Nestled in a sheltered bay, Cavalaire-sur-Mer opens the southeastern gateway to the Saint-Tropez peninsula. Six kilometres of fine sand beach, hidden coves, shaded coastal paths through pine forests, and one of the finest marinas in the Var — that’s what awaits travellers who choose this corner of the Mediterranean. Here’s our guide to making the most of your stay.
The essential beaches
The main beach of Cavalaire stretches for nearly 6 km, with a mix of public stretches and beach clubs with feet-in-the-water restaurants. It’s the perfect place for lazy days, with water that slopes very gently — ideal for kids.
Further west, Bonporteau beach is our favourite — calm, intimate, framed by pine trees. The Villa Bella Vista sits at its entrance, just 50 metres from the sea. Crystal-clear water, rocky seabed perfect for snorkelling, and a real sense of escape.
For wilder nature, don’t miss Cap Lardier beach (15-minute walk from the Gigaro car park in La Croix-Valmer): turquoise water, white sand, almost deserted off-season. One of the most beautiful spots on France’s Coastal Conservancy.
Water sports and activities
Cavalaire bay is a paradise for water sports. Session Gliss offers wakeboarding, water-skiing and paddleboarding for all levels. LoCAVALAIRE rents boats by the day — with or without licence — to reach the neighbouring coves (discounts apply for Villa Bella Vista guests). For underwater enthusiasts, the bay shelters WWII shipwrecks accessible by diving, including the famous Rubis.
To see things from above, the Cavalaire Flying Club offers introductory flights in ULM or light aircraft over the Saint-Tropez peninsula — an unforgettable memory.
Walks and nature
The coastal path runs along the shore for tens of kilometres. From Cavalaire, you can walk west to the preserved beaches of Gigaro and Cap Lardier (2 h one way). Heading east, the path leads to La Croix-Valmer with spectacular views of the Hyères islands.
For cyclists, Blue Bike offers rentals downtown. A peninsula loop by bike (~50 km) makes a perfect day with foodie stops: Cavalaire, La Croix-Valmer, Ramatuelle, Pampelonne beach, Saint-Tropez and back.
Restaurants and markets
To taste local flavours, stop by the Cavalaire Provençal market (Wednesdays on the port): Var produce, olives, goat cheese, tapenades, seasonal fruit. Perfect for a beach picnic.
Our favourite restaurants:
- Pampa — inventive cuisine, beautiful produce, intimate terrace
- Les Rotisseurs de la Côte — spit-roasted meats, family atmosphere
- Le Bellini — the locals’ favourite pizzeria
- Rhum Café — port-side aperitivo, cocktails and tapas
For feet-in-the-water lunch: BOHO or Tamaris Beach on the main stretch, Le Ponent Plage and Plage du Soleil for calmer vibes.
Day trips
From Cavalaire, several Côte d’Azur gems are 30-45 minutes away:
- Saint-Tropez (35 min) — the legendary village, port, citadel, Saturday morning market at Place des Lices
- Ramatuelle and Gassin (25 min) — hilltop villages classified among France’s most beautiful
- Hyères islands (Porquerolles, Port-Cros) — accessible by ferry from Le Lavandou (40 min drive)
- Massif des Maures — hikes and chestnut villages 20 min inland
When to visit?
May to June: mild temperatures (20-26°C), reasonable crowds, gentle prices. Our favourite season. July-August: peak season, guaranteed sun and summer vibes — book months ahead. September: perhaps the perfect month. Water still at 24°C, warm days, mild evenings, calmer mood than August.
Ready to enjoy Cavalaire? Discover our six beachfront apartments on Bonporteau beach, from cosy studio to family T2 with a 50 m² terrace.