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

Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer Beaches

Overview

Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, nestled in the sunny South of France, is a delightful destination for beach lovers. It offers a pleasing variety of coastal experiences, from expansive sandy stretches ideal for families to more intimate pebble coves. This diversity ensures every visitor can find their perfect spot. The area is particularly well-regarded for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a popular choice for a relaxed seaside holiday.

Key highlights include the charming Beach de la Madrague with its local, relaxed feel by the harbour. For breathtaking scenery, the iconic Calanque d'En-vau presents a spectacular day trip. Nearby, Plage de Renécros in Bandol is a beautiful sheltered sandy bay, while the scenic Calanque de Port d'Alon captivates with its pebble shores and clear waters. The main beach, Les Lecques, is an expansive sandy bay particularly popular with families.

For those seeking a naturist-friendly option, Liouquet Beach provides a dedicated section in a natural setting. Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer offers a broader, more open bay experience compared to some neighboring areas. Many more coves and stretches of sand await discovery; explore our full guide for a comprehensive list of all the beaches in this charming part of France.

Top Beaches

FAQ

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

Yes, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer is particularly popular with families for beach holidays. The main beach, Les Lecques, is a large sandy bay with shallow waters, making it ideal for children. Many beaches offer amenities like playgrounds and lifeguard surveillance in season. The Plage de la Madrague is also a family-friendly sandy beach with activities for children.

Beach de la Madrague

Are the beaches in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer sandy or pebble?

Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer offers a mix of beaches. The Plage des Lecques, the largest and most famous, is primarily a fine sandy beach, though some areas might have small pebbles. The Plage de la Madrague is also sandy. However, the Calanque de Port d'Alon and some smaller coves like Plage de la Reinette are pebble beaches.

Beach de la Madrague

What's the best time of year to visit Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer for a beach holiday?

The most popular time for a beach holiday in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer is from June to September when the weather is warmest and ideal for swimming and sunbathing. May and October can also be pleasant with fewer crowds, though water temperatures will be cooler. Peak summer (July and August) sees the most visitors.

Is parking difficult to find near the beaches in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer?

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season (July and August) at popular beaches like Les Lecques and La Madrague. While there are parking areas, they can fill up quickly. Arriving early or using alternative transport like the summer shuttle (navette estivale) for Les Lecques is advisable. The Calanque de Port d'Alon has a large paid parking area.

Are there beachfront accommodation options in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer?

Yes, there are hotels and holiday apartments located directly on or very close to the beaches, particularly along the Plage des Lecques. Some campsites in the area also offer convenient beach access. Options range from hotels with sea views to apartments with direct beach pathways.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer?

Generally, dogs are not allowed on the main supervised beaches like Les Lecques and La Madrague during the main tourist season. However, dogs on a leash are permitted in the Calanque du Port d'Alon. There is also a specific section of Plage des Lecques, near the port, where dogs are allowed, though hours may be restricted in summer (e.g., early morning and late evening). Regulations can change, so it's always best to check local signage.

What are the water quality and swimming conditions like in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer?

Generally, the water quality in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer is good and the beaches have received labels like the Blue Flag, indicating clean bathing water. The main beaches like Les Lecques have shallow entry points, making them suitable for swimming. However, like many coastal areas, water quality can occasionally be affected by pollution, and temporary advisories may be issued. The municipality monitors water quality regularly.

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

While Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer itself doesn't have officially designated municipal nudist beaches on its main stretches, the Plage du Liouquet, located between La Ciotat and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer (closer to La Ciotat), is known and tolerated for naturism, particularly on its eastern part. Some campsites in the broader region may also offer private naturist beach areas.

Liouquet Beach

People Also Ask

How windy do the beaches get in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer? Is the Mistral wind a problem?

Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer can be affected by the Mistral, a strong north-westerly wind common in Provence. Some beaches, like Plage de la Reinette, are noted as being more sheltered from the wind. The Baie des Lecques can be suitable for kitesurfing when the wind is up, outside of main bathing seasons/zones. The Mistral can sometimes make beach days less comfortable and cool the air and water.

Are there quieter, less crowded beaches or coves in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer?

Yes, while the main beaches of Les Lecques and La Madrague can be busy, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer has smaller coves (calanques) and more secluded spots. The Calanque du Port d'Alon, though popular, offers a more natural setting. Beaches like Plage de la Moutte or Plage de la Pointe des Termes are accessible via the coastal path and tend to be less frequented due to more difficult access.

Beach de la Madrague

What kind of water sports and activities are available at the beaches?

A wide range of water sports are available, especially at Plage des Lecques and Plage de la Madrague. You can typically find rentals for paddleboards, kayaks, pedalos, and catamarans. Sailing, jet skiing, and diving are also popular activities in the area.

Beach de la Madrague

How do the beaches of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer compare to those in nearby Bandol or Cassis?

Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer is known for its large, family-friendly sandy beach (Les Lecques), which is more expansive than many beaches in Bandol or Cassis. Bandol also has sandy beaches like Renécros but they are generally smaller coves. Cassis is famous for its Calanques, which are stunning but often pebble beaches or rocky inlets, requiring more effort to access. Saint-Cyr offers a broader, more open bay experience compared to the more enclosed calanques of Cassis or the smaller coves of Bandol.

Plage de Renécros

Are there facilities like showers, toilets, and restaurants at the beaches?

Yes, the main beaches such as Les Lecques and La Madrague are well-equipped with public toilets, showers, and freshwater points. There are also numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops along the promenade of Les Lecques and near the port of La Madrague. Private beach clubs also offer their own facilities.

Beach de la Madrague

Is Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer suitable for a quiet, romantic couples' beach getaway?

Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer can be suitable for couples, especially outside the peak summer months of July and August when it's less crowded. While it's popular with families, couples can find charm in the smaller coves like Port d'Alon, enjoy walks along the coastal path (Sentier du Littoral), and dine at beachfront restaurants. For more tranquility, seeking out accommodation slightly away from the main beach promenades or visiting during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September) is recommended.

Are all beaches in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer free to access?

Yes, public access to the beaches themselves (like Les Lecques, La Madrague, Calanque de Port d'Alon) is free. However, some sections of the larger beaches may have private beach clubs where you can pay to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Parking near the beaches is often paid, especially during peak season.