Var (river)

The Var is a coastal river in southeastern France, flowing through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is notable for having given its name to the department of Var, although the river itself no longer flows through that department. This seemingly paradoxical situation arose in 1860 when the County of Nice, previously part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, was annexed to France. The administrative boundaries were redrawn, and the department of Alpes-Maritimes was created, including the area between the Var river and the Italian border. Consequently, the Var river now marks the eastern boundary of the department of Var and flows entirely within Alpes-Maritimes for its lower reaches.

The river's source is near the Col de la Cayolle in the Maritime Alps. It flows generally southeast, passing through Entrevaux, Puget-Théniers, and crossing the plain of Nice before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea near Nice Airport. The Var is a relatively short river, with a length of approximately 114 kilometers (71 miles).

The river's flow is characterized by significant variations depending on the season, with periods of high water during the spring snowmelt and autumn rains. Its bed is typically wide and gravelly.

Historically, the Var has been a significant natural barrier. Its unpredictable flow and the lack of bridges made it difficult to cross, especially during periods of flooding. This contributed to the historical separation between the County of Nice and Provence. Modern infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels, has largely mitigated this issue.

The river's name likely originates from a pre-Latin Ligurian root, possibly related to the word "varro," meaning "rapid current" or "flowing water."

The Var river is also known for its biodiversity, including various species of fish and birds. Conservation efforts are in place to protect the river's ecosystem from pollution and other threats.