With this article, we want to think outside the box. We would like to tell you about places still new to this site, but so familiar in our hearts. A clever mix of childhood memories and somewhat recent discoveries that we would like to share with you. Our guarantee: places to visit less than an hour's drive from here! Because if Bandol is a magnificent city, it is also a wonderful base for discovering our region…
In the programme :
- The sand hill of Saint-Cyr-sur-mer
- Pointe de la Cride in Sanary-sur-mer
- The Big Brain observatory in Ollioules
- Villa Tamaris in La Seyne-sur-mer
- Mugel Park in La Ciotat
- The Crêtes road in Cassis
- Almanarre beach in Hyères
Saint-Cyr-sur-mer: the sand hill
At 11 minutes car from Bandol.
La sand hill of Saint-Cyr is known to all locals. As its name suggests, it is a beige mound formed over the centuries thanks to the mistral which carried the sand from Lecques beach run aground in nature. Now blocked by a forest, the wind no longer feeds the dune which finds itself lost among the pines.
When we were little, we went there for a family Sunday. Our goal was simple: go down this hill like no other at full speed. The antics performed here are as numerous as the quantity of sand brought back into the car: enormous! Today, the dune is shaped by wooden barriers which protect it from erosion. But the fact remains that it does not remain interesting to me.
To climb it, two options are available to you:
- The frontal and mono-landscape way: start at the bottom to reach the top. Perfect if you have just an hour in your schedule to admire this natural curiosity.
- The gentle and panoramic way: take advantage of a path that surrounds it in order toaccess different views of the sea and local nature, then simply go down the dune without going up it. The clever technique, ideal for an afternoon with the family.
In any case, you will have to go to the Chemin de la Nartette and park along the road to take the path that takes you there. At the very beginning, just after the chain, you will find an information board with the different trails. You will then have to cross the field of vines and choose between option 1 and 2.
For any other information, do not hesitate to contact the tourist office of Saint-Cyr-sur-mer :
Sanary-sur-mer: Pointe de la Cride
At 15 minutes car from Bandol.
Here is a place that will allow you to see Bandol differently. In front of our Marina, on the other side of the bay, is a piece of land seeming to flow into the sea: the tip of the Cride. A superb place combining history and magnificent landscapes. And you want a secret: it took me 31 years to visit this place. To tell you how much we really think outside the box here!
This point has many viewpoints and activities. For example, you can go to the beach of Rock Love or that of Beaucours. These two coves are known to locals who enjoy them in summer and winter. You can also park at the very end of the point to admire Bandol like you've never seen it before and observe a century-old fort. A breathtaking panorama!
But our advice is to park at Victorin Blanc Park, just before the end of the point. From here, you can take the short, but no less beautiful, coastal path which will take you across Portissol beach, a Sanaryan institution, follow the ocher-colored cliffs of the city before arriving at its port. A walk of approximately 6 km round trip between land, sea and panoramic views of the horizon.
To find out more, we invite you to contact the Sanary tourist office by clicking here:
Ollioules: the Big Brain observatory
At 23 minutes car from Bandol.
If for you the Big Dipper is not an animal and you know the link between Cassiopeia and the letter W, this place is likely to please you! The Big Brain Astronomical Observatory is a magical place where galactic travel is permitted. A place from which you can observe both the lights of the Bay of Bandol and the rings of Saturn.
Located at the top from the mountain of the same name, this observatory is managed by an association which organizes conferences, observations and even courses for children all year round. But the period when magic works best still remains summer. In July and August, observation sessions open to all are organized under the pretty name of “Tell me the stars”. So, on Friday evenings, astronomy enthusiasts meet to learn more about our galaxy and admire the stars that surround us. We assure you that looking at the sky on a summer evening, with the mild night temperatures, is an activity that can quickly get you addicted!
Good to know : summer sessions are subject to reservation and places go quickly, so be keen!
To find out more, do not hesitate to consult the association's website :
La Seyne-sur-mer: Villa Tamaris
At 28 minutes car from Bandol.
