PARIS WEATHER

805 331 views

Geography
Place	Le Lavandou - La Fossette - Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur - France
Latitude	43.1455227
Longitude	7.3211322
Altitude	6 meteres
Orientation

Good to know
Owner	OT le Lavandou
Camera	AXIS
Visitors	805 331 visits

Specificity
Format	Full HD 2 Million Pixels
Category	Sea

Informations

The Côte des Maures, a natural gem of the Var coastline, stretches between Hyères and Saint-Tropez, forming a wild, mountainous, and deeply Mediterranean coastal strip.
Its name comes from the Massif des Maures, an ancient and rugged mountain range covered in dense vegetation typical of the Provençal maquis, dominated by cork oaks, umbrella pines, strawberry trees, and heather.
This massif, which seems to plunge directly into the Mediterranean, shapes a spectacular landscape of cliffs, rocky headlands, secret coves, and crystal-clear beaches—some of them hard to reach, which enhances their preserved and exclusive character.

One of the Côte des Maures’ main features is the harmony between sea and mountains, offering breathtaking views at every turn of a path or winding road.
Among the most remarkable sites is Cap Bénat, a private estate nestled in a dense pine forest, where villas blend seamlessly into nature, entirely invisible from the sea.
Further east, the caps Lardier, Camarat, and Taillat form a chain of protected promontories that resemble wild sanctuaries.
These areas, managed by the Conservatoire du littoral, are accessible only on foot or by sea, ensuring the conservation of their exceptional biodiversity and the absence of large-scale construction.

The Côte des Maures is also dotted with charming villages—some perched, others by the sea—each with its own character and history.
Bormes-les-Mimosas, perched on the hills, is famous for its narrow cobbled streets, pink-tiled houses, and cascading bougainvillea.
It’s one of the most beautiful flower-filled villages in France, where the air carries a blend of lavender, pine, and mimosa—especially in winter during the blooming season.
Further down, Le Lavandou stretches along the shoreline with twelve beaches of very different personalities, from large family beaches to secluded coves known only to insiders.

Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, more discreet, captivates with its elegance and serenity.
This is home to the Domaine du Rayol, also known as the “Gardens of the Mediterranean,” a remarkable botanical garden showcasing flora from all the world’s Mediterranean climates in an exceptional landscape setting between sea and mountain.
It is also a place for raising awareness about Mediterranean ecology, offering guided tours, workshops, and educational walks.

The road that runs along the Côte des Maures—often narrow and winding, especially between Cavalaire and Saint-Tropez—offers an unforgettable driving experience.
At every bend, new vistas open up over the deep blue sea, the Îles d’Hyères in the distance, or the green hills that plunge steeply into the waves.
Far from the heavy urbanization of some parts of the French Riviera, this stretch of coast remains a peaceful haven, cherished by lovers of authenticity, hiking, diving, and quiet contemplation.

Finally, the Côte des Maures’ unique light, changing throughout the day, has long inspired painters, writers, and all lovers of the South.
Here, sunsets set the pines and rocks ablaze with golden hues, while summer evenings bring a gentle warmth, accompanied by the song of cicadas and the lapping of the sea.
The Côte des Maures is not just a place—it’s a sensory experience, a world apart between land and sea, both enchanting and soothing.

La Fossette Beach

La Fossette Beach, nestled in the commune of Le Lavandou in the Var region, is undoubtedly one of the most charming and discreet beaches on the French Riviera.
Located about 3 kilometers east of Le Lavandou's town center, it is one of those hidden gems, well known by regulars but relatively untouched by the crowds of mass tourism.
Tucked into a gentle, south-facing cove, La Fossette first captivates with its natural setting: a harmonious curve of golden sand, framed on either side by rocks and typically Mediterranean vegetation—umbrella pines, eucalyptus, oleanders, and agaves.

What strikes visitors upon arrival is the peacefulness of the place.
Unlike the more lively central beaches of Le Lavandou, La Fossette maintains a serene, almost confidential atmosphere.
It is accessed via a discreet coastal road, then by a gently sloping path or stairways hidden between villas and gardens.
Once at the bottom, the view is stunning: crystal-clear waters in shades of turquoise and emerald, fine light-colored sand, and a cove sheltered from the wind—ideal for swimming.

La Fossette is renowned for the exceptional quality of its waters.
Protected from currents and waves, it boasts rare transparency, perfect for observing the seabed just a few meters from shore—whether snorkeling or simply using a mask and snorkel.
Children and experienced swimmers alike enjoy the gentle slope and the natural safety of the spot.
It’s not uncommon to spot schools of small fish, sea urchins, or even starfish in the rocky zones along the edges.

