Le Lavandou
Nestling between the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and the verdant foothills of the Massif des Maures, Le Lavandou, once a small fishing hamlet, has become a charming, must-visit seaside resort on the Côte d'Azur. With its fine sandy beaches caressed by a sparkling blue sea, sunny climate and relaxed lifestyle, this little corner of paradise is a destination of choice for holidaymakers and future homeowners looking for authenticity and typical Provencal character.
Today, Le Lavandou is best known for its magnificent beaches and impressive rugged coastline, a magical, impromptu encounter between the craggy relief of the Maures massif and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. From the village, Saint-Clair, la Fossette, Le Layet, Cavalière and Cap Nègre follow one another along a winding road, offering a variety of atmospheres, alternating between coves, rocky points and beaches, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery and panoramic views.
Let's talk about Cap Nègre. A must-see. Characterised by red rocks and a residential area with restricted access, it is best known for being home to the Bruni Tedeschi family estate, the main residence of Carla Bruni and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Its beach, just a stone's throw away, is nicknamed ‘la paisible’ and boasts one of the most beautiful seabeds in the area, which is no mean feat given that we're facing the island of Port Cros. For lunch with your feet in the water, head for Cavalière, just a stone's throw away, or Saint-Clair for a moment of timeless relaxation with a taste of paradise. Back in the village, with its typically Provençal atmosphere, strolling through the streets or sitting on a terrace and letting yourself be carried away by the warm colours of the facades and the enchanting scents is an incomparable experience.
And yet, at first sight, nothing predestined the village of Le Lavandou to become the must-visit holiday resort that it has become. A few Genoese and Catalan fishermen settled where the village now stands in the 18th century, and at the end of the 19th century, the coastline was still completely wild and uninhabited. Hyppolite Adam, nicknamed ‘the first man from Lavandou’, decided to settle in Cap Layet in 1888, after arriving on the beach by boat (see our article ‘The history of Domaine du Layet’). This was the beginning of the history of Le Lavandou, just over a century ago. Its first inhabitants were fishermen and the village grew thanks to the railway line ‘le petit train des Pignes’. Le Lavandou did not become a commune in its own right until 1913. Until then, it had been part of Bormes les Mimosas.
Since then, everything has changed and Le Lavandou has become this magnificent village, the pearl of the Var coast, offering a wide range of activities and experiences all year round: culture, gastronomy, sport, relaxation... The programme is varied. Walking along the footpaths, strolling through the Provençal markets, taking part in water sports, lounging on the beach... It's all possible! Le Lavandou is even home to the only 5-star hotel in the area, the Club de Cavalière & Spa. A must, we tell you!
