Bandol is fortunate to be surrounded by superb surroundings. Several pretty little towns with undeniable assets, located just a few minutes from your future Bandolese vacation rental. Through a series of dedicated articles, we wanted to highlight these Var pearls. And our tour starts in Sanary-sur-Mer.
Summary:
- Where is Sanary-sur-Mer located?
- What are the market days in Sanary-sur-Mer?
- What are the beaches in Sanary-sur-Mer?
- Where to walk in Sanary-sur-Mer?
- What to do in Sanary-sur-Mer?
- How do I get to Sanary-sur-Mer from Bandol?
- Why choose Bandol for your next vacation in the Var?
Where is Sanary-sur-mer located?
Sanary-sur-Mer is a small town of just over 16 inhabitants, located in the Var, just next to Bandol. This is our neighboring town, the one that we can see from our port des pointus. Yes, because it is sometimes difficult to determine where Bandol begins and ends and therefore where Sanary begins. Are you following us?
There is a rather easy landmark to remember: the viaduct. You know, that huge bridge you passed under when coming from the highway. Well, from the toll, if you turn right after the arch, you are in Bandol, otherwise, you are in Sanary. There Grand Vallat beach is therefore located in our dear Bandolese commune, while that of the Lido is among our Sanary neighbors.
🏛️ Good to know : to learn more about the notable places in Bandol, discover our historical route.
And the least we can say is that Sanary is a very large city. From the Plage Dorée to the summit of the Gros Cerveau, via the Pointe de la Cride (visible from Bandol) and the famous bay of Portissol, its territory is vast and diverse to say the least. This is also what makes this city attractive, a mix between the beach, the city center and the hills. You won't be able to do everything on foot, of course, but you will have the choice between several panoramas!
What are the market days in Sanary-sur-mer?
Just like Bandol, Sanary-sur-Mer is fortunate to welcome artisans all year round, every day. So, a small daily market is available next to the Sanary Music Kiosk, along the Allées Estienne d'Orves. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, conviviality and quality are always there.
💡 Good to know : a parking lot is located just behind these paths. Convenient for coming to do your shopping!
But the one everyone's talking about is good the weekly market Sanaryen. The one which was elected “the most beautiful market in France” in 2018. This gold mine of flavors and scents is all Wednesday mornings, on the Haven. Kilometers of stalls, each more colorful than the last, presenting the treasures of our region. Goat's cheese, honey, fruits and vegetables, fish, crafts, linens... It's all there.
???? Our tip : this market is a victim of its success! Crowds rush from surrounding municipalities to stroll through its alleys. Our advice is therefore to leave your car in Bandol to take the bus 885. By getting off at the “Centre Culturel” stop, you will be directly in the heart of the neighboring town, without needing to find a place to park! But we'll tell you more about it later.
fisherman also have the right to their market. Depending on the weather and if the fishing has been good, the port of Sanary transforms into a real auction with wonders of the sea to discover. Fish, shellfish, octopus and other salty delicacies await amateurs and the simply curious…
What are the beaches in Sanary-sur-mer?
The beaches of Sanary-sur-Mer are located in the western part of the town. From Bandol, you will discover, in order, the following shores:
- The beach Lido : the one that is often attributed to Bandol, the one that runs along the road that separates us from Sanary. Following the cornice, this tongue of sand is perfect for families. As for the facilities, you will find an excellent bakery just above and on the sand a restaurant with a splendid view of the horizon as well as a surf school. Finally, parking spaces are available all along the roadway.
- The beach of the Gorguette : located at the foot of the beautiful 4* establishment La Farandole, this very small cove is mainly frequented by hotel guests and local fishermen. Indeed, some of them come, after dark, to lay a few lines to try to pull the local sea bream and sea bream out of the waves.
- The beach of Beaucours (or Baie de la Cousse): this pebble cove can be discovered after passing along the residential area of the same name. A beach style mini cove with crystal clear waters and a clear horizon. Ideal for those who prefer more intimate beaches.
- The beach of Portissol : the most famous Sanary bays. This sandy beach is popular with vacationers and locals, who rush there for sunbathing. And for good reason, in addition to having excellent restaurants, its waters also welcome been an underwater journey. The dream spot for snorkelling enthusiasts.
⛱️ Good to know : the large sandy beach named after Good grace does not belong to Sanary-sur-Mer, but to the town of Six-Fours-les-Plages.
Where to walk in Sanary-sur-mer?
Again, there is something for everyone. Charming Provencal streets, green hills or even a coastline with flamboyant rocks, it's up to you to choose the decor that suits you. To help you, here are some indications and advice.
Our first favorite walk is that of coastal path from Pointe de la Cride. From the parking lot of Victorin Blanc park, head towards the sea. There, a staircase awaits you to get a little closer to the clear waters of the Mediterranean. A one hour walk approximately then begins to the port of Sanary-sur-Mer. On your way, you will come across superb landscapes mixing umbrella pines and turquoise sea, you will cross the famous Portissol beach and explore a nook with ocher-colored cliffs. A beautiful walk accessible to families, the return of which can be done via the Sanary roads.
