There's a moment, walking down the narrow path through the pines, when the calanque appears below you for the first time — a sliver of turquoise wedged between white cliffs and dark green forest. That's Port d'Alon. And that moment is worth the trip alone. Tucked between Bandol and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, about 25 kilometres from Villa Mauricette, this calanque is one of the most beautiful natural sites on the Var coast. It's not a secret — locals know it well — but it has none of the crowds that plague the more famous calanques further east.

--- WHAT MAKES PORT D'ALON SPECIAL

Unlike the deep, narrow calanques near Cassis, Port d'Alon is wide and welcoming. The beach is a mix of sand and pebble, sheltered by cliffs on both sides, and the water is extraordinarily clear. It's the kind of place where you can see the bottom at four metres. The setting is protected — no construction, no music, no jet skis. Just the coast as it was meant to be.

--- THE UNDERWATER TRAIL

Port d'Alon has a marked underwater trail (sentier sous-marin) that makes it a standout for snorkelling. Follow the buoys along the rocky edge and you'll spot sea urchins, wrasse, sea bream, and — if you're lucky — octopus hiding in the crevices. It's educational, fun, and accessible for children (good swimmers from about age 8). Bring your own mask and snorkel — there are no rentals on site.

--- THE COASTAL WALK

The sentier du littoral passes directly through Port d'Alon, connecting Bandol to the west and La Madrague de Saint-Cyr to the east. Walking in from Bandol takes about 1.5 hours and is one of the most scenic coastal walks in the region — rocky capes, hidden inlets, and constant views across the open sea. You can also drive and park closer (see practical info below), reducing the walk to about 15 minutes.

--- WHERE TO EAT

The restaurant at Port d'Alon is a genuine surprise — a simple terrasse perched just above the beach, serving grilled fish, salads and rosé with a direct view of the calanque. It's not fine dining, but the setting is hard to beat. Alternatively, pack a picnic and find a flat rock along the water's edge. Bread, tomatoes, olive oil, a peach — sometimes that's all you need.

--- PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Getting there: 25 km from Villa Mauricette (~30 minutes by car via the RD559 from Bandol).

• Parking: Upper car park (€5/day), limited lower car park (closer but fills early in summer). Arrive before 10am in July–August. • On foot: Coastal path from Bandol (1h30) or from La Madrague de Saint-Cyr (45 min).

• Best time to visit: May to October. June and September are ideal — warm water, fewer people.

• Facilities: Toilets near the car park. Restaurant on site (seasonal). No shade on the beach itself — bring a hat or umbrella.

• Family-friendly: Absolutely. Gentle entry to the water, underwater trail for kids, restaurant on site.

--- OUR VERDICT

Port d'Alon is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever book a beach club. It's natural, effortless, and deeply beautiful. Come early, stay late, and don't forget the snorkel.

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