Le Lavandou is a lively seaside town on the Var coast, located between Bormes-les-Mimosas and Cavalière and facing the beautiful Îles d’Hyères. Originally a small fishing village, it has grown into one of the most popular beach destinations in this part of the Côte d’Azur.

The town is famous for its twelve sandy beaches, each with slightly different colours and character. From the central beach near the harbour to quieter stretches further along the coast, the area offers excellent swimming, sailing, and water sports.

Le Lavandou also serves as an embarkation port for the Îles d’Hyères, with ferries departing regularly for Port-Cros and Île du Levant. The harbour is lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars, giving the town a lively atmosphere, especially in the summer.

Despite its modern resort character, traces of the village’s past remain. The name “Lavandou” comes not from lavender fields but from an old lavoir (wash-house) depicted in an 18th-century painting of the town. During the 19th century, the village attracted artists and writers, including composer Ernest Reyer, whose name now marks the main square overlooking the sea.

Just nearby lies Fort de Brégançon, the historic coastal fortress that serves as the official summer residence of the French president.

👉 Local tip: Walk to the main square named after composer Ernest Reyer in the early evening. The view across the bay toward Port-Cros and Île du Levant is especially beautiful at sunset.