Plage de Cavalière is a crescent of genuine fine sand stretching approximately 500 metres in the sheltered bay of Le Lavandou on the Var coast of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, distinguished by the relative rarity of its natural sandy bottom in a region where pebble and shingle predominate. The bay faces south and is partially enclosed by wooded headlands, providing shelter from the Mistral and generating reliably calm water conditions with a gentle gradient ideal for swimming. The sand is pale golden and firm when wet, giving the beach an accessible, family-friendly quality and a decidedly different character from the pebble beaches of Nice and Menton to the east.
The beach is divided between a free public zone and several beach club concessions operating from May through September. The clubs offer padded sun loungers, umbrellas, and luncheon menus in a relaxed atmosphere considerably less formal and less expensive than the Saint-Tropez equivalents 30 kilometres to the east. Sunbed hire runs approximately €20–35 per pair per day. Restaurants and ice cream kiosks line the Boulevard de Cavalière behind the beach, and pay-and-display parking is available along the boulevard.
The Le Lavandou coastline is famed for its twelve distinct named beaches, of which Cavalière is among the most popular and best equipped. Water sports on offer include jet ski hire, paddleboard and kayak rental, and windsurfing equipment hire. The bay's calm water and shallow gradient are particularly well-suited to stand-up paddleboarders of all levels. The hinterland behind the bay rises into the Massif des Maures, whose wooded ridges are visible from the beach and provide attractive day-hiking terrain.
Bus services from Le Lavandou centre (Sodetrav network) stop near the beach in summer. Bicycle hire from Le Lavandou town is popular; the coastal cycle path takes about 15 minutes and is mostly flat. The beach is a short drive from the Le Lavandou ferry port for the Îles d'Or — Porquerolles and Port-Cros.
| Distance | 3km from Le Lavandou centre |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Bus from Le Lavandou (Sodetrav line); or bicycle from Le Lavandou (15 min) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June–September |
| Address | Boulevard de Cavalière, 83980 Le Lavandou, France |
Amenities
- sandy beach (rare on Riviera)
- beach clubs
- restaurants
- sunbed hire
- water sports
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers, couples, surfers
Location
Boulevard de Cavalière, 83980 Le Lavandou, France
43.1570, 6.4139 View on map
Highlights
- Rare natural sandy beach on the Var coast — pale gold sand with a gentle gradient into calm sheltered water
- One of twelve named beaches along the Le Lavandou coastline, well-equipped for families and day visitors
- Beach clubs with full sun-lounger and restaurant service at prices more accessible than Saint-Tropez
- Water sports hub — jet ski, paddleboard, kayak, and windsurfing equipment available on site
- Close proximity to Îles d'Or ferry services (Porquerolles, Port-Cros) from Le Lavandou port
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by 9:30 am in July–August for beach club availability; walk-in sun loungers are very limited at peak times
- The public beach section at the northern end of the crescent is free and has maintained showers
- Bicycle from Le Lavandou is the simplest approach — the coastal cycle path is mostly flat and takes about 15 minutes
- The shallow water on the sheltered side of the southern breakwater is popular with young children paddling
- Restaurants on Boulevard de Cavalière offer lunch menus from around €18–28 — considerably cheaper than beach club prices
When to visit
June and early September are ideal — the sea is warm, beach clubs are open, and crowd levels are comfortable. July and August attract the largest numbers but the beach crescent is spacious enough to absorb them well.
Accessibility
The beach has a gentle sand slope with no steps to the water's edge, making it physically more accessible than many Riviera beaches. No dedicated beach wheelchair service is known to be available. The boulevard behind the beach is flat and suitable for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free public section at Plage de Cavalière?
Yes — the northern end of the crescent is a free public zone with showers. The central and southern sections are occupied by beach club concessions charging for sun loungers.
What is the water like at Cavalière?
The bay is sheltered and the water is typically calm and clear, with a sandy bottom and gentle gradient making it suitable for all swimmers. Sea temperatures in summer range from approximately 22°C in June to 25°C in August.
How do I get from Le Lavandou to Cavalière beach?
By bus: Sodetrav lines from Le Lavandou bus stop serve Cavalière in summer. By bicycle: a flat coastal cycle path from Le Lavandou centre takes approximately 15 minutes. By car: Boulevard de Cavalière has pay-and-display parking, though it fills early in summer.
Are water sports available at Cavalière?
Yes — jet ski hire, paddleboard and kayak rental, and windsurfing lessons are available from operators on the beach during July–August. A limited service typically extends into June and September.