12 fine sandy beaches, coastal path, Golden Isles 30 mins by boat and wild hinterland of the Massif des Maures. The field guide built by outdoor pros from the south-east for 19 years.
Var Golden IslesLocated between Toulon and Saint-Tropez, Le Lavandou is one of the most endearing seaside resorts in Var's Côte d'Azur. 12 sandy beaches, spectacular coastal path, the Golden Isles just a stone's throw away and a wild hinterland dominated by the Massif des Maures.
Ideal starting point: perched medieval villages such as Bormes-les-Mimosas or Collobrières, rich cultural heritage (Villa Théo, Fort Brégançon), Provençal markets, excursions to Porquerolles and Port-Cros.
For thrills: 1 hour 30 minutes by car, canyoning in the Gorges du Loup and the paragliding since Gréolières Mediterranean view + 1-bedroom, 5-bed apartment.
Who is it for? Families, couples, groups of friends. How long? 3 days for the essentials, 7 days for the Golden Isles + hinterland.
12 fine sandy beaches along over 12 km of coastline. Each has its own character, atmosphere and strengths. Here are the ones you shouldn't miss.
The most famous Mediterranean beach. Fine sand arch facing the Golden Isles, shallow turquoise water ideal for families. The terraces overlooking it add a unique picturesque setting.
Tip: arrive Early in the morning in high season to enjoy the peace before the crowds.
More extensive, attracting both sunbathers and sportsmen. Jet ski, snorkelling, paddle The most versatile spot in Lavandou.
Superb setting with the Cap Nègre with a backdrop and unobstructed views of the Mediterranean.
Jean Blanc Golden sand, tranquil atmosphere, ideal for snorkelling. Spider crab Confidential, clear waters, access by a short path.
Pramousquier At the edge of Rayol-Canadel, a cove bordered by pine trees, authentic wild charm.
The hinterland hides some of the most beautiful villages on the Var coast. Flowery lanes, sea panoramas, medieval heritage.
Walled medieval village, listed Most Beautiful Villages in France. Cobbled alleyways lined with bougainvillea, a 12th-century castle, a striking panorama from the collegiate church of Saint-Paul.
Wander without a plan: it's by getting lost in its narrow passages that you'll discover the authentic charm of the village.
Wild and not very touristy, nestled in the heart of the Massif des Maures, 30 km away. Road lined with cork oaks and chestnut trees.
Renowned for its Chestnut — artisanal confectionery in autumn. Peaceful atmosphere, Provençal market, hiking departures in the Forest of the Maures.
Rayol-Canadel The Rayol estate, classified as a «Remarkable Garden,» offers a journey through landscapes from five continents.
Petrol (40 min): 360° panoramic view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Massif des Maures. Combine with a stop at Saint-Tropez.
Iconic treasures of the Var coast. Regular shuttles or catamaran to reach Porquerolles, Port-Cros or The island of Levant. To be planned at least once during your stay.
The island everyone knows. Caribbean-worthy sandy beaches, paths through vineyards and pine forests, timeless atmosphere.
Hire a bike in the village to explore its coves and viewpoints. The largest and most famous of the 3 Golden Islands.
Wilder, smaller. Heart of eponymous national park — Europe's oldest marine park. A paradise for snorkelling and diving.
Marked underwater path at Palud beach. Land paths leading to East Fort with spectacular panoramas.
Less frequented. Tranquillity and preserved nature. The public part (Heliopolis village) is known for its naturist setting.
The island is mainly worth it for its Coastal paths and its lush vegetation. A destination apart for curious travellers who go off the beaten track.
Crossing advice Several companies depart from Le Lavandou port, with daily sailings from April to October. Book in advance during July and August. Allow a full day for Porquerolles or Port-Cros, and bring water, suncream, and walking shoes.
Between the coastal path, the Massif des Maures, and its proximity to the Alpes-Maritimes, the region offers an exceptional playground – from gentle strolls to thrilling adventures.
The path (also called Customs Officers' Pathalong the coast 20 km, linking beaches, hidden coves, Cap Nègre and Cap Bénat.
Several short sections allow you to walk at your own pace. Allow 2-3 hours for the most popular sections.
All our sites
At 1:30 from Lavandou, since Gréolières : take-off at 1,800 m with a unique view of the Mediterranean + Mercantour. 3 options: Ascending flight best-seller, Prestige flight.
Accessible from 6 years. Ideal for breaking up a week at the beach with a morning of adventure.
Choosing my baptism
At 1:30 AM from Lavandou, the Gorges du Loup Natural tobogganing, abseiling, and jumps in spectacular canyons. Accessible to beginners.
Snorkelling/jet skis/paddle boarding on-site in Cavalière. For EVJF/EVGthe Canyoning and paragliding combo is ideal.
Discover our canyonsFor those who want to experience both in one day, the paragliding and canyoning combo is a unique formula from Ailéments. Fly in the morning from Gréolières, descend the Gorges du Loup The afternoon.
Want to learn to fly? Our Paragliding school Nice Offers internships for all levels.
£190 per person · Full day · Photos included · From 5 people.
Book the combo
Artistic heritage, historic monuments, religious sites: these are the places that merit a visit – especially enjoyable on days when the beach can wait.
Cultural venue paying homage to the Belgian Neo-Impressionist painter Théo van Rysselberghe, who settled in Le Lavandou at the beginning of the 20th century.
Temporary contemporary art exhibitions, intimate setting with a sea view. Quick visit (45 minutes to 1 hour) most striking.
