As in any city, the inhabitants have appropriated the names of certain places. Thus, this lexicon will be of great use to you if you discuss with a bandolais. Take notes !
The pier
Masculine name, used in particular in the sentence "We meet at the pier".
One of the key points of the city, if not THE key point: the pier. A real landmark for the people of Bandol, the pier is often given as a meeting point. It is also the main stop for Bus Bandol, where the 4 shuttles (5 in summer) start their rounds.
To situate it for you, the pier is on the port, at the roundabout, next to the Memorial, just here :
Why the pier? Because until 2021, maritime shuttles to the island of Bendor were leaving from here. The pier for Paul Ricard Island has therefore become a focal point of the city.
The war memorial
Masculine name, curiously key landmark of the city.
Yes, we know, it does not dream. But in reality when we talk about the place of Memorial, of its location, we actually want to talk about the small adjoining square. This is none other than Place Xavier Suquet.
Thus, if we tell you about an event that will take place place Xavier Suquet, we really want to talk about the place du Memorial. And even if you are told about Memorial, we certainly want to tell you instead Xavier Suquet.
Also good to know, the "Embarcadere" bus stop of Bus Bandol, is located just behind the Memorial.
The dam
Feminine name, synonyms often heard: the pier, the mole.
If you ever lose your way and are looking for a new place to see the fireworks, fish at sunset or just admire the sea, the locals will probably advise you to go to the dyke. Or the pier. Or the mole. Good to know: these 3 places are only one and it is located at the end of the port, just here :
Athena's beach
Feminine name, can be heard in "We went to Athena".
You may hear of Athena Beach. And may you be surprised because it is not on our map. Well, that's completely normal. Athena beach is none other than that of Engravers.
It is in fact a Bandol deformation, because the residence located just above the beach is called "Athena". One thing leading to another, in local vocabulary, Engraviers beach gradually transformed into “Athena Beach” or even “Athena” for short.
roustagnon
Proper name, a little confused in everyone's mind!
This is a name that we have often heard, both in the mouths of locals and holidaymakers and which remains, it must be said, rather vague for everyone. Roustagnon is above all a hill situated in the Gravels North district. A path is located right next to the latter and has become the path of Roustagnon.
When we say “I went to Roustagnon”, that means, on paper, that I went to this hill. And there, be careful because a walk exists to get there, but maybe not the one you think.
The Roustagnon hike does not exist. It is actually the hike of the Bandol Classic, which passes, it is true, by this hill. The markings for this hike must be respected to the rule because you can quickly get lost in private properties. So be sure to follow the beaten track for once, and not to wander around.
To learn more about this hike, click here:
the reserve beach
Feminine name, non-existent on the cards.
Just like “Athéna beach”, Reserve beach can give you a hard time! This beach simply does not exist. On the other hand, what exists is the establishment “La Réserve” located between Casino beach et Grand Vallat beach.
In the vast majority of cases, if you are told about the Reserve beach, we will actually talk to you about Casino beach, on the La Réserve building side. But beware, some people from Bandol talk about the Grand Vallat beach. So, if you ever get an appointment at the Reserve beach, do not hesitate to ask for more details!
The church square
Feminine name, place of life in the city.
A priori, the place of church it's simple: it's the small square in front of church. Well not always actually, not always.
The place of church can also indicate in the Bandol language, part of the Place de la Liberté, going from the fountain, to the market place. The place where the bar terrace is located the Narwhal and nice shops like Meet in Italy or Bandolaise.
And when you are told that it is the place to live in the city, it is. There, weddings, funerals, baptisms, but also birthdays, romantic evenings, family aperitifs, Sunday breaks took place... All with the sounds of the bell tower and the fountain in the background.
Town Hall Square
Feminine name, with multiple synonyms.
This is a place that has many names. You may have heard of Liberty Square ? Or of the place of the African Liberators ? From the place of the town hall ? Or even of the place of Brive market ? Well they are all the same, or almost.
Its original name is Place de la Liberté.. This was enlarged in 2020, during the extension of the wharf. The part south of the flutist was named in honor of the fighters from Algeria who came to help France in August 1944: place des Libérateurs Africains.
As for these two other names, there again, they are deformations. Every morning, our little daily market, some therefore call it the place of the Brive market. But it is also the place where the Town hall. Others therefore call it the place of the Town hall.
4 places for the price of one, the least we can say is that the place of the Town hall is multifaceted!
Is that any clearer?
We hope this information will help you during your stay with us! If you ever find any other quirks in Bandol, do not hesitate to let us know at kelly.boyer@bandoltourisme.fr.
And don't forget to share your most beautiful photos of Bandol with us! For that, tag us on your Instagram posts and stories with the #bandoltourism or by mentioning us @bandoltourismeofficiel.
See you soon !
