Have you booked a lovely week's vacation in Bandol and are you planning your trip? Here's an article that might help you. our seasonal itineraries, find here the various must-see villages in the Var to visit, located just a few minutes' drive from Bandol. It's up to you to choose whether you prefer old buildings, natural settings, or a Provençal atmosphere. Enjoy!
⚡️ In summary:
- Saint-Cyr-sur-mer: nature and walking
- Sanary-sur-mer: Mediterranean culture and Provençal market
- La Cadière d'Azur: the typical Provençal village
- Le Castellet: the unique medieval city
- Le Beausset: gateway to the Sainte-Baume massif
- Evenos: the hidden pearl of western Var
Saint-Cyr-sur-mer: nature and walking
🚗 5 minutes by car from Bandol – Road D559 ou bus 880.
View from the sand hill of Saint-Cyr-sur-mer.
At the western end of Bandol is the border with the neighboring town, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. Charming town located 5 minutes by car from our port, you can also go there via the local flagship hike, the coastal path. A walk accessible in all seasons, lasting around 4 hours. This will allow you toadmire all the Mediterranean flora and discover some hidden coves. Perfect spots for a picnic or a swim.
The other assets of this city are multiple:
- A geological curiosity called " sand hill » loved by families for a Sunday stroll.
- Its small fishing port, that of trap and its village atmosphere.
- La belle Lecques promenade, following the beach of the same name, the children's favorite playground with its landscaped areas and neighboring ice cream vendors...
✅ How to get to Saint-Cyr-sur-mer? From the port of Bandol, head towards the Carrefour Market, located on the heights. From there, follow the D559 road to Saint-Cyr-sur-mer. Depending on what you want to see, you can park at the Madrague car park, the Lecques car park, or the Gabriel Péri car park (city center).
???? The useful contact : the tourist office from Saint-Cyr-sur-mer – 04 94 26 73 73.
Sanary-sur-mer: Mediterranean culture and Provençal market
🚗 5 minutes by car from Bandol – Road D559 ou bus 885.
Now let's head to the other side, towards Sanary-sur-MerThis village is known as well for the quality of its market, elected all the same most beautiful market in France in 2018, as well as for its Provençal city center. If you are a seafood lover, head to the town quayside early in the morning to buy some marvels from the fishermen.
The center, meanwhile, has grown from the port to the cobbled shopping streets. Strolling there in the height of summer is exquisite. Enjoying the shade of the narrow alleys while admiring the local crafts is an activity you never tire of. And if you're not afraid of a bit of walking, then head up to the top. following the path of the oratories Sanaryen. A short walk that will give you a breathtaking view of the entire port. At the top, a small chapel named Notre Dame de Pitié.
✅ How to get to Sanary-sur-mer? Follow the port of Bandol to the Casino and continue on your way on the D559 roadAfter passing through small shopping areas, you will arrive at the heart of the village. Then, to park, you can either choose the Portissol car park (beach), the Post Office car park (Arnaldi car park – town center) or the Esplanade car park (port).
🍅 The useful contact : the tourist office from Sanary-sur-mer – 04 94 74 01 04.
La Cadière d'Azur: the typical Provençal village
🚗 15 minutes by car from Bandol – Route D559 then D266.
La Cadière d'Azur is a village located about fifteen minutes by car from Bandol. To get there, you'll cross vineyards and might even see the village well before you arrive. The reason for this? La Cadière d'Azur is proudly part of the Perched Villages of the VarAnd it is on its rocky peak that the town center and the church overlook the surroundings.
The interest of visiting the Cadière d'Azur lies in his architectureA typical Provençal village, with its colorful houses, its escapes towards the vineyards and its local commerce which makes you want to sit on the terrace to sip a Gambetta/lemonade in the shade of the plane trees.
As a bonus, the municipality also offers a House of Terroir and Heritage enclosing various exhibitions in its heart. Prehistoric objects from the region, masterpieces from local creators and a sensory journey around the Wines of Bandol, taking a tour of this establishment relates to a immediate immersion in history and the culture of our territory.
✅ How to get to La Cadière d'Azur? Still from the Bandol quay, proceed as if you were going to Saint-Cyr-sur-mer (D559). The difference is that, just after the junction for the Port d'Alon cove, you will find on your right the path of Saint-Côme (D266). This narrow road will allow you to access the village of La Cadière d'Azur by crossing the vineyards and farms of local producers.
???? The useful contact : the Tourist Office from La Cadière d'Azur – 04 94 74 01 04.
Le Castellet: the unique medieval city
🚗 20 minutes by car from Bandol – Route D559B.
