The Best Beaches Near Toulon & the French Riviera

The stretch of coast around Toulon does beaches the way Provence does everything else — quietly, and better than it lets on. You won't find the see-and-be-seen sand of Saint-Tropez here. You'll find Blue Flag bays where families spread out for the day, and coves at the end of a pine-shaded path where, if you come early, the only footprints are your own.

Here's where we send guests, depending on the kind of day they're after.

Easy sand, close to home

For a no-fuss beach day with everything to hand, Toulon's own Mourillon beaches are hard to beat — four linked Blue Flag bays, shallow and calm behind their breakwaters, with cafés between the parasols. A short drive east, Saint-Clair near Le Lavandou gives you the same ease with a touch more space.

Hidden coves worth the detour

This is where the coast rewards the curious. Tuck yourself into the hidden cove of Pramousquier or the secret cove at Jean Blanc, both near Le Lavandou; swim at Cavalière when you want sand and shade together; or find the Grand Jardin cove below Bormes. West of Toulon, the rocky cove of Capelan near Bandol is a snorkeller's quiet favourite.

For the active

When the wind picks up on the Giens peninsula, Almanarre becomes one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots on the Mediterranean — a long flat shallow worth watching even if you never leave your towel.

Further afield

It's worth one big day out to the west: the Bestouan in Cassis, clear water at the foot of the cliffs and a short walk or boat ride from the calanques. Pair it with a calanque swim and you have a perfect day.

Mauricette's Tip

The coves keep their magic until about half past ten in summer — after that the parking fills and the paths get busy. Come early with a coffee and a towel, have the water to yourself, and be heading back for a late lunch on the terrace just as everyone else arrives. The best beach here isn't a place; it's an hour.

Make the coast your back garden

All of these are within easy reach of the villa — pick a different one each morning. See more in our guide to things to do around Toulon, and book the house direct for the best rate.