an exhibition room, a meeting room and a beautiful olive grove, it organizes free walks accompanied by naturalist guides, children's workshops and various events throughout the year. The bastide itself deserves a look.

The Balaguier tower, reflected by its fortifications, protects the harbour of Toulon and the Mediterranean. Built in 1636 under the instruction of Richelieu, it completes the protection of the port of Toulon protecting it by its Royal tower. This artillery building with high battery, designed to fire with its multiple guns still in place, was perfectly positioned so as to prevent access to the small harbour. Towards the end of the seventeenth century, it is complemented by an enclosure, housing, a magazine and a chapel. The tower which became Naval Museum, is now surrounded by lovely gardens, where sculptures and nature are discovered over a ride. During summer, the gardens also host theatres in the evening.

The square and crenellated tower (of Saracen inspiration) which surmounts this rocky islet was built between 1910 and 1913 (in red stone from Estérel), at the request of its owner, Doctor Auguste Lutaud, self-proclaimed Auguste^1st. Private property, it cannot be visited. According to a local legend, the Golden Island would have inspired Hergé for his album "The Black Island". But "Tintinophiles" are unanimous in refuting this idea: the illustrator, who never came to Saint-Raphaël, was inspired by Scottish castles for the castle of Ben More.