The charm of this beach also lies in its atmosphere—both simple and refined.
Behind the beach, discreetly integrated into the greenery, a handful of elegant villas overlook the sea without disturbing the harmony of the landscape.
There are no tall buildings, no concrete dominating the view—here, everything is calm, beautiful, and gentle.
Far from the hustle of large seaside resorts, people come to La Fossette to read, swim, relax, meditate, or share a moment of quiet communion with nature.

Though relatively wild, the beach offers some useful amenities in summer: public showers, a lifeguard station, trash bins, and occasionally a small refreshment stand or discreet food truck at the top of the access path.
There are no private beach clubs or endless rows of loungers—La Fossette retains the free and natural spirit that gives it its unique magic.
Parking can be a bit tricky in high season, with limited spots available—something that helps prevent overcrowding.

At certain times of day—especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon—the light becomes sublime.
The rising sun softly lights the beach, revealing every detail of the submerged rocks and every shimmer on the pine needles.
In the evening, the sun’s final rays turn the sea to gold and copper in an almost unreal atmosphere, where only the gentle sounds of the waves and a few cicadas accompany the suspended moments.

In short, La Fossette Beach is a discreet treasure, an enchanting interlude in the heart of Le Lavandou—perfect for nature lovers, seekers of quiet, and those in search of authenticity.
It’s one of those rare beaches where you can still feel the unspoiled heartbeat of the Mediterranean—far from the noise, close to what really matters.

Le Lavandou

Presentation

Le Lavandou, a charming seaside resort in the Var region, stretches gracefully along the Mediterranean Sea at the foot of the Maures mountains, in a setting of greenery and light.
Rightly nicknamed “The City of Dolphins and Whales,” Le Lavandou boasts a remarkable coastline with over 12 kilometers of shore divided into twelve beaches, each with a distinct personality—from wide family-friendly stretches to secluded coves where soft sand competes with the crystal clarity of the water.

Formerly a fishing village dependent on Bormes-les-Mimosas, Le Lavandou has managed to retain its authentic soul despite evolving into a popular tourist destination.
Its still-active fishing port stands alongside a lively marina, which serves as a departure point for excursions to the Golden Isles—Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Île du Levant—that can often be glimpsed from the beaches or the scenic coastal road.
The seafront, lined with a palm-fringed promenade, features cafés, ice cream shops, restaurants, and seasonal night markets in a joyful yet relaxed Mediterranean ambiance.

The town center charms with its lively alleys, shaded squares, the Provençal market held every Thursday morning, and sun-drenched colorful façades.
Here, one finds the soul of the South: the melodic accent, the mingled scents of lavender, thyme, and grilled fish, pétanque games in the late afternoon, and terraces filled with laughter from the first warm days.
S aint-Louis Church, modest yet full of light, watches over the town, while artworks and ceramic pieces discreetly dot the streets, reflecting a proudly upheld artistic heritage.

But it is above all the beauty of its coastline that makes Le Lavandou a dream destination.
Among its twelve beaches, some are renowned throughout the region: the central beach, wide and lively, lined with palm trees; Saint-Clair, with its dazzling blonde sand and turquoise waters; Aiguebelle, set against cliffs and favored by those seeking peace and quiet; La Fossette, intimate and refined; and Pramousquier, with tropical vibes thanks to its lush vegetation and gentle atmosphere.
Each beach has its own ambiance, light, and visitors. One can enjoy swimming of course, but also paddleboarding, sailing, scuba diving—or simply sunbathing with toes in the water.

Le Lavandou also benefits from an exceptional natural environment.
Behind the town, the Maures mountains rise gently, covered in dense, fragrant scrubland, offering numerous hiking trails and spectacular viewpoints over the sea.
Nature lovers will appreciate the diversity of flora and fauna, the presence of protected areas, and the coastal path walks or hikes in the surrounding hills among pines, cork oaks, and chestnut trees.

In spring, the town bursts into color with the blooming of mimosas, bougainvillea, and oleanders.
In summer, it pulses with concerts, traditional festivals, local craft markets, and open-air shows.
But even off-season, Le Lavandou retains its tranquil charm, attracting travelers seeking authenticity, sunlight, and well-being.

A town on a human scale, pleasant to live in, rich in maritime traditions and open to the sea, Le Lavandou is far more than just a seaside resort.
It’s a place that touches the heart, a feeling, a Provençal way of life carried by the sea, the sun, and simplicity.
Whether you come for a day or a lifetime, it rarely leaves you indifferent—and often leaves behind a luminous memory, like a living postcard between sky and sea.