Sanary-sur-Mer is one of those Mediterranean towns where the harbour immediately tells you to slow down. Colourful traditional boats, cafés and palm trees create a very different first impression from Toulon’s large naval port.
It is close enough to Toulon for an easy half-day or full-day excursion, making it particularly useful when you want somewhere attractive without spending hours travelling.
Start at the harbour
The waterfront is the natural centre of a visit. Walk among the boats, explore the surrounding streets and then find somewhere for coffee or lunch rather than trying to construct an ambitious sightseeing schedule.
Markets can add even more Provençal atmosphere depending on the day of your visit, while nearby beaches provide another reason to stay longer in warm weather.
Why choose Sanary?
I would choose Sanary when the goal is simply to enjoy the coast. It does not need a long list of major monuments to justify the journey.
From Toulon, you can reach the area by public transport or car, though journey times and connections should be checked for your travel date.
Sanary works especially well after a few busy sightseeing days. Have lunch, wander the harbour and let the Mediterranean setting do most of the work. Sometimes that is exactly what a day trip in southern France should be.