A former fishing port turned seaside resort, Le Lavandou stretches along the foot of the Maures massif, facing the Golden Islands. To the west are the centre and harbour; to the east, beaches and coves line the coastal road as far as Rayol-Canadel.
Choosing where to stay in Le Lavandou starts with choosing your beach: the lively seafront or the quiet of a cove. We have hand-picked the places in this guide; you can find the full list on our page of hotels in Le Lavandou.
Which area to choose in Le Lavandou
The commune stretches out along the coast. From west to east:
- The centre and harbour: the main beach, shops, restaurants and ferry terminal; the only area where you can really manage without a car.
- Saint-Clair and La Fossette: two fine-sand beaches just beyond the centre, still within walking or cycling distance.
- Aiguebelle: a natural beach, quieter than those in the centre.
- Cavalière and Cap Nègre: a beach about one kilometre long, ideal for water sports.
- Pramousquier: at the eastern edge of the commune, the quietest area, but far from everything without a car.
For a weekend break or if you're travelling by bus, the centre is the best choice: dine by the harbour and take a boat to the islands in the morning. For a peaceful week, head further east.
In the centre, facing the harbour and main beach
Two three-star hotels for exploring Le Lavandou on foot.
Hotel Espadon bleu
On Place Reyer, the hotel looks out towards both the beach and the harbour, where boats leave for the Golden Islands. The rooms are air-conditioned and, depending on the category, open onto a balcony with sea views. Breakfast is served buffet-style; in midsummer, the neighbourhood stays lively late into the evening.
Anglade Hotel
On Avenue du Général-de-Gaulle, just steps from the beach, this hotel is a good fit for anyone who wants to get around on foot. The air-conditioned rooms have balconies with partial sea views, and breakfast is served buffet-style.
In Aiguebelle and around Cavalière
Beyond Saint-Clair, two places to stay for those who value the views and a peaceful setting.
Hôtel Les Roches - Relais & Châteaux
A five-star hotel in Aiguebelle, with rooms facing the Mediterranean. Outdoor and indoor pools, a spa and a restaurant make it a great choice for a couple's getaway or a special occasion; allow a few minutes by car to reach the harbour.
Massacan-Vue Mer
A guesthouse on Avenue du Golf, not far from the beaches of Cavalière, with private terraces overlooking the sea or garden. The rooms are air-conditioned and free private parking is a real advantage on this coast in summer; a car is still necessary.
Villas and guesthouses with sea views
Two very different options for a longer stay or a trip with a group.
Villa Thalassa Art' B&B
An intimate guesthouse on Chemin de la Fouasse, with a handful of individually styled accommodations. The heated outdoor pool and garden enjoy sea views; this is a place to come for peace and quiet. With so few rooms, it's best to book early for summer.
Villa Azur
A 70 m² villa with two bedrooms, a terrace and a garden facing the sea, a few minutes' walk from the beaches of Pramousquier. It suits a family or two couples. The centre and harbour are several kilometres away, so a car is essential.
Things to do in Le Lavandou
The main draw is the beaches: twelve fine-sand stretches, from the centre to Pramousquier. Saint-Clair is within walking distance of the harbour; Aiguebelle, Jean-Blanc and Pramousquier have retained a more natural feel. A cycle path of about 8 km links Saint-Clair to Pramousquier.
Boats to Port-Cros, the heart of the national park, Île du Levant and Porquerolles leave from the ferry terminal in the harbour. Departures run almost daily from May to September and become less frequent out of season.
Nearby
- Bormes-les-Mimosas: the neighbouring hilltop village, with flower-filled lanes and views over the bay.
- Domaine du Rayol: the Mediterranean Gardens on the coastal road, east of Pramousquier.
- Hyères: the old town, the Giens Peninsula and the main departure point for Porquerolles.
When to visit Le Lavandou
June and September are the most pleasant months: the sea is warm, boats to the islands are running and the beaches are less crowded. In July and August, the resort is packed and the coastal road is busy.
The flower parade, with floats decorated with fresh flowers along the seafront, will take place on Sunday 14 March 2027. On 24 June 2027, the Saint John's Eve bonfires will be lit on the main beach.
Getting there and getting around
Le Lavandou has no train station. The most convenient is Toulon, 40 km away: regional ZOU! coaches depart from the nearby bus station and go directly to Le Lavandou. Hyères station, 23 km away, has no direct coach service, so plan to take a taxi. Toulon-Hyères Airport is about 20 kilometres away.
Everything in the centre is within walking distance; for the eastern part of the commune and the hinterland, a car is the easiest option. Other bases on the Var coast are listed on our Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur page.
Le Lavandou is part of our guide to where to stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. To compare it with nearby resorts, also read where to stay in Hyères, between the old town and the Giens Peninsula, where to stay in Sainte-Maxime, facing the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, and where to stay in Saint-Raphaël, at the foot of the Esterel.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to questions you might have when planning a stay in Le Lavandou.
What is the best area to stay in Le Lavandou?
For a first stay, the centre around the harbour and main beach is the most convenient: shops, restaurants and the ferry terminal for the Golden Islands are all within walking distance. Nearby Saint-Clair has a lovely beach without taking you far from the centre. For peace and sea views, Aiguebelle, Cavalière and Pramousquier are better options, but you'll need a car.
Can you stay in Le Lavandou without a car?
Yes, if you stay in the centre or in Saint-Clair. Le Lavandou has no train station: from Toulon station, 40 km away, regional ZOU! coaches leave from the nearby bus station and go directly to Le Lavandou. Hyères station is closer, but has no direct coach service. Locally, a cycle path of about 8 km links Saint-Clair to Pramousquier, and boats to the islands leave from the harbour.
How do you get to Port-Cros and Porquerolles from Le Lavandou?
Boats leave from the ferry terminal in Le Lavandou harbour, next to the tourist office. They serve Port-Cros and Île du Levant, as well as Porquerolles. From May to September, departures run almost daily; out of season, they are infrequent and don't run every day. Timetables vary by season, so check them before setting off. For Porquerolles, other services run year-round from the Giens Peninsula in Hyères.
When is the best time to visit Le Lavandou?
June and September offer the best balance: the sea is already warm or still warm, boats to the islands are running and the beaches are less crowded than in high summer. July and August are lively, but accommodation fills up quickly and the coastal road is busy. In March, the flower parade takes place along the seafront; the next edition is scheduled for Sunday 14 March 2027. Winters are mild and quiet.
Is Le Lavandou suitable for families?
Yes. The commune's twelve beaches are fine-sand beaches, and several, including the main beach in the centre, Saint-Clair and Cavalière, are supervised in season. A villa with a garden near Pramousquier or a hotel in the centre, with the beach within walking distance, are both good options. A boat trip to Port-Cros makes a great outing with children. However, check the room layout and the rules at each place before booking.
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