Le Lavandou

Le Lavandou, a seaside resort in the Var department, stretches along a rugged coastline dotted with beaches of varying character: Fossette beach, overlooking the surrounding hills, Éléphant beach, and the quieter Favière. The coastal path links several coves on foot, offering lovely sea views, while Aiguebelle beach is a good spot to hire a paddleboard. Water sports enthusiasts can try diving or jet-skiing, and the nearby hills are well suited to hiking and cycling. Close by, the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas is well worth a visit, as are the Domaine du Rayol gardens and the Notre-Dame de Constance chapel. From Le Lavandou, boat shuttles run to the Hyères Islands, including Porquerolles and Port-Cros, protected islands with unspoilt natural surroundings. For dining, the restaurant Sur la Côte serves home-made dishes in a friendly setting, while Les Sirènes is also well regarded. Overall, this is a destination combining beaches, natural heritage and easy access to the neighbouring islands.