Start with the 16th-century La Tour Carrée at place des Aliziers. It was originally a defensive structure; today it's home to the Musée des Traditions Locales, place de l'Eglise (tel. 04-94-96-70-30), with exhibits on the area's history and tradition. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to noon and 3 to 6pm (until 7pm July-Aug). Admission is 2.30€ for adults and 0.75€ for children 11 and under.

Facing the tower is the Eglise Ste-Maxime, place des Aliziers (tel. 04-94-49-06-67), with a marble altar from the former Carthusian monastery of La Verne in the Massif des Maures. The choir stalls date from the 15th century.

Ste-Maxime is known for its numerous markets. There's a covered market selling fruit, vegetables, fish, and flowers that takes place in rue Fernand Bessy (near place du Marché). It's open every morning (and 4:30-8pm Mon-Sat) in summer and Tuesday to Sunday mornings from mid-September to May. On Monday morning, a Provençal market is held around avenue Georges Pompidou; on Thursday morning, a food and crafts market is held on and around place du Marché; on Friday morning (8am-noon), vendors sell a variety of knickknacks on place Jean-Mermoz. In the pedestrian streets of the old town, an arts-and-crafts fair takes place daily in summer from 5 to 11pm.

Outside town are several worthy sights. About 10km (6 miles) north in the Parc Saint-Donat on the road to Muy (Rte. de Muy) is the Musée du Phonographe et de la Musique Méchanique (tel. 04-94-96-50-52). This extensive display of audio equipment is the result of one woman's 40-year obsession. Sometimes owner Danielle Munsch gives personal tours. In the museum is one of Edison's original "talking machines" and an audiovisual pantograph used to teach foreign languages in 1913. The museum is open Easter to late September only, Wednesday to Sunday 10am to noon. During July and August, it's also open from 4 to 6:30pm. Admission is 3€ for adults and 1.50€ for children 5 to 12 years.

Families can also enjoy a water-based fun day at Aqualand (tel. 04-94-55-54-54; www.aqualand.fr), a water park on route Plan de la Tour, CD25, Sainte-Maxime.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.