Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, South of France (le Midi), France

Cavaillon Beaches

Overview

While Cavaillon itself is a charming inland town in the heart of Provence, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the diverse beaches of the Mediterranean coast. Renowned for its rich history and famous melons, Cavaillon offers a unique holiday that combines countryside charm with seaside adventures. The nearest coastal areas are about an hour away, making a car essential for any beach-bound day trips to discover the beautiful and varied shoreline of le Midi.

From Cavaillon, you have a choice between distinctly different coastal experiences. To the west of Marseille lies the Côte Bleue, home to beautiful and accessible sandy shores perfect for a relaxing day. Here you'll find family favourites like Plage de St Croix, with its calm waters and scenic pine-tree backdrop. For a more lively, urban atmosphere, head to Marseille's own Plage de la Pointe Rouge, a popular spot for locals. East of the city, the coast transforms into the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Calanques National Park, offering breathtaking coves like the picture-perfect Calanque d'En-vau, which typically require a hike to access.

For a truly unique coastal outing, the wild, windswept dunes of the Camargue are within reach, featuring the iconic Plage de l'Espiguette, a vast landscape perfect for an adventurous day trip. Whether you prefer the dramatic pebble coves near Cassis or the golden sands of the Côte Bleue, there is a beach to suit every taste. These are just a few of the highlights, and our complete guide offers a longer list of the best beaches to visit on a day trip from Cavaillon.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Are there beaches in Cavaillon itself?

No, Cavaillon is an inland town in the heart of Provence's Luberon region, so it does not have any coastal beaches. However, it is used by many as a base for day trips to the Mediterranean coast, and there are popular freshwater swimming lakes and rivers much closer by.

How far is Cavaillon from the nearest beach?

The nearest Mediterranean beaches are on the Côte Bleue (Blue Coast), near towns like Sausset-les-Pins and La Couronne. The drive typically takes about one hour by car. The large beaches of Marseille, like Prado Beach, are also about an hour away.

Prado Beach

Is it better to go to the beaches near Cassis or the Côte Bleue from Cavaillon?

This depends on your preference. The Côte Bleue (west of Marseille) offers more traditional, easier-to-access sandy beaches like Plage du Rouet, which are often recommended for families. Cassis is famous for the dramatic Calanques, which are stunning pebble coves set in limestone cliffs, but they often require hiking to access and can be very crowded.

Plage du Rouet

Are there sandy beaches near Cavaillon?

Yes, for sandy beaches, the best options are along the Côte Bleue or in the Camargue. Plage de St. Croix and Plage du Verdon near Martigues are known for their sand and family-friendly atmosphere. The famous beaches of the Calanques near Cassis are mostly pebble or rock.

Plage de St Croix

Plage du Verdon

Is Cavaillon a good base for a family beach holiday?

Cavaillon is an excellent base for a varied family holiday in Provence that *includes* beach days, but it is not a typical beach resort town. Its central location is ideal for exploring Luberon villages, markets, and historical sites, with the option to drive to the sea. For closer water fun, the local swimming lakes like Étang de la Bonde are very popular with families.

Are there local swimming spots if I don't want to drive to the sea?

Absolutely. The most popular local alternative is the Étang de la Bonde, a large freshwater lake with a beach area, located about a 45-minute drive from Cavaillon. It's a favorite spot for locals and visitors for swimming and picnicking. There are also other swimming lakes like Lac de Monteux and opportunities for kayaking on the Sorgue river.

Do I need a car to visit the beaches from Cavaillon?

Yes, a car is highly recommended. While public transport options exist, they are often indirect and time-consuming, making a beach day trip impractical. A car gives you the flexibility to explore different beaches, especially the more secluded coves, and is essential for managing your own schedule.

What is parking like at the beaches near Marseille and Cassis?

Parking can be challenging and expensive, especially in July and August. At popular beaches like those in Cassis and the main Prado beaches in Marseille, it is crucial to arrive very early in the morning to find a space in the paid car parks. For the Calanques, parking is often far from the cove itself, requiring a significant walk.

Prado Beach

Can you swim in the Calanques National Park?

Yes, you can swim in the beautiful coves (calanques) like Port-Pin and En-Vau. However, be aware that access to the park can be restricted in the summer due to high fire risk. Reaching the coves usually requires hiking, sometimes for over an hour, so wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water.

Calanque de Port Pin

Calanque d'En-vau

What is the water like for swimming?

The Mediterranean water is generally clear and beautiful, with temperatures becoming pleasant for swimming from June through September. In the spring, it can still be quite chilly. The water at freshwater lakes like Étang de la Bonde warms up nicely in the summer, often reaching around 25°C (77°F).

Are there any nudist beaches accessible from Cavaillon?

Yes, there are several official and unofficial naturist beaches within driving distance. Piemanson Beach in the Camargue and certain coves along the Côte Bleue, such as Bonnieu's Naturist Beach, are known options for naturism. The eastern beach at Étang de la Bonde is also designated for naturist use.

Piemanson

Bonnieu's Naturist Beach

Is it possible to swim in the Durance river near Cavaillon?

While the Durance river runs near Cavaillon, swimming is generally forbidden and considered dangerous due to strong currents and sudden water level changes from dam releases. For safer river activities, many people prefer to go kayaking or canoeing on the nearby Sorgue river, which is much calmer.