Cavalaire sur Mer
The perfect watersports beach resort south of the St Tropez peninsula
Cavalaire-sur-Mer is a resort located on the south coast, just to the west of St Tropez. There is a wonderful 3km beach which is the main draw of this traditional summer resort.
This is the quintessential seaside town - a place of boardwalks and palm trees, beach bars and volleyball on the sand.
The town is quite modern and caters largely to the family holiday market, and as a result has an easygoing charm and vibrancy that is miles away from its glitzy neighbour Saint Tropez.
The large port is lined with restaurants and crammed full of interesting yachts, while village markets give it real local colour.
It also has wild coastal walks along stunning headlands and cliffs, tranquil rocky coves with crystal clear water and the forested Maures hills beckon quietly from the interior. During summer, the streets and the sidewalk cafés are extremely lively, with many shows and outdoor concerts in the town squares.
This town is paradise for sailing enthusiast, its port is easily accessible and has the capacity to welcome over a thousand boats. With a mild and sunny climate throughout the year, it's the perfect setting to enjoy a relaxing vacation.
The town is full of restaurants, cafés, snack bars and pizzerias - just wander along and take your pick. For great fish on the beach, take a long walk (or shuttle bus) to cheap and cheerful Terre de Sable, or get a takeaway pizza and sit on the promenade under the palms. For something fancier head to the port and get a table at Le Comptoir des Saveurs, or to Delicatessen restaurant on the Promenade de Mer. If you fancy a long rosé lunch in the sun at a beach club, the Italian at Bellini Plage is normally a good option.
As mentioned, the town comes alive at night in the summer months, with concerts, shows, late night bars, and discos. There's a great little rum bar in the port called La Rhumerie, and there's a casino for those who like a flutter. For the most part it all still has a relaxed and fun feel to it though.
Sights & Attractions in Saint Tropez
Being a fairly modern beach resort, there's not a huge amount of historical or architectural interest.
With its rugged headlands and sweeping beaches, nature is the star along this part of the Var coast. Only 10 minutes from Cavalaire are the spectacular Domaine du Rayol gardens, with 17 acres of exotic greenery stretching down to the sea.
Sights in Saint Tropez
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Musee de la Gendarmerie et du Cinema
As well as discovering the many cinematic influences in the region you are invited to explore the incredible history of the 'Gendarmes de Saint-Tropez'
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Musee d'Histoire Maritime
Recently renovated, this modern museum is located in the dungeon of the village's Citadel, allowing visitors to discover the true identity of Saint-Tropez as a maritime city through its last 500 years of history.
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La Maison des Papillons - Butterfly Museum
The Butterfly Museum is located in the old town, spread across two floors, the collection houses an enormous quantity of different species. There are over 35,000 specimens, including rare types from Africa and South America.
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Musee de l'Annonciade - Art Museum
The Annonciade museum was created in 1922 and holds impressive art work dating from 1890 to 1950, including some of the greatest French masterminds such as Matisse, Derain and Marquet.
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La Citadelle
As you climb uphill past all the restaurant lined streets, you get to the impressive 17th century Citadel overlooking the village of Saint-Tropez.
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Chapelle de la Misericorde
La Chapelle de la Miséricorde, referred as the Black Penitent Brotherhood Chapel was built in the 17th century and is located Rue Gambetta, in the former quarter of the seamen's families.
Beaches in Saint Tropez
This stretch of the Var coast is beautiful beach country, with white sand beaches and creeks running down from the hills to create pools by big rocks amongst the shady trees.
The main beach is long and very accessible for families - there is a shuttle bus along the front that helps spread everyone out very nicely.
You can also take the shuttle around the corner to Gigaro beach, or just walk until you find your perfect patch of sand - Bonporteau and Le Dattier are lovely (and quiet). Even further afield, the gorgeous Brouis beach is accessible only by coastal path (the walk will take you about 40 mins).
Beaches in Saint-Tropez
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L'Escalet Beach, Ramatuelle
The coastline between Cape Taillat and Cape Camarat is a succession of pretty little beaches, coves and rocky inlets, with translucent waters over the polished rocks or golden sands.
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Bonne Terrasse Beach, Ramatuelle
Bonne Terrasse beach is a sheltered little bay which in olden times provided safe harbour for the local fishing boats. Today, the beach is surrounded by residential properties and well-known restaurants.