Villa Tamaris is a little gem. Sublime architecture, exceptional view of Tamaris Bay, fun exhibitions and enriching, this private place of art nestled in a green setting is simply a pleasure for the eyes. The center has the particularity of welcoming artists known for their significant works, whether in the history, nature or human sectors. Personally, we had the chance to admire the photographs of Laurent Ballesta for his documentary “700 Sharks in the Night”. One word to sum up this experience: incredible.
As you wander through the rooms of the villa, you will sometimes come across a window with a view of the local vegetation, sometimes on a huge terrace with sea views. In any case, you will witness an invitation to travel. Not to mention the change of scenery experienced through art and landscapes which will appeal to adults and children alike.
A word of advice, if you make the detour there, take the opportunity to enjoy at the counter of one of the producers, the famous Tamaris shells accompanied by a small glass of AOC Bandol white wine. Just to experience local traditions to the fullest, that’s all.
To find out about the programming Villa Tamaris, Click here :
La Ciotat: the Mugel park
At 30 minutes car from Bandol.
What if we took you on an excursion? The adventure begin here, at the Mugel car park. Rest assured, we are not going to show you around the 175 places in this piece of concrete, but rather 16 hectares of nature ! Once parked, head towards the beach of Calanque du Mugel. There, you will discover a cove sheltered from view and with crystal clear waters, surrounded by umbrella pines. A dream that locals live all year round, both for swimming in summer only to fish Winter.
Go beyond this creek and go up to the large gate of the Mugel park. This is where the serious things begin. This place is at the same time a botanical garden, a belvedere, a piece of the Calanques National Park and a secret place to come and take a dip. The most courageous will climb the steps which will take them to the highest viewpoint in the park. Of the, a panoramic view from the fierce cliffs to the calm of the Mediterranean horizon. Plant enthusiasts will stroll the paths of the square to discover all endemic species from our shores. Finally, for those who are looking for shades of blue, the paths that run along the coast will be a wonderful playground.
The Mugel Park that's all that. A concentrate of nature and views from the South that we never tire of (re)discovering on each visit. The perfect place for a morning or afternoon for two, and even a family picnic day. One of our favorite places that we are proud to share with you.
To find out more about this 100% Mediterranean place, click here :
Cassis: the ridge route
At 32 minutes car from Bandol.
It's gone for one road trip on one of the most beautiful slopes in France, if we are to believe our dear Stephane Rotenberg ! The Route des Crêtes is an emblematic place in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region. Although not part of our department of Yes (too bad for her!), it makes our coast shine and allows us to have a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.
Reliant La Ciotat à Cassis by the winding routes of the cliffs of Calanques National Park, this road is the paradise of lovers of panoramas, bikers and hikers. On the program: breathtaking views, historic buildings and of course your most beautiful Instagram photos! Our advice is to go there at the end of the day to enjoy the sublime colors of the sunset…
Good to know : the road is closed in the event of a high fire risk and/or bad weather conditions (mistral, storm, etc.). To keep informed of its access, contact the La Ciotat tourist office at 04 42 08 61 32.
And to learn more about this incredible route, click here :
Hyères: Almanarre beach
At 45 minutes car from Bandol.
The furthest for last, but also one of our favorites. Almanarre beach is located on the Giens peninsula, on the side of the salt road. Already, it sets a rather nice scene for your next excursion! Its particularities are multiple: more than 5 km of sand, a shallow sea suitable for swimming, an incoming Mistral making this beach a paradise for windsurfers and kite surfers… All this, with a backdrop of pink flamingos in the salt marshes neighbors. Do you understand why we love it?
The ideal is to leave Bandol at the end of the morning with a picnic in the trunk and head towards this strip of sand. You can enjoy an afternoon as a couple, with family or friends, by the sea. On site, several activities are available to you: searching for shells, taking a dip and even going for a hike along of the peninsula. In any case, Var landscapes, Mediterranean Sea and holiday atmosphere are always there!
To find out more about this particular beach, we invite you to consult the website the Hyères tourist office :
so, did you like it?
We hope that you enjoyed this little trip to neighboring lands and that it will have given you ideas for your next vacation with us. Not to mention of course the Bandolese pearls that our dear city offers us: beaches, trails, markets… Because in addition to being a superb seaside resort, Bandol is also an ideal base to discover both the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône, in every season !
