Once upon a time in Sanary

Formerly named "St. Nazaire", in memory of the Roman centurion martyrised by Nero, Sanary was originally a simple sanctuary, founded around the year 1000 A.D. by the monks of the monastery of Saint Victor, in Marseille. At the time, St. Nazaire lived from fishing and agriculture.
The tower was erected in 1300 A.D., thereby according a Military role to this small township.
In 1437, the construction of some small seagoing vessels decreed by King René brought a new change to Sanary.

In 1688, Louis XIV granted Sanary independence from the town of Ollioules, on condition that the latter's galleys be allowed to put into port there and conferred upon this new community the name of "St. Nazaire", with a coat of arms bearing two palms placed underneath a cross. It was not until 1890 that "St. Nazaire" finally became "Sanary".

In 1865, Marius Michel naval officer and builder of the Bosphorus lighthouses, endowed with the honourable title of "Pasha" by the Sultan of Constantinople, became Mayor of the town.

This "builder-mayor" used part of his immense fortune to rebuild, for example, the town church, the port and a hotel.

Before the First World War, Sanary was a traditional place of rest for many French, German and Austrian intellectuals such as Berthold, Brecht, Lion Feuchtwanger, Arthur Koestler, Franz Werfel, Alma Mahler, etc.

Today a resolutely modern town, Sanary has preserved all the traditional beauty and quality of life of times past.

Provençal village and little fishing port, Sanary remains as unspoiled as ever.

Sanary, an original and modern way of life

Located 13 km away from Toulon, Sanary is the ideal choice for your holiday break. Take a stroll along the colourful harbour, breathe in the fragrance of the flower market as you stand on the town hall steps, succumb to the happy atmosphere of village life...

Life in Sanary is just one long holiday!

Totalling 15 000 inhabitants, Sanary combines all the charm of a traditional village, with the comfort of a modern-day town.

Sanary, an action patched town

Sanary's activities are traditionally based around the sea and agriculture.

In 1867, these industries were symbolised by the sculptor Emile Aldebert in the form of proud statues, which can be admired on the quay side.

The thriving shops, restaurants and creperies and the wide range of accommodation on offer - Hotels, Furnished Apartments, Residential Hotels, Camp-Sites and Holiday Villages, all contribute too the success of Sanary sur Mer.

Here in the Mediterranean, life is lived intensely all year round in the sunlight and the shade of the palm trees.

The jagged coastline of La Cride, the beaches, the pine woods and the carefully nursed vines set up on the terraced hillsides, are a delight for walkers and nature-lovers.

Sanary offers a competent heal t, service and the nearby town of Toulon guarantees rapid care in case of emergencies.

Sanary, an haven for sport and leisure

The town offers diving, sailing, tennis and squash, plus a golf course just 10 km away...
Whether you prefer to attend a show at the Galli Theatre, see a film, take a boat ride, enjoy the various entertainment provided on the sea-front or visit the sights of the town, Sanary caters for your every wish.

The Automobile Museum, which presents the history of cabriolets and roadsters over the last 50 years, is situated very near the Botanical Garden, home to a rare collection of plants and animals.

Lastly, Sanary's fishermen will be delighted to take you out to sea for an unforgettable ride and, who knows, maybe the catch of your life !

Along the provençal coast, just a few minutes from Sanary

Six-Fours, with its 6th-century Pépiole chapel and 17th-century collegiate church of St Pierre. The village of Le Brusc, with its superb archipelago I'archipel des Embiez" and oceanographic museum.

Bandol, its casino and famous vineyards.

La Seyne sur Mer, with its beautiful coast road running along the Tamaris mussel beds. Balaguier fort and its exceptional view over Toulon, the natural harbour and the Faron mountain.

Ollioules, its Romanesque-style church of St Laurent, Renaissance-style fountain and mediaeval porches.

The Paul Ricard racing circuit.

And finally, the hilltop villages of Le Castellet, La Cadiere and Evenos, with their multitude of curiosities and remarkable views over the Provençal countryside.