Le Lavandou and the Var’s beaches: 5 unmissable van escapes

From turquoise coves to hilltop villages and untouched nature, the Var offers breathtaking landscapes. Here are 5 must-see spots for unforgettable road trips in a camper van.

Le Lavandou, a gem of the Côte d’Azur, is the perfect starting point for exploring the treasures of the Var. Here, winding roads lead to fine sandy beaches, wild calanques and history-rich villages. Ready to hit the road? Here are our top picks for magical stops, all accessible by van.

Plage de l'Anglade

This fine sandy beach, lined with parasol pines, is a peaceful haven between Le Lavandou and Bormes-les-Mimosas. Its shallow waters make it an ideal spot for a family swim.

Where to sleep nearby

Le camping des Citronniers Campsite ★ 4.6 Family-friendly shaded campsite, 10-minute walk from the beach. Affordable rates (£13-18) and late check-in. › Crête road parking Le Lavandou Parking ★ 5 Free hilltop parking with views of Port-Cros. Absolute peace, max 1-2 vans. › Camping Manjastre Campsite ★ 4.5 Terraced campsite with pool, vineyard views. Open year-round, 5 km from the beach. › Stone square parking Le Lavandou Parking ★ 3.9 Shaded parking 100 m from Plage Saint-Clair. Mini-market and bakery nearby. › Caravaning Saint Clair Campsite ★ 4.3 Campsite 100 m from the beach, between sea and cycle path. Shaded, well-marked pitches. ›

Cap Bénat

This rocky headland offers stunning views over the Mediterranean and the Hyères islands. A walk along its trails reveals secluded coves and a rich marine ecosystem.

Where to sleep nearby

Roadside parking with view Le Lavandou Parking ★ 3 Free portside parking with unique sea views. 6-minute drive (5 km), open November to March. › Le camping des Citronniers Campsite ★ 4.6 Family campsite rated 4.6/5, £13-18. 6-minute drive (5 km), check-in until 21:30. › Camping Celinette Campsite ★ 4.5 Shaded, 10-minute walk from the beach. Rated 4.5/5, warm atmosphere. › Camping du Camp du Domaine Campsite ★ 3.7 5-star seaside site with varied pitches. 40-minute walk, Mediterranean views. › Camping Beau Séjour Campsite ★ 4.1 3-star quiet site, 800 m from the beach. 6-minute drive (5 km), large shaded pitches. ›

Village of Bormes-les-Mimosas

Ranked among France’s most beautiful villages, Bormes-les-Mimosas charms visitors with its flower-filled streets and medieval castle. Its 360-degree panorama over the sea and islands is simply breathtaking.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping de La Fossette Campsite ★ 4.7 Family campsite 200 m from the beach, 18 spacious pitches. 5-minute drive, rated 4.7/5. › Beach access parking Le Lavandou Parking ★ 5 Free beachside parking with direct sea access. 5-minute drive, rated 5/5. › Le camping des Citronniers Campsite ★ 4.6 Warm campsite with 22 shaded pitches, £13-18. 27-minute walk, rated 4.6/5. › Paradise seaside parking Bormes-les-Mimosas Parking ★ 4 Quiet forest parking 200 m from the beach. 5-minute drive, ideal for vans. › Camping Manjastre Campsite ★ 4.5 Terraced campsite with pool, vineyard views. 27-minute walk, rated 4.5/5. ›

Fort de Brégançon

The official residence of French presidents, this 18th-century fort sits on a small island near Bormes. A guided tour offers a deep dive into the region’s military history and architecture.

Where to sleep nearby

Seafront parking La Londe-les-Maures Parking ★ 4 Direct access to the beach and coastal path. Free, public toilets, 6 minutes from the fort. › Le camping des Citronniers Campsite ★ 4.6 Shaded family campsite with late check-in. Rates from £13, 5 km from the fort. › Camping Celinette Campsite ★ 4.5 10-minute walk from the beach, peaceful. Rated 4.5/5, 4 km from the fort. › Camping du Grand Batailler Campsite ★ 4.5 Views over the vineyards, spacious pitches. 5 minutes from the fort, rated 4.5/5. › Camping Beau Séjour Campsite ★ 4.1 3-star site with large shaded pitches. 5 km from the fort, near Le Lavandou centre. ›

Calanque de Maubois

Reachable after a short hike, this wild calanque is a haven of untouched nature. Its crystal-clear waters and rugged surroundings make it the perfect place for a relaxing break.

Where to sleep nearby

Quiet parking at Saména cove Marseille Parking ★ 4.2 Free parking 50 m from a rocky beach, exceptional bay views. 7-minute drive, rated 4.2/5. › Parking between Le Corbusier and the casino Marseille Parking ★ 3.6 Large, flat, quiet parking near Casino de Sainte-Anne, almost empty. 6-minute drive, rated 3.6/5. › Quiet parking by the sea Marseille Parking ★ 3.4 Beachside parking with horizon views, gravel but with bins. 6-minute drive, rated 3.4/5. › Calanques parking Marseille Parking ★ 3.6 Beachside parking in the Calanques, flat and open. 7-minute drive, rated 3.6/5. › Sea view parking Calanques Marseille Parking ★ 3.5 Gravel parking with sea views and access to the Goudes peninsula. 6-minute drive, rated 3.5/5. ›

Massif des Maures

This wooded massif, nestled between sea and mountains, is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Its trails lead to exceptional viewpoints over the Var coast.

Where to sleep nearby

Crête road parking Le Lavandou Parking ★ 5 Stunning views of the Golden Islands, discreet hilltop spot. Free, 5-minute drive. › Camping Manjastre Campsite ★ 4.5 Terraced campsite with pool, vineyard views. Rated 4.5/5, 5-minute drive. › Le camping des Citronniers Campsite ★ 4.6 Warm welcome until 21:30, budget rates (£13-18). Rated 4.6/5, 10-minute walk. › Stone square parking Le Lavandou Parking ★ 3.9 Shaded parking 100 m from Plage Saint-Clair. Free, mini-market nearby, 32-minute walk. › Camping de La Fossette Campsite ★ 4.7 Family campsite 200 m from the beach, cycle paths. Rated 4.7/5, 45-minute walk. ›

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