Need a vacation ? Close your eyes for a few moments... Can you smell those market smells ? Thyme, rosemary, fresh fish, mimosa in bloom, wine and juicy fruit ? Do you hear the sound of cicadas, and the murmur of waves that slowly caress the blond sand ? Are you in there ? Open your eyes : welcome to Bandol. It is opposite the Mediterranean, between La Ciotat and La Seyne-sur-Mer that this popular seaside resort is located.
Between the hills covered with pines and mulberry trees, Bandol is one of the oldest seaside resorts on the French Riviera. Chic, it is famous for its wines, its port, its casino and its golf course, but also for the sumptuous coves that line its coastline.
9th port in France thanks to its 1600 berths, Bandol lives at the rhythm of the sea. Many ski clubs and sailing schools have made the town their home, making it a popular holiday destination for water sports enthusiasts. Windsurfing, dinghy, jet-ski, catamaran, kayak, boat or sailboat rental, you will have only the embarrassment of the choice concerning your activities on the open sea.
On the mainland, there are numerous walking and hiking trails that take you through the hinterland, pine forests and vineyards of the Bandolais, on foot, by mountain bike and even on horseback. Along the Var coastline, there too, there is no shortage of breathtaking itineraries : by taking the Corniche trail, you will have the chance to discover coves and coves of unsuspected beauty.
The sportsmen will find their happiness in Bandol, so much the prism of the proposed activities is large. Paragliding, bungee jumping or parachuting for the more adventurous, tennis facing the Mediterranean, bowling, table football, petanque games near the kiosk along the promenade : everyone will find something to spend an unforgettable holiday in Bandol. Golfers will head towards Dolce Fregate Provence : in the middle of olive trees and vineyards, with its courses offering splendid views of the Mediterranean, it is one of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe.
For relaxing afternoons, visit one of Bandol's beaches : the best known is certainly the Casino beach. Bordered by palm trees, it is very busy during the summer period because of its location (not far from downtown) and the entrance to the Casino, located directly on the sand. Between the latter and the port is the "Plage Centrale" : just as popular as the previous one, this beach is ideal for children because of its shallow waters. Its long walk under the palm trees is the perfect place to find a little shade when the sun is at its zenith. Just west of Bandol, below the pine forest, you will find the Calanque de l'Anglaise : difficult to access, composed of rocks and gravel, this small wild beach will allow you to relax far from the hustle and bustle of the downtown beaches. If, however, you decide to spend your afternoons on the pebbles of the Capelin cove, you will absolutely have to bring your masks and snorkels : this magnificent diving spot will impress you, thanks to the clarity of its waters and the richness of its seabed. Moreover, its breathtaking panorama is the perfect spot to watch a sunset.
Finally, in terms of gastronomy, Bandol is undeniably the ideal place for wine lovers. Meet the men and women who make these local wines so fruity, and let yourself be tempted by a few tastings in the middle of the vineyards. Bandol and these fifty estates were among the first vineyards to receive the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in 1941, and have something to thrill the taste buds of wine lovers and lovers of the French terroir. Its fruity rosés are famous for being among the best nectars in France. If you don't have the opportunity to visit the vineyards, you can at least have a drink facing the sea, in one of the many restaurants located on the beaches of Bandol.
Bandol's night market at the top with its lively restaurants.
Jean-jacques
25/07/2020
Make the creeks by boat.
Vincent
18/07/2020
Restaurant "Du côté de chez Swan" : cooking with seasonal products, very pleasant welcome, very good table.
Bendor Island and its beach
Rendez-vous on this small "timeless" island, on the way back, take the opportunity to relax on one of the fine sandy beaches such as Eden Roc, La centrale or l'Anglaise!
Toulon at 17 km
Take the cable car from the top of Mount Faron for a panoramic view of the city!
La Ciotat 28 km away
Unavoidable and renowned for the beauty of its creeks, take the opportunity to relax in Figuerolles.