For those who prefer urban atmospheres, the port and town center of Sanary are what you need. Because it must be said, what gives our neighboring town its charm is above all the narrow streets of its center. Small paved and colorful paths, typical ofa Provençal postcard. Getting lost there not only means enjoying an authentic moment, but it also means doing some shopping in the pretty boutiques. By exiting this maze, the reward is as follows: Harbour of the town with its peaks and sunny terraces. Perfect for having a coffee with a view of the sea.
Notice to nature lovers, direction the Big Brain massif ! Just outside of town is a hill famous for its trails and breathtaking views. The hiking trails of Big Brain are accessible for all levels, with courses ranging from a few minutes to several hours. At the top, a fort and horned inhabitants, curious to say the least, await you... A perfect area for lovers of walks, but also of climbing since several routes are equipped, particularly around the Observatory.
(I.e. Good to know : there are many climbing areas in the area. If we took the care to write to you a dedicated page, the best thing is still to buy the guides available in specialized stores like Decathlon Ollioules.
What to do in Sanary-sur-mer?
Like all towns in the Var, Sanary-sur-Mer is the victim of a false belief, that of being only interesting in summer. And yet. What makes our region rich and unique is our pleasant climate. in every season. Mild and sunny weather most of the year, which allows locals and vacationers to savor the wonders of our territory no matter the month. So, in addition to relaxing at the beach, here are some activities that you can do all year round in Sanary:
- Visiting the Sanary Tower: 700 years of history laid out in the city's port, you can't refuse it.
- Explore the path of the Oratories and enjoy superb landscapes.
- Stroll through the cobbled streets of the city center.
- Take a tour ZOA animal and botanical park and even take advantage of the internships offered.
- Visit the Saint-Nazaire Church in the city center and admire its sublime frescoes.
- Take a boat trip to the island of Embiez.
- Browse the aisles of Wednesday market.
- Go shopping in the shops in the center.
- Stroll along the coastal path or in the Big Brain massif.
- Have lunch on the terrace at Portissol beach.
- Admire the sunset from Beaucours beach.
- Explore the historic monuments of the tip of the Cride.
- Play a game of pétanque at the city center bowling alley.
💡 Need more itinerary ideas in the surrounding area ? Discover our ideas for stays to enjoy alone, as a couple or as a family, whatever the season!
How do I get to Sanary-sur-mer from Bandol?
We will decipher together all the solutions to get you to Sanary-sur-Mer from the port of Bandol. This way, you will have all the cards in hand to choose the option that suits you best. Let's go !
- Walking : some people from Bandol, especially the older ones, like to go to Sanary on foot. It must be said that it saves a lot of constraints, you can go there whenever you want, regardless of the day or time, without having to find a place to park. From our tourist office, to Sanaryen city center, allow approximately 1 hour 15 minutes walking (5 km). That said, you will follow the road. If you want to brighten up your journey a little more by taking the Pointe de la Cride coastal path, consider 1 hour 30 minutes walk (6 km).
- By bus : thanks to the line 885. This starts from the Œnothèque des vins de Bandol, at the end of our Quai Charles de Gaulle. In less than 15 minutes, you can get off at the “Cultural Center” stop and enjoy Sanary city center. Please note, this bus does not operate on weekends. To view its schedules, click here.
- By train : the Marseille – Toulon – Hyères line, stops in small stations of the coast, including those of Bandol and Sanary. Trains run every day of the year, approximately two per hour. Convenient for moving freely, from 6 a.m. to 22 p.m. and being in Sanary in less than 10 minutes. That said, its station is a little outside the city center. Allow around 30 minutes of walking (2,5 km) to connect the two.
- By car : the most comfortable solution ( 5 minutes are enough), but not necessarily the easiest. You will need to find a place to park upon arrival. Although usually this is not a very complicated thing thanks to the different parking lots available, in summer it can be more difficult. Our advice is therefore to opt for public transport as much as possible.
🚗 Good to know : a carpooling area is accessible in Bandol, at the toll exit. Most aficionados of Blablacar use it. Why not you ?
why choose bandol for your next vacation in the var?
Because it is a little paradise ideally located between Var and Bouches-du-Rhône, between Provence and the Mediterranean, between nature and the urban. Booking your vacation rental in Bandol means enjoying a city on a human scale, where everything can be done on foot. It's the pleasure of going down to the port to have your coffee on the terrace, it's the happiness of having the time to enjoy an impromptu swim in crystal clear waters between two activities, it's the chance to live, even for a few days, a few meters from a superb coastal path.
Bandol is all that. There friendliness of a village on the edge of the Mediterranean and the beauty of the Var landscapes, all linked to several large cities on the coast. Want to go take a look at Mucem in Marseille or take a walk in the Calanques National Park in Cassis? 30 minutes by train is enough. Would you rather visit the hilltop villages of the hinterland? The wine estates of theAOC Bandol or the medieval city of Castellet are 15 minutes away by car. Are you dreaming of an escape to island lands? The islands of Embiez, Porquerolles and Port-Cros are easily accessible for a heavenly day.
You will have understood, all desires are imaginable, all explorations are possible, all the treasures of the Var and Marseille are accessible just a few minutes by train or car. Ideal for spending a busy day before returning peacefully to your apartment or holiday home in Bandol. The joys of a village atmosphere combined with the grandeur of the surrounding discoveries, this is why you should choose Bandol as a base for your summer vacation.
✅ So, don't wait any longer, and book your next stay in paradise:
