One spring day, we headed to the Bandol hinterland for a morning like no other. My colleague Lohann, Charlène, and I tried out the quad biking tour offered by Quad Rando Var… And let me tell you, we came back with stars in our eyes (and a bit of dust on our shoes and trousers too 😄).
Meet us on the Beausset road
We have a meeting at 8:50 am at Quad Rando Var, at 2249 route du Beausset in Bandol. Easy to find: when you take the road to Le Beausset towards the Castellet, a sign “Quad Rando Var” appears on the left, just before The Pine Inn. We park in the large parking lot On the ground. In front of Quad Rando's wooden shed, the quads are already lined up one behind the other. That sets the tone!
Upon our arrival, We fill out a short forme with our contact details and our B driving licence number (and yes, a B driving licence is mandatory to drive a quad!).
Little by little, the other participants arrive as well. Very quickly, The atmosphere is friendly: Everyone is chatting, looking at the quads with impatience… And wondering a little how it’s going to go.
Helmets, gloves… and off we go!
Florent, the manager of Quad Rando Var, welcomes us with a smile and distributes the equipment: hairnet, helmet in our size, motorcycle-style gloves… And even a grey “Quad Rando Var” sweatshirtA good idea, because it gets cooler quickly as soon as you gain altitude towards the plateau. signs.
My colleague Lohann will be my pilot for the day, and I'll be riding behind him on the quad. Florent takes his time to walk around each vehicle to explain individually How to start, accelerate, brake… The quad is automatic, which immediately reassures beginners.
With his cooler strapped to his quad bike — we'll find out why later 👀 — Florent starts his quad bike at the head of the group. And then, The adventure begins!
Between Provençal villages and wild paths
We leave Bandol via the Beausset road heading towards Plan du Castellet. Very quickly, the landscapes change: sun-drenched vineyards, small Provençal roads, pine trees, hills… We cross Le Beausset then direction Evenos before gradually climbing into the forest.
At first, the roads are paved. Then the terrain becomes wilderIt's a bit bumpier, I'm gripping the handles... but the feeling is great! Between the accelerations, the smell of pine forest and the feeling of freedom, it's impossible not to smile under the helmet.
A breakfast break with a breathtaking view
After several climbs, we reach the heights of BeaussetAnd then… wow!
In front of us an incredible panoramic view on the hills, the Bay of Les Lecques, the Bec de l'Aigle of La Ciotat and, just below, the Souviou estate, Bandol AOC wine estate.
This is where Florent finally opens his famous cooler: croissants, pain au chocolat, cream puffs, apple turnovers and fruit juice await us for a gourmet break with this breathtaking view.
Everyone is sharing their impressions: some are driving for the first time, others are already fans… but one thing is for sure, The whole group is having a great time.Even without driving, I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience… and Lohann has already told me he dreams of buying a quad bike 😄
Puddles, scrubland and a secret spot on the Paul Ricard circuit
After this break, We set off again towards the Signes plateauNow, let's enter the garrigue, explore wilder paths… and discover the puddles that await us around every bend. Clearly one of the most fun moments hiking!
Florent then takes us to a secret spot with an incredible view of the Paul Ricard circuitA few cars are currently turning on the track in the distance.
We then descend gently back towards the hilltop village of La Cadière-d'Azur, which we cross before reaching the vineyard Croix d'Allons Castle.
A wine tasting in the heart of the vineyards
After the adventure, Make way for gentleness.
At the estate, Philippe, the winemaker, briefly recounts the family history of the place. It all began in 1924 when his great-grandparents bought the first plots of land from the Salesian Fathers of Don Bosco. The old vats and traces of the first cellar are still visible on the property today. Philippe now represents the fourth generation to work these lands, gradually transformed into vineyards.
Then comes the tasting momentSettled outdoors facing the vineyards, in a peaceful, sun-drenched setting, we discover a delicious fruity rosé with a pale pink color.
One last drink to end the morning
After this interlude immersed in nature and local traditions, we hit the road again towards Quad Rando Var. The ride ends right next door, at the Auberge des Pins restaurant, with a complimentary aperitif.
A lovely way to conclude this getaway full of sensations, magnificent landscapes and good humor.
Verdict?
An original activity something to do with friends, for a hen or stag do, with family or even with colleagues.to discover the Bandol hinterland in a different way… with a good mix of adventure, nature and the Provençal way of life.
Practical information
- Address: 2249 route du Beausset in Bandol.
- Opening hours: open all year round
- Parking: free, on site
- Contact : contact@quadrandovar.fr / +04 89 41 08 31
- Website : www.quadrandovar.fr
- Discovery packages (half-day outing), full-day or corporate packages (fleet of 8 quads, capacity for 16 people)
- Helmet and gloves provided
- Free for children aged 5 to 10.
- Permit B required
