Beginners' Guides
03/03/2026
Situated between Toulon and Saint-Tropez, Le Lavandou is one of the most attractive seaside resorts on the Var Côte d'Azur. Twelve fine sandy beaches, a spectacular coastal path, the Isles of Gold just a stone's throw away and a wild hinterland dominated by the Maures massif: it's hard to beat this for a successful holiday in the Var.
But Le Lavandou is also an ideal base from which to explore far beyond its beaches. Perched medieval villages such as Bormes-les-Mimosas and Collobrières, a rich cultural heritage including Villa Théo and Fort de Brégançon, colourful Provencal markets, boat trips to Porquerolles and Port-Cros... The surrounding area is full of discoveries for all types of traveller.
And for those looking for more thrills, the region opens the door to outdoor activities that are out of the ordinary: hikes in oak and chestnut forests, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, and even canyoning in the Var or paragliding with a view of the Mediterranean and the Mercantour less than two hours away.
This guide takes you on a journey of discovery of everything there is to visit around Le Lavandou: must-see beaches, charming villages, mythical islands, heritage and nature activities. Each section is designed to help you organise your days according to your desires.
Le Lavandou alone has twelve fine sandy beaches spread over more than twelve kilometres of coastline. Each has its own character, atmosphere and assets. Here are the ones you shouldn't miss.
This is undoubtedly the town's best-known Mediterranean beach. The beach at Saint-Clair offers an arc of fine sand facing the îles d'Or, with shallow turquoise waters that are a delight for families. The restanques overlooking the beach add a uniquely picturesque setting. Arrive early in the morning in high season to enjoy the peace and quiet before the crowds.
The larger Cavalière beach attracts both beach-goers and sports enthusiasts. Jet skiing, snorkelling along the rocks, paddle boarding: this is Le Lavandou's most versatile spot. The setting is superb, with Cap Nègre as a backdrop and an uninterrupted view of the Mediterranean.
If you're looking to explore beaches beyond the classics, there are three names to remember. Jean Blanc beach has golden sands and a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for snorkelling. Plage de la Favouille, a more secluded beach, is worth a short walk and rewards you with crystal-clear waters. Pramousquier, on the outskirts of Rayol-Canadel, offers a cove lined with pine trees and an authentic charm that recalls the wildness of the Var coast.
Local council : Don't stay on just one beach during your stay. Le Lavandou's not-to-be-missed beaches are easily discovered by walking the coastal path that links them all - a walk that is one of the region's best attractions in itself.
The hinterland of Le Lavandou hides some of the most beautiful villages on the Var coast. With their narrow flower-filled streets, sea views and medieval heritage, these escapades are the perfect complement to a day on the beach.
Just a ten-minute drive from Le Lavandou, the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas is well worth a half-day visit. This perched medieval village offers a maze of cobbled streets lined with bougainvillea, a 12th-century castle and a breathtaking panorama of the coastline from the Saint-Paul collegiate church. Stroll through the narrow streets and lanes and you'll discover the authentic charm of this Provencal village, listed as one of the most beautiful in France.
Wilder and less touristy, Collobrières nestles in the heart of the Maures massif, around 30km away along a winding road lined with cork oaks and chestnut trees. The village is famous for its chestnuts - don't miss the artisanal sweet shop if you're visiting in autumn. There's a peaceful atmosphere here, a Provençal market with no frills, and hiking trails in the Maures forest are within walking distance of the centre.
Wedged between the sea and the mountains, Rayol-Canadel is a place of tranquillity and charm, with its Domaine du Rayol, a Mediterranean botanical garden listed as a «Remarkable Garden». The visit takes you on a journey through landscapes from five continents, with a bird's eye view of the coast. It's an ideal outing for nature lovers and botanists of all ages.
A little further afield (around 40 minutes by car), Gassin is well worth a visit for its 360° panoramic views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Maures massif. This picturesque hilltop village offers narrow streets, flower-filled terraces and a Provencal atmosphere untouched by mass tourism. Combine the visit with a stopover in Saint-Tropez if you feel like it.
Organisation Council : Spend a morning in a village and reserve the afternoon for a beach or outdoor activity. Bormes-les-Mimosas is a natural match for Le Lavandou, while Collobrières goes well with a hike in the Maures.
The Isles of Gold are among the most emblematic treasures of the Var coast. From the port of Le Lavandou, you can take regular shuttle buses or a catamaran cruise to Porquerolles, Port-Cros or Ile du Levant. It's an unforgettable excursion that you should plan at least once during your stay.
It's the island everyone knows, and for good reason. Porquerolles offers fine sandy beaches worthy of the Caribbean, signposted paths through vineyards and pine forests, and a timeless atmosphere. Hire a bike in the village to explore its coves and enjoy the views over the Mediterranean. Allow around an hour for the crossing from the port of Le Lavandou.
Wilder and smaller, the island of Port-Cros is the heart of the eponymous national park - the oldest marine park in Europe. It's a paradise for snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear waters. The signposted underwater trail from Plage de la Palud lets you discover the Mediterranean fauna with just a mask and snorkel. On land, the hiking trails lead to Fort de l'Estissac and offer spectacular views of the Var coastline. The crossing takes around 35 minutes.
Less crowded than its neighbours, Ile du Levant attracts visitors in search of tranquillity and unspoilt nature. The part of the island accessible to the public (the village of Héliopolis) is known for its naturist setting, but the island is also worth a visit for its coastal paths and lush vegetation. A destination in a class of its own, for those who want to get off the beaten track.
Several companies operate from the port of Le Lavandou, with daily departures from April to October. Book in advance in July and August, as places go quickly. Allow a full day for Porquerolles or Port-Cros, and take water, sun cream and walking shoes with you. The Îles d'Or have very few shops - which is precisely what makes them so charming.
