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Villa Lorgues lies in the quiet hinterland, but the sea is close: the first Côte d'Azur beaches are about 45 minutes away. That way you combine the peace of the hills with a day by the Mediterranean.
Sainte-Maxime: sandy beaches for the whole family
Sainte-Maxime faces Saint-Tropez across the gulf and has wide, sandy beaches that slope gently. Ideal with children. There is a pleasant promenade, a covered market, and boats run from the harbour to Saint-Tropez, so you avoid the busy coast road. Travel time about 50 minutes.
Saint-Raphaël, Fréjus and the red rocks of the Esterel
Via Le Muy you reach Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël in about 45 minutes, with long town beaches. Then drive the Corniche d'Or along the Esterel massif: red rocks dropping steeply into blue water, with small coves for snorkelling.
Les Issambres and Saint-Aygulf: quiet coves
Between Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Aygulf lie the small coves of Les Issambres. It is quieter here than in Saint-Tropez and the water is clear. Bring water shoes for the rocky parts.
Port-Grimaud and Saint-Tropez
Port-Grimaud is a lagoon town from the 1960s with canals and little bridges, often called the Venice of Provence. Further on lies Saint-Tropez, with the old harbour, the citadel and the market on Place des Lices on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
The famous Pampelonne beach is near Ramatuelle: a five kilometre sandy bay with beach clubs and public stretches. Expect traffic towards Saint-Tropez in July and August; leave early or take the boat from Sainte-Maxime.
Our tips
- The sea is warmest from late July to late September.
- In high season beach car parks fill up early; arrive before ten.
- Prefer a quiet day? Stay home by your own pool and drive to the coast for dinner.
Header photo: Einaz80, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons