Le Lavandou, a charming seaside resorton the Côte d'Azur, seduces visitors with its fine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and rich cultural heritage. Set between sea and mountains, this village offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes. Whether you're a hiker, scuba diver or art enthusiast, Le Lavandou has plenty to offer. With its picturesque Provencal markets, bike paths and historic sites, there's something for everyone. Discover the 13 must-sees that make Le Lavandou such a popular destination for unforgettable vacations.
1- The Lavandou Beaches
Le Lavandou boasts 12 sandy beaches, each with its own unique atmosphere. The Plage de l'Anglade, ideal for families, stands out for its accessibility and facilities. Further afield, the beach at Saint-Clair, nicknamed "La Perle" ("The Pearl"), captivates with its picturesque setting and turquoise waters. Pramousquier beach, meanwhile, is perfect for those seeking tranquillity. Le Lavandou's beaches, like Cavalière and La Fossette, are havens of peace where you can relax in the sun, swim or practice a variety of water sports.
2- Sentier du Littoral
The Sentier du Littoral in Le Lavandou stretches for around 3 kilometers, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the Îles d'Or. This coastal path, ideal for family or romantic strolls, winds between cliffs and coves, revealing breathtaking seascapes. Along the way, walkers discover a variety of flora and fauna, as well as spectacular viewpoints. The trail is well-maintained and accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the Var coastline.
3- The Golden Islands
The Îles d'Or, located off the coast of Le Lavandou, are a group of three magnificent Mediterranean islands: Porquerolles, Port-Cros andIle du Levant. Each of these islands offers a unique experience , with unspoilt landscapes, idyllic beaches and exceptional biodiversity. Porquerolles, the largest, is famous for its sandy beaches and hiking trails. Port-Cros, a national park, attracts diving enthusiasts with its protected seabed. Ile du Levant, a partially military island, is renowned for its naturist village. Visitors can easily access and explore these islands by boat from Le Lavandou. Discover the most beautiful sites along the coast on a boat cruise !
4- Villa Théo
Villa Théo, located in Le Lavandou, is the former home of neo-impressionist painter Théo Van Rysselberghe. Built in 1910, it is a typical example of resort architecture on the Côte d'Azur in the early 20th century. Today, the villa is a cultural center where classic and contemporary art exhibitions are held, attracting art lovers and the curious alike. The villa also hosts ephemeral events to rediscover its rich artistic past, once frequented by the likes of Cocteau, Gide and Matisse.
5- Snorkeling and diving
Snorkeling and diving in Le Lavandou offer unforgettable experiences. With its crystal-clear waters and exceptional biodiversity, the region is ideal for exploring the seabed. Snorkeling, which is accessible to all, allows you to observe a multitude of fish, starfish and octopus at sites such as the Rayol and Port-Cros marine trails. For those who want to go one step further, a diving experience at Port-Cros offers complete immersion in an unspoilt underwater world. These activities allow you to discover the wealth of marine flora and fauna. Book your snorleking session !
6- Les Restanques de Saint-Clair
The Restanques de Saint-Clair, located in Le Lavandou, are dry-stone terraces that bear witness to theregion's rich agricultural heritage. Once used to grow flowers, fruit and vegetables, these terraces have been rehabilitated as part of a preservation project. Today, they offer visitors a glimpse into local history , while hosting permaculture crops that respect the seasons. Covering an area of 6 hectares, this exceptional site allows visitors to discover traditional farming techniques and appreciate the natural beauty of these dry-stone walls.
7- Saint-Louis Church
The Église Saint-Louis, located in the heart of Le Lavandou, was built in 1885 thanks to donations from parishioners. This charming church is distinguished by its architectural simplicity and magnificent stained glass windows, notably the 16th-century "Vierge de pitié". The church underwent renovations in 1930 under the leadership of Abbé Hélin, after being damaged during the war. It also houses a fresco by Jean-Baptiste Garrigou, adding to its historic charm.
8- The Provencal Market
Le Lavandou's Marché Provençal is a veritable feast for the senses, held every Thursday morning. Located on Avenue du Président Auriol, this market attracts visitors with its colorful stalls and high-quality local produce. You'll find a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, aromatic herbs, cheeses and olives, as well as regional specialties such as honey and Provencal wine. The market is also renowned for its local artisans selling handmade products, clothing and souvenirs.
