Cavalaire-sur-Mer travel guide

Visit Cavalaire-sur-Mer (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France)

Cavalaire-sur-Mer is an attractive coastal resort, developed around a three kilometre long sandy beach on the Cote d’Azur south-east of Saint-Tropez and in the Var department of Provence.

A family-focussed resort, Cavalaire is officially listed as a 'Famille Plus' destination, awarded to resorts with a focus on providing appropriate activities, enhanced safety, reduced admission prices for children etc.

Explore Cavalaire-sur-Mer

Above all it is the lively and friendly atmosphere that attracts visitors to Cavalaire, and that ensures the ongoing popularity of the resort. The many palm trees and restaurants in the town are also a constant reminder that you are on holiday!

The long sandy beach is of course the main attraction in Cavalaire-sur-Mer, and there are also smaller beaches and coves on the coast just outside the main resort such as Le Dattier a little way to the south-west.

Note: there is a free shuttle bus that follows behind the beach so you can quickly reach less crowded areas of the beach.

If you have the energy to explore a little you can find a very picturesque beach to the south-west of the town centre called the Plage de Bonporteau that involves some effort to reach but as a result is quieter than the main beaches. The challenge in parking and the steep walk to the beach are compensated by views across to the Iles-de-Hyeres!

Particularly renowned for its water-sports, the resort of Cavalaire-sur-Mer is a favourite Jet Ski training venue and host to the 'Jet Game' competition in September every year.

Sailing, catamaran, windsurfing and motor boats are also very well catered for, while the sea-bed is also particularly interesting here making it an excellent spot for scuba diving.

You wil also enjoy visiting the port: the port in Cavalaire is one of the most-sheltered and best-equipped of the Cote d’Azur and attracts a good number of visitors.

There is a wide range of restaurants around the port, and you can also see some traditional fishing boats in the port - these colourful boats are known as 'pointus'.

It is useful to know that in the morning you can buy fresh fish in the port and during the evening the port comes alive with entertainers so you will need to promenade around the port at least three times, at different times of the day, to see all the highlights!

Market day in Cavalaire-sur-Mer is every Wednesday morning on the Place Jean Moulin.

Whilst in Cavalaire-sur-Mer take a walk along the Fenouillet footpath, a coastal footpath which leads to Cap Carnarat and extends through a nature reserve.

Trips nearby

A particularly popular excursion is to take a day boat trips to the nearby Hyeres Islands - the stunningly scenic islands of Port-Cros, Porquerolles and Le Levant.

Heading inland from here you rapidly enter the low mountains and many picturesque villages such as Gassin and Ramatuelle, which make a lovely break from the beach.

You will also want to visit Saint-Tropez during your stay - the sophistication and wealth of Saint-Tropez are an interesting contrast to the 'family fun' atmosphere here at Cavalaire-sur-Mer!

See more seaside resorts in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Var guide and the Provence guide.