Perched on a rock facing the Mediterranean, between Bormes-les-Mimosas and Cape Bénat. Summer residence of the presidents since the 19th century.
Visits since 2014: presidential salons, gardens, exceptional panorama of the Golden Isles. Book in advance, highly sought-after slots in summer.
At the heart of old Lavandou, the'St Louis Church (16th century) with its sober facade and preserved interior.
In Bormes-les-Mimosas, the Collegiate Church of St Paul dominates the village and offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the coast. The arts trail winds through narrow streets, galleries and historic monuments.
A stay in the Var wouldn't be complete without a morning spent wandering among the stalls of a Provençal market. Several markets punctuate the week, offering a delicious glimpse into the local art de vivre.
Lavandou Thursday morning market on the harbour. Local producers, cheese makers, olives, charcuterie, artisan soaps. The ideal spot to pick up supplies for a picnic.
Bormes-les-Mimosas Wednesday morning Provençal market, smaller but high quality. Producers from the Massif des Maures and the Var coast.
Provence Rosé Cellar tasting from Bormes or La Londe-les-Maures. Collobrières chestnut cream, jam, artisan glacé chestnuts (especially in autumn).
Var olive oil, honey from the Massif des Maures, fresh fish from the harbour. Don't leave the region without having tasted a Aioli or a Bourride.
Our 4 best-selling packages for spicing up a week at the beach with a morning of adventure. Transparent pricing from €55, for children aged 6 and over, supervised by DEJEPS-qualified instructors (1 hour 30 minutes from Le Lavandou).
3 to 7 days to fully enjoy. Key seasons and 2 typical itineraries according to your wishes.
Le sweet spot Pleasant weather, accessible sea, reasonable crowds. Bormes-les-Mimosas in full bloom.
Summer animation, warm sea. Beaches and the Golden Isles highly sought after Book early and arrive early at the spots.
Exceptional light, visitor numbers down. Festival of Chestnut in Collobrières. Optimal paragliding conditions.
Back to normal: heritage tours and village visits. Outdoor activities available (except in January for paragliding Ailéments).
Morning Saint-Clair beach or coastal path. Lunch Provençal market or harbour. Afternoon Bormes-les-Mimosas village.
Morning shuttle from Le Lavandou port. Full day Bicycle + beaches on Porquerolles, OR underwater trail + hike to Fort de l'Estissac on Port-Cros.
Morning : first paragliding experience since Gréolières OR canyoning Gorges du Loup (1 hour 30 minutes' drive). Afternoon Return to the beach or market.
With 5-7 days: add Collobrières and the Massif des Maures, the'Île du Levant, and a detour via Petrol Saint-Tropez.
A paragliding or canyoning gift voucher a memorable way to offer an unforgettable experience.
Valid one, customisable, sent immediately by email. For a birthday, a hen do, a EVG. Any questions? Contact us.
Order a gift voucher
Seasons, routes, families, Golden Islands, trail, activities, parking, outdoor.
April to June and September-October offer the best compromise: pleasant weather, accessible sea, reasonable crowds. July-August for the summer entertainment.
Outdoor activities (canyoning, paragliding) available from February to December.
Morning Saint-Clair beach or a walk along the coastal path. Lunch Provençal market or restaurant on the harbour. Afternoon Bormes-les-Mimosas village or an excursion to Port-Cros.
Alternative sports Morning canyoning in the Var, then back to the beach in the late afternoon.
Absolutely. Sandy beaches like Saint-Clair offering shallow and safe waters. The coastal path is manageable with children on its shorter sections.
Boat trips to the Golden Isles appeal to all ages. For the more adventurous, the Paragliding baptism is accessible for ages 4 and up. with Ailéments.
Daily shuttles from Le Lavandou port: Porquerolles (~1 hour), Port-Cros (35 min), Île du Levant (35 mins).
April to October bookings. Book in advance During peak season, places are limited.
The trail covers about twenty km. Full-day route for experienced walkers.
Most prefer 2-3 hour stretches between two beaches. The sections between Le Lavandou harbour and Cape Nègre, or between Rider and Cape Bénat, counted among the most beautiful.
On site Snorkelling, jet skiing, paddleboarding and kayaking, mainly from Cavalière.
Hiking Coastal path and circuits in the Massif des Maures.
1 hour 30 minutes by car : canyoning Gorges du Loup and Paragliding Mediterranean view with Ailéments.
Parking is limited in high season, especially near the beaches. Consider using Parking bays from the centre (bus station or park-and-ride car parks) and reach the beaches on foot or by bike.
For Pramousquier or The Favouille, arrive before 9am.
Yes, it’s actually one of the best ways to add variety to your holiday. Ailéments offers canyoning from £55 per personand first paragliding flights from 100 €) since Gréolières, at approximately 1 hr 30 from Le Lavandou.
Morning activity, afternoon beach the perfect combination.
4 reasons why Le Lavandou is the most complete seaside resort in the Var.
From Saint-Clair (the pearl facing the Golden Islands) to Pramousquier (authentic cove), +12 km of coastline connected by the customs officers' path.
Porquerolles (Mediterranean Caribbean), Port-Cros (Europe's oldest marine park), Île du Levant. Unmissable excursion from the port.
Medieval village Most Beautiful Villages in France, Collobrières chestnuts, Fort de Brégançon, Domaine du Rayol. The hinterland Varois in all its diversity.
Paragliding Gréolières, canyoning Gorges du Loup, Ailéments combo. Morning activity, afternoon beach: the perfect combination.
