Cavalaire sur Mer : a resort between Le Lavandou and the bay of St Tropez

It is in the Var that lies the pretty seaside town of Cavalaire-sur-Mer a few kilometres from the peninsula of Saint-Tropez. Surrounded by St. Tropez and Le Lavandou, in the heart of a beautiful bay at the foot of the Massif des Pradels, Cavalaire-sur-Mer offers a large variety of landscapes and some places not to be missed! Of these, the two capes, of Cavalaire and Lardier, which are well known to walkers. But it's the beaches of Cavalaire and the small coves that attract holidaymakers in the summer season.

Lovers of sports also appreciate the town which offers a wide choice of activities, jet skiing, scuba diving (there are over a dozen wrecks in the bay), or sailing, not to forget the sea trips that show the coastline in a different light.

Beach in the centre of Cavalaire near the marina

The beach of the city centre is the liveliest in the summer. There are many activities with clubs for children, restaurants and some private beaches. Following on towards La Croix Valmer, you will find Parc Beach which is popular because it is away from the road. However, it is narrower. Outside the city, the Pardigon Beach is without doubt the most beautiful of Cavalaire sur Mer. It has an untamed environment without any building; it is also a protected area. The only drawback is that they charge for parking in the summer season (to be honest there are not many beaches where parking is free on the French Riviera).

Pardigon Beach straddling over Cavalaire and the beginning of Croix Valmer Beach

For those looking for authenticity, go west of Cavalaire going towards Le Rayol-Canadel with its Bonporteau cove less known than the beaches of the city centre. Wedged between the rocks, the environment is very exotic. However, you have to walk to reach it (less than 10 minutes, but the path is steep, and the return journey is a little difficult ...).

Bonporteau: a cove at the entrance of Cavalaire

More confidential, Cron cove offers an outstanding beautiful seabed. The beach is very narrow but there are some rocks on either sides where you can lie down on. Access is difficult to find, follow our advice (pass via a private residence).

A hidden cove in Cavalaire

If it was able to modernize and adapt to the many tourists who walk its streets every year, Cavalaire remains attached to its traditions and maintains authenticity that pleases, through the “pointus” in the port (typical fishing boats of Provence). On Wednesday morning, the square Jean Moulin is the place for tasting local products and local crafts; you will find everything!

If you like to walk, head for the capes where you can enjoy the stunning views and discover the fauna and flora of the Mediterranean. Cap Lardier, which belongs to the Conservatoire du Littoral, has such a large area planted with Mimosas and by taking the small road near the Cap of Vergeron, it leads you to Gigaro Beach, located in the neighbouring county, La Croix-Valmer.

La Croix Valmer: Débarquement Beach in the bay of Cavalaire

You can also opt for a historical walk, visiting the landing beaches of Provence, for example, from the port through the cove of the Cron, the capes of Vigie and Cavalaire to enjoy the memorable views. And why not visit Saint-Tropez? Just from the Debarquement Beach head for Brouis Beach via La Croix-Valmer, and climb to the cap Lardier, the opportunity to discover La Croix Valmer with its beautiful sandy beaches. Then, take the direction for Cap Camarat where you can see Saint-Tropez. For your reward, an unforgettable view that will make you want to come back to discover a little bit more of the Var coast which hides many uncrowded coves.