9- Domaine de l'Anglade
Domaine de l'Anglade, located close to downtown Le Lavandou, is a winegrowing gem spanning 18 hectares of vineyards. The estate is famous for its Provence wines, particularly rosé, which benefit from the sunny Var climate and sea breeze. Visitors can taste different cuvées while enjoying the enchanting setting, bordered by pine forests and the Mediterranean Sea. Guided tours of the estate are available to learn about winemaking techniques and the history of the estate. With its generous opening hours, Domaine de l'Anglade is a must for wine lovers and curious visitors wishing to explore the terroir of Provence.
10- Bicycle tour
Cycling in Le Lavandou is a must-do activity for exploring the beauty of the region. With 92 kilometers of bike paths, cycling enthusiasts can discover the Var coastline and hinterland in ideal conditions. A variety of itineraries means there's something for everyone, from beginners to the most experienced cyclists. Cycling along the coast reveals breathtaking seascapes, while exploring the hinterland leads to picturesque villages and unspoilt natural sites. The trails are well-maintained and safe, making the experience enjoyable and accessible to all.
11- Le Port du Lavandou
Located in the heart of the town, this marina is home to up to 1,100 boats, ranging from small sailboats to luxury yachts. Along the quay, you'll find a host of restaurants, cafés and boutiques, creating a lively, friendly atmosphere. The port is also the ideal departure point for excursions to the Îles d'Or, such as Porquerolles and Port-Cros, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Mediterranean. Visitors can stroll along the jetty, admire the boats and enjoy regular events such as craft markets and nautical festivals.
12- Hiking in the Massif des Maures
Hiking in the Massif des Maures, near Le Lavandou, offers an immersive experience in unspoilt nature. This massif, covered in Mediterranean forests, is criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels. The paths wind through a variety of landscapes, from wooded hills to verdant valleys. Hikers can discover the rich flora and fauna typical of the region, as well as historic sites such as chapels and ancient ruins. Among the most popular itineraries, the trail leading to Fort de Brégançon offers a beautiful combination of nature and heritage. Opt for an original experience with a horseback riding in the Maures forest !
13- Night markets
Le Lavandou's Marchés Nocturnes are a summer festival, held every evening during the summer. These markets attract visitors with their varied stalls where local artisans display handmade products, ranging from jewelry and clothing to works of art and decorative objects. The atmosphere is enlivened by music and street performances, creating a convivial and festive atmosphere. Strollers and holidaymakers mingle to discover regional specialties, sample gourmet products and enjoy the balmy Mediterranean evenings. Located on the waterfront, these markets also offer a magnificent view of the illuminated port.
See also our article: What to do in Hyères? 15 must-sees!
And don't miss the most popular activities in Le Lavandou:
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What to do in Le Lavandou when it rains?
Visit the Villa Théo
- Home to classic and contemporary art exhibitions, this historic villa is ideal for a cultural getaway. You can admire works of art while learning about the history of painter Théo Van Rysselberghe and his influence on the region.
Discover the Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires
- Located close to Le Lavandou, this museum offers fascinating collections on local history and traditions. It's a great way to learn more about the region's cultural heritage.
Enjoy local restaurants and cafés
- Le Lavandou has many establishments where you can sample local specialties. Make yourself comfortable in a restaurant or café, sample typical dishes and enjoy the warm atmosphere.
What are the most beautiful villages around Le Lavandou?
- Nestled between land and sea, Bormes-les-Mimosas is renowned as one of France's most beautiful villages in bloom. Explore its picturesque streets, admire the Fort de Brégançon and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Constance. The village also offers breathtaking views of the Îles d'Or and hiking trails for nature lovers.
- Located in the heart of the Massif des Maures, Collobrières is famous for its chestnuts and historical heritage. Stroll the cobbled streets, visit the Monastère de la Verne and discover local traditions in this charming Provencal village.
- Pierrefeu-du-Var, with its "Pierrefeu, through time" discovery trail, reveals the village's rich history. You can explore its vineyards, admire the panoramic views from the Notre-Dame de Santé chapel and venture out on the marked trails of the Barres de Cuers.
What to do in Le Lavandou in winter
Hiking in the Massif des Maures
- In winter, cooler temperatures make hiking in the Massif des Maures particularly enjoyable. The trails offer panoramic views and an immersion in Mediterranean nature.
Visit Villa Théo
- The Villa Théo, with its art exhibitions, is an excellent cold-weather retreat. Discover the art and history of this iconic residence.
Explore the Provencal markets
- Le Lavandou's markets, though quieter in winter, remain a great way to discover local produce and immerse yourself in the Provencal atmosphere. The weekly Provencal market continues to offer fresh, artisanal produce.
