When Americans think of Provence, they often picture sun-drenched vineyards, hilltop villages, and the glamour of Saint-Tropez. Yet many of the region’s most iconic landscapes belong to the Var, a Mediterranean destination where art de vivre, natural beauty, and an often-overlooked chapter of Franco-American history come together.
The Provence of Postcards and Dreams
While the glamour of Saint-Tropez and the lavender-scented imagery of Provence stand out, fewer know the Var by name. Stretching along the Mediterranean coast from the elegant seaside town of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer to the picturesque village of Saint-Raphaël and extending inland to Provençal gems such as Cotignac and the Verdon region, the Var is one of southern France's most diverse destinations.
Here, turquoise coves, golden islands, vineyards, perched villages, and dramatic natural landscapes come together to create a Provence that is both iconic and surprisingly undiscovered.
Operation Dragoon: The Mediterranean D-Day Landing
The Story Few Americans Know
Beyond its celebrated art de vivre, the Var also occupies a special place in Franco-American history. In August 1944, the beaches of southern Provence became the setting for Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of southern France. Often overshadowed by the Normandy landings two months earlier, this campaign is sometimes referred to as the other D-Day.
On August 15, 1944, more than 350,000 Allied troops, including American, French, British, and Canadian forces, landed along the Mediterranean coast between Toulon and Cannes. Their objective was to liberate southern France, secure key ports, and open a vital supply route that would support the Allied advance toward Paris and beyond.
The operation proved a remarkable success. Within weeks, Toulon and Marseille had been liberated, and Allied forces were advancing north to join troops coming from Normandy. Today, the beaches, memorials, and villages of the Var preserve the memory of this pivotal moment in the shared history of France and the United States.
The Mediterranean D-Day Landings: The Liberation of Southern France
Located between Marseille and the Côte d'Azur, the Var stretches along the Mediterranean coast and inland to some of Provence's most picturesque villages and natural landscapes.
Map © Par Stéphane Geus Adobe Stock
On the morning of August 15, 1944, Allied forces landed along the Mediterranean coast of Provence as part of Operation Dragoon. American and Free French troops came ashore on beaches stretching from Cavalaire-sur-Mer and Saint-Tropez to Saint-Raphaël, placing the Var at the heart of the liberation of southern France. Supported by naval bombardments and airborne operations, the landings quickly overwhelmed German defenses and secured a foothold on the Mediterranean coast.
The campaign advanced rapidly. Within days, Toulon was liberated, followed shortly thereafter by Marseille, opening vital ports that would supply the Allied push northward. Today, the beaches, memorials, and villages of the Var preserve the memory of this pivotal chapter in Franco-American history, inviting visitors to follow in the footsteps of those who helped liberate France.
The Forgotten 2nd D-Day 1944
WWII Operation Dragoon
By Erika Elisabeth
Erika Elisabeth is Head of Marketing at Atout France USA