Madame's Hole, Le Castellet.
History and architecture lovers, we have what you need. It's simple: you can't spend a few weeks in Bandol without exploring. the medieval city du CastelletThis village of yesteryear has retained all its medieval character and has become over time the landmark of local creators in the region.
Strolling through these streets covered in old stones from floor to ceiling, you will have the feeling of going back in time in the time of the knights. Needless to say, the advantage of this rocky terrain is that in summer, the town is a great alternative for a walk away from the summer heat.
Among the must-sees of this city, the sublime church, the panoramic view from the window called " Madam's hole » and of course enjoy a crepe or an ice cream on one of the village benches. And don't forget to take a look at the Bandol Wine House, a stone's throw from the city. Tasting and direct sales from the estates await you.
✅ How to get to Le Castellet? From our city center, go up towards the Ribeirou roundabout (bakery). Here, turn right, then left at the second roundabout to take the D559BAfter walking along the vineyards, you will arrive at a final roundabout, the gateway to the village of Le Beausset. You will turn right to reach the town. For your information, two car parks located below are open all year round.
⚔️ The useful contact : the tourist area du Castellet – 04 94 32 79 13.
Le Beausset: the gateway to the Sainte-Baume massif
🚗 20 minutes by car from Bandol – Route D559B ou bus 880.
Beausset-Vieux Chapel.
Le Beausset is a Provençal village, considered the first step towards the majestic Sainte-Baume Regional Natural Park. Therefore, the advantage of this city is combine Var culture and exceptional nature.
For example, locals and visitors alike love to stroll through the city center and pick up some treasures at the weekly Wednesday market. Another must-do activity is the walk that takes you straight to Beausset-Vieux, the former stronghold of the commune. From there, you can not only enter a charming chapel and admire the collection of ex-votos present, but also have a 180°C view of the new village below, the surrounding fields and the Mediterranean horizon.
When it comes to nature, the best way to take a first step into this local flora is to go to theDepartmental Ecomuseum of the 4 Brothers. An old Provençal farmhouse renovated by the department to introduce as many people as possible to the richness of Var traditions. On the program: highly entertaining exhibitions on the environment, creative workshops to understand the customs and traditions of yesteryear and hiking trails for a few hours in the heart of the garrigue. The best!
✅ How to get to Le Beausset? Just like for Le Castellet, from Bandol town centre, head back up towards the Ribeirou roundabout. Here, turn right, then left at the second roundabout to take the D559BAfter walking along the vineyards, you will finally arrive at the coveted village.
???? Useful contacts : the Town hall du Beausset – 04 94 98 55 75 / the Intercommunal Tourist Office South Provence Sainte Baume – 04 94 98 26 60.
Evenos: the hidden pearl of western Var
🚗 30 minutes by car from Bandol – Route D559B.
Black, old Evenos.
Less well-known than the villages already mentioned, Evenos nevertheless has something to seduce more than one. This commune composed of 4 hamlets has not one, not two, but three advantages.
The first is undoubtedly his old village, called “Nèbre”. Picture this: stone paths that have retained their old-world charm, a ruined castle that's still accessible, and incredible views of the region. This is what awaits you if you climb the few meters that lead you to this gem. A place that appeals to historians at heart, budding knights, and lovers of the mystical atmosphere of another time.
The second asset is that of being a renowned climbing spot and appreciated by climbers locals. And it is more particularly in the Ollioules gorges, on the walls of the Destel that the region's acrobats meet. It must be said that this area is pleasant all year round: both in winter thanks to its southern slope, and in the middle of summer on its northern slope.
Finally, last asset and not least, evenos is the world capital (ok… at least departmental then) of the peony. Every year, On May 8th, the village organizes a big party bringing together all the region's producers. Entertainment, meetings, and good humor are always on the agenda. The perfect opportunity to bring home a pretty bouquet!
✅ How to get to Evenos? Pretend you're going to Beausset! The only difference will be to continue on this famous D559B a little longer until you arrive at the main hamlet of the village, Sainte-Anne d'Evenos.
(I.e. Useful contacts : the Town hall from Evenos – 04 94 98 50 86 / the Intercommunal Tourist Office South Provence Sainte Baume – 04 94 98 26 60.
Our beautiful port of Bandol 💖
So, we told you this article would help! Do you understand better why we keep repeating that Bandol is an ideal base for your vacation in the Var? A seaside town on the Mediterranean coast and full of charm, surrounded by verdant nature, small hilltop Provençal villages, and culinary wonders. Honestly, how could it be better?
🌞 So, don't wait any longer! Book your stay with us now!