There's more to Le Lavandou than its beaches. Between the coastal path, the Maures massif and the proximity of the Alpes-Maritimes, the region offers an exceptional playground for lovers of outdoor activities - from leisurely strolls to thrills.
This is the must-do walk in Le Lavandou. The coastal path (also known as the customs path) runs for around twenty kilometres along the coast, linking the beaches together via hidden coves, Cap Nègre and Cap Bénat. You don't need to be an experienced hiker: there are several short sections that allow you to walk the path at your own pace, with spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Golden Isles. Allow two to three hours for the most popular sections.
Le Lavandou and the surrounding area are perfect for cycling. The coastal cycle path offers a safe and pleasant route between the beaches, while the roads of the Massif des Maures will appeal to more sporty cyclists with mountain passes and panoramic views of the mountains and coast. Allow 15 minutes by bike to cycle from the centre of Le Lavandou to the beach at Cavalière, or half a day to cycle to Collobrières via the Col du Babaou.
The clear waters of Le Lavandou are ideal for snorkelling, particularly around the beaches of Jean Blanc and La Favouille, where the rocky seabed is home to a wealth of underwater life. For the more adventurous, there are boat trips to discover the diving spots around the îles d'Or. Jet-skiing and paddle-boarding complete the water sports on offer, mainly from Cavalière beach.
If hiking and snorkelling aren't enough to quench your thirst for adventure, the region opens the door to far more engaging experiences. Visit canyoning in the Gorges du Loup offers courses of natural slides, abseils and jumps in spectacular canyons - accessible to beginners with professional supervision. And if you want to get some height, there's a first paragliding experience since Gréolières offers an unforgettable view of the coastline varoise and the peaks of the Alpes-Maritimes.
These activities are around 1h to 1h30 drive from Le Lavandou, in the Alpes-Maritimes. They can easily be combined with a seaside holiday: morning canyoning or paragliding, afternoon back at the beach. This is exactly the type of paragliding and canyoning combo that turns a classic holiday into a complete adventure.
Le Lavandou and the surrounding area are not short of cultural treasures. From its artistic heritage to its historic monuments and religious sites, here are just a few that are well worth a visit - especially on days when the beach can wait.
It's impossible to visit Le Lavandou without stopping off at the Villa Théo. This cultural venue pays tribute to the Belgian neo-impressionist painter Théo van Rysselberghe, who settled in Le Lavandou at the beginning of the 20th century, captivated by the Mediterranean light. The villa hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and offers an intimate setting overlooking the sea. It's a quick visit (45 minutes to 1 hour), but a memorable one, especially for lovers of art and local history.
Perched on a rock overlooking the Mediterranean, between Bormes-les-Mimosas and Cap Bénat, the Fort de Brégançon has been the official summer residence of the Presidents of the Republic since the 19th century. Open to visitors since 2014, you can explore the presidential lounges, the gardens and an exceptional panorama of the Golden Islands and the Var coastline. Book your tickets in advance, as slots are limited and in high demand in summer.
In the heart of the old town of Lavandou, the 16th-century church of Saint-Louis bears witness to the commune's religious heritage, with its sober façade and well-preserved interior. In Bormes-les-Mimosas, the collegiate church of Saint-Paul dominates the medieval village and offers one of the finest views of the coast from its forecourt.
For a more complete immersion experience, the Bormes Art Trail guides you through narrow streets, galleries and historic monuments. The Arts and History museum completes the visit, with collections tracing local history from the 12th to the 20th century. The whole experience can easily be completed in half a day, combining the village and its cultural heritage in a single walk.
A holiday in the Var would not be complete without a morning spent strolling between the stalls of a Provencal market. Around Le Lavandou, several markets punctuate the week and offer a tasty insight into the local art of living.
The Lavandou market is held every Thursday morning on the harbour and in the adjacent streets. Local producers, cheesemongers, olives, cold meats, handmade soaps: the atmosphere is lively and authentic. It's the ideal place to pack a picnic before heading off to the beach or preparing for an excursion to the Golden Isles.
In Bormes-les-Mimosas, the Wednesday morning Provencal market is the perfect complement to a visit to the medieval village. Smaller but of a very high quality, it showcases producers from the Massif des Maures and the Var coast. Combine the two in the same week to vary your discoveries.
The Lavandou region has a rich terroir. Provence rosé can be tasted at wine estates within easy reach of Bormes or La Londe-les-Maures - take advantage of a cellar tasting to discover the local vintages. In Collobrières, chestnuts reign supreme: cream, jam, flour and homemade marrons glacés make the village famous, especially in autumn during the Chestnut Festival.
Olive oil from the Var, honeys from the Massif des Maures and fresh fish from the port of Lavandou complete a gastronomic picture that will delight gourmets. Don't leave the region without trying an aïoli or a bourride in one of the restaurants in the old town of Lavandou - the kind of experience that marks a travel diary far more than just another sunbath.
From the fine sandy beaches of Saint-Clair to the medieval streets of Bormes-les-Mimosas, from the unspoilt waters of Port-Cros to the chestnut groves of Collobrières, the area around Le Lavandou offers a diversity that is rare on the Var coast. Each day can be reinvented: relaxing in the morning, a Provençal village in the afternoon, a boat trip the next day.
And if you're looking to take your adventure further, the Alpes-Maritimes are just a short drive away. A first paragliding experience with a view of the Mediterranean and the peaks of the Mercantour, a canyoning trip in the Gorges du Loup or a combination of paragliding and canyoning will turn your seaside holiday into a real adventure.
Would you like to book an activity or simply find out more? Contact the Ailéments team by telephone on 06 87 68 71 90 or find out more about our paragliding and canyoning gift vouchers to offer your loved ones an unforgettable experience.
