Sanary-sur-Mer – Romance, Rain, and Discovery

 Sanary-sur-Mer, with its romantic charm, is a captivating village to visit, even when the weather isn’t ideal for exploring. A day by the bay, filled with bittersweet experiences, stunning views, and valuable lessons. Follow along on this emotional journey!

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The Chronicle of a Rainy Day in Sanary

10:00
It’s so typical of me: I carefully packed my notebook in my bag but left my wallet in the desk drawer. So, today will be all about strolling around the harbor of Sanary-sur-Mer. This romantic village is especially magical during Christmas, when everything is bathed in twinkling lights.

14:00
To borrow a phrase from Hungarian road workers: “We were prepared for everything this winter—except winter itself.” A little better organization could have made this day much easier. I set out without my wallet, with a dead power bank, and without checking the map. By the time I reached the shore, rain began to drizzle, and according to the weather app, it won’t stop until it’s time for me to take the train back.

There’s not much I can do. My coat is thick and waterproof, but it’s making me sweat; my pants are thin, they get wet quickly but dry just as fast. I’m improvising with a plastic bag to protect my bag and planning to interrupt my walks with coffee breaks in dry spots. Delaying today’s sightseeing isn’t an option—public transport means a three-hour trip just to get here. At least I caught a glimpse of the sun over the bay earlier.

15:00
An hour later, I found refuge in another church. This small, modern building has a clean design, automatic doors, tasteful decorations, and a blend of traditional materials that make it truly captivating. At least there’s no wind here, although my bag continues to soak.

17:00
Sanary is simply stunning! Nestled between Marseille and Toulon, this village is a model of harmony between nature and architecture. Narrow old-town streets lined with pastel-colored houses, flowers everywhere, and a romantic harbor framed by verdant hills and coastal parks. Tall palm trees provide natural cooling shade in the summer heat.

The newer and older buildings seem to blend into a thoughtfully designed unity. They’re not identical, but they share a harmonious vibe. From the other side of the bay, the harbor, promenade, and boats glowing in Christmas lights form a picture-perfect scene.

18:00
While it’s clear that Sanary’s businesses revolve around tourism, it doesn’t detract from the charm of the place. Those who live here likely enjoy breathtaking views of the bay from their hillside homes—truly a dream.

19:00
As the rain finally eased, I wandered on, sipping mulled wine and sampling local treats. I climbed the hill above the harbor to visit a nearly 500-year-old chapel, but the best photos were taken from the other side of the bay. From there, I captured the church, the promenade, and the boats adorned with festive lights in a single frame.

19:30
The small shopping streets are draped with string lights reminiscent of Venice. Not only do the light garlands look similar, but their arrangement and style are strikingly familiar. This village is a true gem between Toulon and Marseille—a must-visit for anyone traveling along the southern coast.

23:00
Lesson of the evening: next time, I won’t forget my gloves. While a sweater was enough on Sanary’s coast, Arles called for a jacket, hat, and gloves—especially for the scooter ride.