Sanary sur Mer

Sanary-Sur Mer Port is a resort on France's southern coastline, approximately 13 km from Toulon and 29 km from Marseille. This tender port has its tender dock in the town centre.

Take a map with you.

Life in and around Sanary-Sur-Mer's picturesque Provençal port has always centred on the sea. It was here that diving pioneers Jacques Cousteau, Frederic Dumas and Phillipe Thailliez developed their skills.

A charming contrast to the busier, better-known Côte d'Azur destinations, Sanary-sur-Mer is a small, carefree fishing village where French visitors holiday to avoid the French Riviera's usual crowds. It has changed little over the years, with many pedestrian-only streets lined by boutiques and boulangeries. A defensive 13th century tower and the Gothic Revival Church of Saint Nazaire are among the sights, but Sanary-sur-Mer's real appeal is its relaxed atmosphere, which never makes you feel obliged to do more than enjoy it.

The local Musée Frédéric Dumas occupies the medieval tower around which the town grew and displays their diving equipment and finds from underwater excavations.

Sanary-Sur Mer Port offers an excellent selection of shops for goods, gifts and souvenirs, and the area is known for its large public market. Brocantes, or antique fairs, are frequent events, while a nearby theatre hosts music and concerts.

One of the region's largest traditional Provençal markets takes place every Wednesday.

Currency: Euro.

For local emergencies, call 112.

Across France, most shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks remain open all day. Smaller shops and enterprises may close for lunch between 12.30pm and 2pm. Large shops generally open from 8 or 9am until 6.30 or 7.30pm Monday to Saturday; smaller shops normally open Tuesday to Saturday, though some may also open on Monday afternoon. On days when others close, boulangeries and food shops can still be found open, normally until noon on Sunday.