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Pampelonne Beach
Pampelonne Beach is the beach most people associate with Saint-Tropez. This is where you will find the A-listers, the famous beach clubs, and the super yachts resting in the bay.
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Bouillabaisse Beach
La Bouillabaisse is a more low-key option to the swanky beach clubs on Pampelonne beach and is situated closer to the town of Saint Tropez.
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La Ponche Beach
Plage de la Ponche and its neighbour Plage de la Fontanette are two lovely beaches which you can access directly from the heart of the village.
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Graniers Beach
Plage des Graniers is a beautiful, small sandy bay surrounded by greenery and a few Provençal villas.
Dining in Saint Tropez
Restaurants in Saint Tropez
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B Lounve-Bar and Restaurant
At the heart of the hotel, next to the pool, le "B" evolves in keeping with your whims. Breakfast in the shade of lemon trees, lunch by the pool, cocktails at sunset, dinner on the terrace, a hunger pang during the night, whatever time, day or night, le "B" will grant your slightest whim.
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The Pationata Restaurant
This restaurant is situated within the luxury Hotel de Paris and is run by the Michelin Starred chef Philippe Guerin.
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Matsuhisa Restaurant
Discover pan-Asian cuisine in all its splendour, with breathtaking views of the Pampelonne Bay.
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La Ponche Restaurant
The gourmet restaurant’s secluded dining room offers a splendid view on Saint-Tropez’s bay. In total secrecy, the hosts can dream along as they admire beautiful landscapes that resemble works of art.
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L'Isoletta Restaurant
The restaurant of the Bastide de Saint-Tropez hotel is run by Sardinian chef, Alessandro Caria, and his team.
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Cucina at Byblos Restaurant
The restaurant Cucina Byblos, welcomes guests warmly to a colourful and resolutely contemporary setting, in which a relaxed atmosphere reigns supreme.
Events in Saint Tropez
Events in Saint Tropez
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Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Regatta
A famous classic regatta that ends the Mediterranean sailing season, St-Tropez’ late-summer regatta brings in 300 yachts, both ancient and modern, for maritime effervescence.
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La Grande Braderie de Saint Tropez
Envied by many towns, La Grande Braderie de Saint Tropez is, under any circumstances, an event not to be missed.
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Voiles d'Automne Regatta
Between 40 to 60 yachts participate, which despite the at times variable weather conditions, is always a success.
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Le Challenge Interclubs Regatta, Golfe de Saint-Tropez
For four weekends throughout the year, four sailing clubs based on the Bay of Saint-Tropez compete at the Challenge Interclubs.
Things to do in Saint Tropez
Cavalaire is a diver's heaven, sailor's paradise, hiker's happy place and beachgoer's dream.
For divers there are 10 wreck dives just off the coast and the fresh clear waters further up the Riviera of Cavalaire-sur-Mer are great for diving, while the large port is popular with sailors, fishers and boaters.
Take a ferry (or charter a boat) to the Isles d'Or (Golden Isles) to explore their tranquil coves and forest trails, you can also hire a bike on Porquerolles.
Back on the mainland there's some splendid coastal walks, particularly around Cap Lardier, while the Maures hills in the hinterland have some absolutely wonderful hikes.
Or you can just hit the beach and canoe, kayak and snorkel, sail, jetski, wakeboard and windsurf your days away. If the kids somehow manage to get bored, there are waterparks further afield at Sainte-Maxime, and a theme park with rides at Gassin.
Things To Do in Saint Tropez
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Private Coastal Boat Trip
This is a great way to come and discover the beautiful village of Saint Tropez. Sit back and relax aboard the Brigantin II boat as the experienced crew takes you on a memorable trip around the Bay of Canoubiers.
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Pampelonne & Cap Camarat Boat Trip
Running every Wednesday, this trip departs from St Tropez, taking you on a tour to discover the beautiful landscapes and beaches along the coast.
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Gulf of Saint Tropez Boat Trip
Running every Saturday, this trip departs from St Tropez, taking you on a tour to discover the beautiful landscapes around the Gulf of St Tropez.
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Coastal Boat Trip
This is a great way to come and discover the beautiful village of Saint Tropez. Sit back and relax aboard the Brigantin II boat as the experienced crew takes you on a memorable one hour guided boat tour. During the cruise you will be shown the old village, the famous beaches and the spectacular millionaire's bay. A full commentary is available in English.
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Regatta Boat Trip
This is a great way to come and discover the beautiful village of Saint Tropez. Sit back and relax aboard the Brigantin II boat as the experienced crew takes you on a memorable one hour guided boat tour.
Nightlife in Saint Tropez
Bars & Clubs in Saint Tropez
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Les Caves du Roy Nightclub
Set within the chic 5 star Byblos hotel is one of the most exclusive night spots in Saint Tropez.
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White 1921 Bar
Offering a delightful garden, the corner bar is open every evening from 20:00. A cellar of superior champagnes can be tasted by the glass.
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The Atrium Bar
This modern bar is situated within the famous Hotel de Paris which was once graced by stars such Coco Chanel, Jean Cocteau and Clarke Gable.
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Gaïo Restaurant, Bar & Nightclub
Formerly the Papagayo nightclub, this is another of the legendary nightclubs in Saint Tropez where you can expect to have a wild night and party with the stars.
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L'Esqui Nightclub
The only official Gay Club in Saint Tropez is located near the port, in the heart of the old town. Entertaining locals and visitors since 1998.
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VIP Room Bar & Nightclub
Expect glitz, glamour, champagne, celebrities and one wild party at the VIP room. Located in the centre of the Saint Tropez this restaurant/club attracts some of the most famous guests in the world.
Hotels in Saint Tropez
Hotel accommodation tends to be typical resort style, with plenty of budget options offering simple rooms, often with sea views. There are are also a couple of lovely B&B's, with pretty bedrooms with terraces and great views of the coast.
Hotels in Saint Tropez
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La Ponche Hotel
This exquisite five star hotel is all about elegance and luxury and is dedicated to Jacques Cordier’s work.
Price: €32,928
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Domaine de L'Astragale Hotel
Enjoy a holiday in one of the most enchanting places on the French Riviera. This resort is perfect for tourists who want to experience a Provence tour or simply enjoy relaxation and comfort in a tranquil and peaceful environment.
Price: €7,990
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Le Yaca Hotel
This hotel welcomes you in a warm atmosphere in the heart of Saint-Tropez village and offers a refined setting and stylish rooms and suites.
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Saint Amour La Tartane Hotel
Nestled in a park just a few minutes from the vibrant heart of Saint-Tropez, this hotel is a stunning residence with boundless charm.
Price: €15,206
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Le Pre de la Mer Hotel
This four-star hotel is ideally located and offers a luxurious and serene setting for your holiday in Saint Tropez.
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Villa Belrose Hotel
An elegant, intimate hideaway situated in the middle of a private estate, with a spectacular view of the bay of Saint-Tropez.
Price: €13,449
How to get to Saint Tropez
Past the Saint Tropez Peninsula towards Le Lavandou you'll find Cavalaire-sur-Mer, a beautiful yet unpretentious family-friendly beach resort set on a 3km stretch of white sand.
Toulon-Hyeres is the closest airport, and the no.7803 bus will then take you from the airport to Cavalaire. If coming from Saint Tropez, take the no.7801 bus.
Transfers for Saint-Tropez
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Saint-Tropez, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Millenium Transport Transfers
For more than 10 years, Millenium Transport has been the leading firm in terms of top-of-the-range transports with driver and provides a high quality of service in order to satisfy the needs and expectations of international clients who make the French Riviera so famous.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Acarre Limousine Transfers
Acarre Limousine offers transfers from the airport, train station and other taxi services whether it is from the beach or to a nightclub.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Property For Sale in Saint Tropez
Property for Sale in Saint Tropez
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Apartment for Sale
Panoramic sea view for this 3 bedroom apartment with orivate garden and 3 parkings
Price: €1,300,000
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Villa for Sale
Provencal villa with sea view in Saint-Tropez - close to the center
Price: €6,500,000
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Villa for Sale
SOLE AGENT - Stylish Villa in Saint-Tropez – Peaceful, Stylish & Exceptionally Well-Located
Price: €7,590,000
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Villa for Sale
Delightful village house ideally located in the heart of Saint Tropez's historic center, close to all shops and restaurants, in a peaceful, intimate lane.
Price: €2,950,000
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Villa for Sale
Elegant property located in a private estate, within walking distance of the village
Price: €5,900,000