Le Lavandou
Traditional resort which offers an incomparable setting of nature
Le Lavandou is a pretty and unpretentious beach resort on 12km of coastline in the Var, situated midway between Saint Tropez and Toulon.
With its wide sandy beach, Le Lavandou has been a popular beach resort for many years. It has a nice old town, three busy yacht marinas and a good Thursday market, but don't expect the quaint charm to last into the evening, when the glitzy lights come on for the young to enjoy the nightlife, this is quite a lively town in the summer months.
The town has lots of festivals, including the utterly batty Christmas Festival in July called 'Le Lavandou est Fou' (which literally means 'Le Lavandou is crazy'). This town really does have a unique, fun, seaside feel to it.
Le Lavandou offers a wide range of accommodation suitable for everyone and for every budget. The village has a good selection of catered and non-catered furnished apartments or villas. You will find the rental of your taste for a holiday by the sea or in the surrounding hills.
The town of Lavandou has plenty of two and three-star hotels offering simple accommodation close to all amenities.
Le Lavandou is a lively town in summer, with bright lights, bars and discos along the waterfront. Wander along and take your pick.
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Sights & Attractions in Lavandou
Le Lavandou has had a history of destruction. Burnt down several times by the Bourbons and frequently pillaged by pirates and navies, this quiet fishing village was finally bombed in 1944. As a result, there isn't a great deal to see when it comes to old buildings, as it has all been rebuilt.
The Church of Saint Louis is worth a look, but apart from that it's probably time to relax and hit the beach.
Beaches in Lavandou
Le Lavandou is famous for its wide, sandy beaches and turquoise waters. There are actually 12 separate beaches in coves edged by beautiful pine and eucalyptus forest, and each seems to have its own personality.
There are two nudist beaches at Plage du Rossignol and Plage du Layet, a sporting beach at Plage de Cavaliere, a 'trendy' beach at L'Anglade, and the long main beach Plage du Lavandou for families. For those wanting solitude amongst the pines, head to Elephant Beach, Plage du Cap Nègre or Plage Jean Blanc by the creek.
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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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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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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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.
Events in Lavandou
There are certainly plenty of events to keep you going throughout the year. Make sure you check out our events calendar and don't miss out.
Events in Saint-Tropez
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Saint-Tropez, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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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.
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International Air Festival, Fréjus
120 hectares of aerial ballets, 30,000 visitors, 100 kite flyers, 18 countries, free workshops, and a hot air balloon area.
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Brocante Le Jas des Robert (flea market)
The Brocante (or flea market) Le Jas des Robert has become a must-see place for the bargain hunters of the Golfe de 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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Fête de la Chataignes - Chestnut festival, Collobrières
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
Things to do in Lavandou
If you tire of lazing about on the beach, diving off the coast or eating in beach clubs, you've got plently of other options.
Le Lavandou is on a developed part of the coast, but once you escape the town you'll find some fantastic hiking trails, both on the coast and hill trails up in the Maures. Some long-distance hiking trails pass close to Le Lavandou, including the GR51 and the GR90.
There's also 100km of cycle paths in the Maures.
While in Le Lavandou, you can take a boat trip to the extremely pretty islands Hyeres islands of Porquerolle or Port Cros; both have hiking trails as well as stunning beaches and quiet forested coves. There's also the Grand Jardin for a relaxing day in the park or some outdoor sports, and an outdoor cinema to spend balmy summer evenings.
Cycling in Lavandou
Cycling Routes in Saint-Tropez
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Saint Tropez to Maures Corniche Loop
This loop starts at Cogolin and ends in Saint Tropez, taking in 11th century castles, villages, vineyards and beaches along the way. there are several cols to cross so try not to do this in the heat of the day!
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Cannes to Saint Raphael
This intermediate cycle offers a wonderful contrast of colours as you pass the reds and ochres of the Esterel rock on one side and rippling azur waters of the Mediterranean coastline on the other. A local favourite, you won't be the only one on the road if you ride during the summer or on weekends.
Hiking in Lavandou
Walking Routes in Saint-Tropez
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La Castellane
Enjoy magnificent views of Grimaud and the surrounding hills on this short walk.
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Le Circuit Historique
This historical circuit takes in many of Grimaud's historical buildings, many of which are tucked away and nestled within the old narrow streets of the village.
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Le Pierredon
Since the 17th century the 3 watermills provided flour to the people of the region. Discover this charming valley bordered by olive trees.
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Sentier du Littoral
Discover the wild side of St Tropez with this walk around its peninsula. This path leads you through rugged coastline and across beaches of fine white sand and takes you to places that would otherwise be accessible only by boat.
Yachts & Sailing in Lavandou
Watersports in Lavandou
Watersports in Saint-Tropez
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Eau Bleue Diving School, Cavalaire
Open from mid-March to mid-November, Eau Bleue diving centre welcomes passengers, from beginners to qualified divers, aboard its comfortable boat.
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Adventure Sports Watersports
Adventure Sports provides a wide range of watersport activities on the warm sunny Mediterranean Sea. Friendly English staff will welcome you in a personal, one to one tuition.
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La Moune Watersports, Gassin
La Moune is located just outside of St Tropez and allows you to enjoy a range of watersports in the bay.
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Marine Air Sport Watersports
Located in Saint Tropez, Marine Air Sport offers a wide range of nautical and aerial sports. The sporting activities include water-ski, wakeboard, Jet Ski, parascending and boat rentals.
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Cap Camarat Plongee Diving School, Ramatuelle
Cap Marat diving centre is located under the Cape Camarat lighthouse and 100 metres from the famous Pampelonne beach.
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Mio Palmo Plongee Diving School
Open from May through until October you are welcome to discover scuba diving with Mio Palmo Plongée.
Families in Lavandou
Villas in Lavandou
Villas in Saint-Tropez
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Turquoise Villa, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer
Sumptuous contemporary villa, ideally located at a few minutes walk from the famous beaches of Rayol and the city center, while enjoying a quiet and peaceful environment, without being overlooked.
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Escale Villa, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer
Villa with sea view in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
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Mahé Villa, La Mole
Luxurious villa for rent with 2 private pools in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
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Evasion Villa, Cavalaire-Sur-Mer
Superb villa with a breathtaking sea view, ideally located in one of the quietest areas and only 500m from the most beautiful beaches of Cavalaire-Sur-Mer.
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Riviera Villa, Cavalaire-sur-Mer
Property for seasonal rental in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez - Villa Riviera
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Azzurra Villa, Cavalaire-sur-Mer
Discover the unique charm of their villa located in Cavalaire-Sur-Mer, offering an incredible 360° panoramic sea view, designed specifically to comfortably accommodate up to 8 people.
Campsites in Lavandou
How to get to Lavandou
The closest train station is at Toulon, and you can take bus no.7801 to Le Lavandou from either Saint Tropez or Toulon. You can also take a boat from Saint Tropez to Le Lavandou.
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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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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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.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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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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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.