"Let us consider what we need for a family holiday on the Côte d’Azur.   Sun and a beach, obviously, with a cracking coastline and outstanding hinterland.   Bars and restaurants that are affordable.  Plenty to do for all ages – and a sense of lightly dressed liberty withal.

​We are, I think, describing Cavalaire-sur-Mer." Frank Preston - The Telegraph

Cavalaire-sur-Mer.

History.

​​Cavalaire was a Roman settlement and excavations have revealed evidence of several sites dating from the 1st century BC - one of which was once a grand villa near Pardigan beach.    The beach was also an important location for the Allied landings of World War II when the 3rd Division of the American infantry disembarked here on 16th August  1944.  Every year there is a parade of military vehicles along the coast and a reconstruction of a military camp.

​Cavalaire is a relatively new town, founded in 1929 and classified as a tourist resort in 1956.     It was awarded Station Nautique  (nautical resort) status in 2008 and Famille Plus in 2009 which recognises the district's services and facilities specifically designed to give families with children the best amenities in a safe environment.

Things to do.

Cavalaire-sur-Mer is renowned for its water sports including water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and jet skiing.  It plays host to the 'Jet Game' competition in September every year.   The quality of its beaches and the cleanliness of the water make this a very attractive place for swimming and the bay is also an excellent spot for scuba diving.  Sports tuition courses are available for beginners and there is also a supervised gym.   To the south west of the main bay, Le Dattier is a small beach and there are also several coves along the coast which provide a quieter spot for sunbathers away from motorboats and noisier leisure activities.

The port of Cavalaire is one of the most sheltered and best-equipped of the Côte d'Azur which attracts an increasing number of visitors.   It has mooring for 1,000 boats and there is also a fleet of traditional fishing boats known as 'pointus' which go out every day from the harbour.     Day boat trips to the nearby Hyères Islands to view the stunningly scenic islands of Port-Cros, Porquerolles and Le Levant are an ideal way to spend an afternoon.

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Away from the beach, taking a walk or cycling towards the low mountains of the Massif des Maures will lead you to the pretty villages of Gassin and Ramatuelle.    Alternatively, following the Fenouillet footpath along the coast towards Cap Camarat takes you through a nature reserve which is a favoured route for wildlife enthusiasts.  There are several 'discovery trails' to explore but, owing to the heat of the summer, these walks are best enjoyed in the cool of the evening or the more gentle weather of spring and autumn.

​A colourful market is held every Wednesday morning on the Place Jean-Moulin, which offers a huge variety of regional produce, including levender honey from the local forests, olives, olive oil, locally made saucisson and naturally plenty of local vin rosé !
There are good shops and lots of cafés in the town providing a welcome respite from the beach.  Free entertainment and festivals are organised by local people for visitors throughout the summer months celebrating the Provençal way of life.

Cavalaire-sur-Mer has an interesting cultural heritage including the Mont-Jean Oppidum (a 'monument historique'), the Pardigon site with its archaeological excavations and the Domain Foncin bastide.   All well worth a visit.