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

Cavalaire-sur-Mer Beaches

Overview

Nestled on the French Riviera, Cavalaire-sur-Mer is a delightful and lively resort perfect for a family-friendly beach holiday. It offers a more relaxed and accessible atmosphere compared to its glamorous neighbor, Saint-Tropez. The town's main draw is its magnificent bay, which features a nearly four-kilometer stretch of fine, soft sand, making it ideal for visitors seeking a classic seaside experience.

Our editor's picks showcase the diverse character of the local coastline. The bustling Beach du centre ville puts you right at the heart of the action, just steps from the town and port. For a more intimate and scenic setting, Beach de Bonporteau is a stunning, sheltered cove with crystal-clear water. History enthusiasts will appreciate Beach du Debarquement, a key landing site during the 1944 Allied operations in Provence. For those craving the quintessential Riviera scene, the iconic Pampelonne Beach is an essential day trip just a short drive away.

Beyond these highlights, the coast offers more tranquil spots like Pardigon Beach, a large, wild beach set within a protected natural area. With its mix of long sandy stretches and secluded coves, Cavalaire-sur-Mer ensures that every visitor can find their perfect patch of sand. For a complete look at all the coves and shores this beautiful bay has to offer, be sure to explore our longer list of the area's best beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Cavalaire-sur-Mer a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Cavalaire-sur-Mer is widely considered an excellent destination for families. The resort is officially recognized as a 'Famille Plus' destination, highlighting its commitment to providing family-friendly activities and amenities. The main 3km beach is known for its fine sand and shallow waters, which are ideal for children. Additionally, many beaches are supervised by lifeguards during the high season, and you can find kids' clubs, carousels, and various water sports suitable for all ages.

What's the best time of year to visit Cavalaire for swimming and beach weather?

The best time for a beach holiday with comfortable swimming is from June to October. During these months, the sea temperature generally stays above 20°C (68°F). July and August are the hottest months, with water temperatures sometimes reaching up to 28°C (82°F), but this is also the busiest period. For pleasant weather with fewer crowds, consider visiting in June or September.

How do the beaches in Cavalaire compare to Saint-Tropez?

Cavalaire-sur-Mer is generally seen as a more relaxed, family-oriented, and affordable alternative to the glitz and glamour of Saint-Tropez. While Saint-Tropez's Pampelonne beach is famous for its exclusive beach clubs, Cavalaire's main beach is a long, accessible stretch of public sand. Cavalaire offers a more down-to-earth seaside town atmosphere, whereas Saint-Tropez is a world-renowned luxury destination.

Pampelonne Beach

Are the beaches in Cavalaire sandy or pebbly?

The main beaches in the bay of Cavalaire, stretching over 4 kilometers, are known for their fine, soft sand. This includes the Plage du Centre-Ville, Plage du Parc, and Plage de Pardigon. Some smaller, more secluded coves, or 'calanques', like Bonporteau, are also sandy, though they may have rocky areas bordering them.

Beach du centre ville

Beach de Bonporteau

What's the best area to stay in for easy beach access in Cavalaire?

For the most direct beach access, look for accommodation near the Promenade de la Mer or the port area, which puts you steps from the Plage du Centre-Ville. The Pardigon area is also a good option if you prefer to be close to the larger, more natural Pardigon beach, though it is slightly further from the main town's shops and restaurants.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Beach du centre ville

What is the Calanque de Bonporteau like and is it hard to get to?

The Calanque de Bonporteau is a picturesque cove known for its clear turquoise water and wild, preserved setting, making it a favorite among locals. It is more secluded than the main town beaches. Access involves a steep path from the road, and parking nearby is limited, especially in summer. This makes it less accessible than the main beaches but also less crowded.

Beach de Bonporteau

Is it easy to find parking near the main beaches in Cavalaire?

Parking can be challenging, especially during the peak summer months of July and August. While there are paid car parks, such as near Pardigon beach, and some street parking, spaces fill up quickly. To avoid parking issues, it's recommended to arrive early in the day or use the free shuttle bus service that runs along the beaches in high season.

Can you walk from the town center to the main beaches?

Yes, the Plage du Centre-Ville (main town beach) is located just a few steps from the town center and the port, making it very easily accessible on foot. A promenade runs along the beach, allowing for pleasant walks to other nearby beach sections like Plage du Parc.

Beach du centre ville

People Also Ask

Are there private beach clubs ('plages privées') in Cavalaire?

Yes, like many places on the French Riviera, Cavalaire has a mix of public beach areas and private beach clubs ('plages privées'). These private clubs offer amenities like sun lounger and parasol rentals, waiter service, and on-site restaurants. They are located along the main stretches of sand, such as the Plage du Centre-Ville.

Beach du centre ville

Are there any quieter, more 'wild' beaches near Cavalaire?

Yes, for a more natural and less crowded experience, you can visit Pardigon Beach, which is a large, protected natural area with no buildings. The coastal path (Sentier du Littoral) also leads to several smaller, more secluded coves and beaches, such as Plage des Brouis or the coves around Cap Lardier, which require some walking to access.

Beach des Brouis

How clear is the water and are there often jellyfish?

The water in Cavalaire's bay is generally known for being crystal-clear and has received a 'bathing water quality' label, making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Like much of the Mediterranean, jellyfish (méduses) can occasionally appear, particularly during warm periods. Local authorities monitor their presence and will fly a specific flag at lifeguard stations to warn swimmers.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Cavalaire-sur-Mer?

During the main tourist season, dogs are generally not permitted on the main supervised beaches of Cavalaire-sur-Mer. However, rules can vary by season and specific beach, so it is always best to check the latest local regulations and look for signage at the beach entrances.

Are the beaches in Cavalaire generally crowded?

In July and August, the main beaches, especially Plage du Centre-Ville, can get very crowded. However, because the bay features a long 3-4km stretch of sand, you can usually find a less crowded spot by walking further along towards Pardigon. The smaller coves like Bonporteau can also be busy but feel more intimate. For the fewest crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons of June or September.

Beach du centre ville

Beach de Bonporteau

Are there any nudist beaches in or near Cavalaire-sur-Mer?

Cavalaire-sur-Mer itself is primarily a family resort, and there are no official naturist beaches within the town. However, there are well-known naturist beaches nearby. Plage du Layet, a 20-minute drive towards Le Lavandou, is a popular option. Additionally, parts of the famous Pampelonne Beach near Saint-Tropez and Brouis beach near La Croix-Valmer are naturist-friendly.

Layet Beach

Pampelonne Beach

Beach des Brouis

Which beach is better for small children: Plage du Centre-Ville or Bonporteau?

Plage du Centre-Ville is generally better for small children. It has very shallow water, lifeguard supervision in summer, and easy access to amenities like toilets, snacks, and kids' clubs. In contrast, Bonporteau is a beautiful cove but requires a steep walk to access, has no lifeguard, and offers no facilities, making it less convenient for families with young kids.

Beach du centre ville

Beach de Bonporteau