We’re used to hearing about Sanary sur Mer during the summer vacations.
But during the festive season, Sanary is transformed into a magical place for young and old alike, and it’s a feast for the eyes!
I received some Parisian friends at the end of the year, and they were all surprised to discover Sanary in a different way, and so amazed by the magnificent show.
We left our guesthouse Une Pause en Provence at around 3:30pm and arrived at the port of Sanary at 4pm. It was still daylight! We headed to the right of the port to take the climb up the oratories for a short sea-view stroll to the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Pitié.
The climb takes in 4 oratories, including one dedicated to the Virgin and another to Saint-Michel, and above all a breathtaking view of Sanary Bay, the Embiez archipelago and the Toulon mountains.
The port of Sanary is recognized as one of the most typical and authentic on the French Mediterranean coast. A very old natural harbor in the heart of the town, it features around a hundred boats from the ” collection “, the oldest dating back to 1895; these are the famous Provencal “pointus”. Some units are classified as “Bâtiment d’Intérêt Patrimonial” or “Monument Historique”.
Sanary sur mer's illuminations
They all take part in the port’s many events….and, particularly at this time of year, they are the focal point of the Christmas illuminations. It’s a breathtaking, magical spectacle, so much so that many visitors flock from all over the department and beyond to see Sanary’s illuminations! All these “pointus” are adorned with garlands of lights to offer us a magnificent spectacle.
And then there are the illuminations designed and organized by the city, with street decorations, sumptuous lighting of buildings and monuments, illuminated water fountains and more…
A chance to wander around for an hour or so and rediscover your inner child.
As the Var climate is generally exceptional at the end of the year, we were able to enjoy a drink on the terrace in front of this spectacle. The Var is a magnificent department, exceptionally rich in walks, visits, heritage etc… and above all exceptional for its climate.
Casino de Sanary to end the day
Nous n’avons pas voulu rompre ce côté joyeux et festif, et c’est ainsi que nous nous sommes dirigés vers le Casino de Sanary…pour prolonger notre envie de nous régaler et nous amuser.
J’ai découvert ce casino que je ne connaissais pas encore.
Le casino propose une salle de jeux de 150 machines à sous, des tables de jeux traditionnels, des postes de blackjack et roulette anglaise électroniques.
Tout était réuni pour de la joie, du bonheur et peut-être de la chance……
Nous sommes ensuite rentrés dans notre maison d’hôtes et notre gîte Une Pause en Provence, d’où nous avons pu observer depuis notre terrasse le village du Beausset illuminé ainsi que La Chapelle du Beausset Vieux éclairée qui nous domine sur sa colline en face.
Vive le Var ! Été comme hiver…😉