Tucked away in a beautiful, sandy bay, Cavalaire is a pretty resort with a discreet family ambience. Which doesn't mean to say you can't have fun there - quite the opposite! You will love discovering the town's ancient coastal footpath with its backdrop of mimosa, pine and eucalyptus forests...

As night falls and pretty lights glitter in the streets, Cavalaire's local piano-bars, ice-cream parlours, café terraces and "Maison de la Mer" promenade come alive to the sound of music. And if you're feeling lucky, why not try out one of the Casino's 121 slot machines, or spin the Roulette or Black Jack tables...

Whatever your pleasure, don't forget that Cavalaire is an earlyto-rise town - there's just so much to fit into your day! Fancy some sailing? Cavalaire just got the "French Nautical resort" label for the quality and diversity of its water sports. Cavalaire's wide bay is the perfect year-round spot for experiencing the pleasures of the sea. The bay is a favourite training venue for jet ski fans. Each year in September, Cavalaire celebrates the Jet Ski during the "Jet Games", competition which brings the best Jet Ski pilots together.

sailing dinghies, windsurfing, optimist and catamaran...

And what about other sports? Cavalaire is also a great Place for microlight flying, sailing (needless to say! - you can hire out or motor boats for a day or more), sailing dinghies, windsurfing, optimist and catamaran... Excursions? Regular boat services from Cavalaire take you to the truly breathtaking "Golden Islands" of Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant off the coast of Hyères.

For those who choose to brave the high seas, the town's deep sea fishing club sails out at dawn to bait tuna and swordfish. Looking for something really different? Then why not embark on a voyage 20 000 leagues under the sea (well maybe a little less!) on a fabulous little submersible - excitement guaranteed! Mystery-lovers?

Well, as we're already under the water, you will certainly enjoy exploring Cavalaire's unique diving sites and the many wrecks that attract admirers from the world over: the 80-metre cargo ship "Ramon", which was scuttled by pirates in 1921 and now lies at a depth of 22 metres, the "Prophète", which sank in 1860 and lies at a depth of 33 metres, the submarine "Rubis", or the "Espingole", which ran aground in 1903 - eat your heart out Titanic! - not forgetting the galleons and other Roman and Genovese merchant ships whose sunken treasures are now displayed in our local museums. Please remember though, for safety' sake it's best not to dive alone.

A Place for Simple Pleasures…

Despite all that, the favourite activity in Cavalaire is simply doing nothing on the town's long sandy beach - after all, what would a holiday be without a little shameless lazing around? So take time out to look, breathe deeply and listen to the waves breaking on the shore...

The Summer Pardigon festival theatre, the St Peter’s day, the Noël Blanc Christmas celebration

In August 1944, this famous stretch of sand, which goes right round the bay, was the scene of bloody battles during the liberation of Provence by the Allied Forces. All year round, visitors to Cavalaire can enjoy the pleasures of the town's superb natural environment, pretty fishing harbour and marina, weekly Provençal market, boules games and the different events and attractions scheduled every month, such as the Summer Pardigon festival theatre, the St Peter’s day (or Fishermen’s day), or the Noël Blanc Christmas celebration.

Do you want to take a walk ? Just try the "Fenouillet footpath". From the rocks, you will have a beautiful view on the sea and the islands. And if you fancy getting away from the coast, try heading inland to the summit of the "Epaule de Malatra" or the "Pradels", at an altitude of 527 metres, then going on to the "Montjean" watchtower, with its glittering views over the bay and heady scents of eucalyptus, myrtle and arbutus. So lie down and, if your eyes close, let yourself be cradled to the song of the cicadas...

Ah! The good life…

The Provençal market

The Provençal market held every Wednesday morning, Place Jean Moulin, with its wonderful array of fragrant stalls. Fleshy vegetables, juicy, sun-drenched fruit, fresh herbs and fish straight from the sea... Get your baskets ready!

Boat trips

Day boat trips

To the Golden Islands (Port-Cros, Porquerolles, Le Levant) from Cavalaire marina. A guaranteed breath of fresh air!

La Cabrole

Fishing vessel which shows you to fish with a net. Phone : 06 11 62 61 49

Seascope - Aquascope

Glass-bottomed trimaran. The middle hull, which is entirely submerged, allows you to discover the bay's fascinating sea beds. Tel. 04 94 71 01 02

Visite des calanques

Discover the shore between Le Rayol and Cap Lardier. Guided Tour. Phone : 06 84 78 91 05

The Casino du Golfe

121 slot machines, roulette, black jack, stud-poker, Texas Hold’em Poker, restaurants and shows. This is the ideal venue for having fun or a drink with friends. The restaurant “La Brasserie” welcomes you 7 day a week, at lunch and diner time. Evenly, shows are taking place on the “Cabaret stage”. Open the whole year from 10 am on. Forbidden for people under 18 years old.

The Fenouillet foothpath

you will discover different kind of landscapes from a humid small valley to rocks and cliffs along the coast, with a blue sea and islands on the horizon.
You will also have an idea of our history : the “pine cone’s” train, the beginning of tourism… If you like to watch birds, do not forget your binoculars. Nature guided walk on booking at the Tourist Office.

Shop local!

Take advantage of your stay to snap up some genuine Provençal fabrics and colourful earthenware... or some fishing and sailing accessories.

Diving

Thanks to its richly-interesting sea beds, Cavalaire-sur-Mer is without a doubt a choice scuba-diving venue. Offering maiden dives to diplomas, six diving clubs equipped with qualified monitors, special boats and full diving gear, will be delighted to introduce you to Cavalaire's offshore wrecks, rocks and subsea flora & fauna.
Just one tip - never venture out alone!

Plage de Bonporteau beach

At Cavalaire's western exit. A pathway leads you to this magnificent sandy beach, tucked away in a creek..

Stay on forme!

Thanks to a gentle morning jog on Cavalaire's beaches from the marina to Plage de Pardigon beach (lots of shady trees on the way!)

A Touch of History

Découvrez les origines de Cavalaire

The name Cavalaire comes from the Greek colony "Heraclea Cacabaria" which founded a settlement in the bay. It evokes memories of Carthage and Hercules.
The story of this young town (which has just celebrated its 78th birthday!) of 5570 inhabitants began in 800 B.C. when the Ligurians occupied the fortress of Montjean.
The Count of Provence, Guillaume I, built a watchtower on Cap Cavalaire, which was subsequently fortified by the Counts of Grimaud. The fortifications were destroyed in 1646.

In the 18th century, Cavalaire was a small fishing village, attached to the neighbouring village of Gassin until 1929. On August 15, 1944, the Allied Forces chose the site for the landings of the American army's 3rd infantry division. Cavalaire's main activity is now tourism and the town possesses a 1 200-berth marina, famous throughout the Mediterranean.
The remains of the Ligurian fortress, inhabited from 6 to 4 B.C., can still be admired on the heights overlooking Cavalaire Bay.

Monuments

Landings Memorial
on the Maison de la Mer promenade.

Length: 45 mins.
Specially recommended on Wednesday mornings (market day).

1. Starting out from the Tourist Office at the Maison de la Mer, between the promenade stretching along the beach and the marina. Take Rue du Port on the right opposite the Tourist Office and walk along the marina built in 1967. Every september, tuna fishermen set out from the marina for their catch. The promenade's boating shops, restaurants, ice-cream parlours, piano-bars and casino make it a really pleasant place for a stroll.

2. Next, take Rue du Cap to the market square (the market is held every Wednesday morning and sells a delicious range of local produce - honey, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, Provençal fabrics and craftwork). Treat yourself to a wicker basket!

3. After the market, head towards Rue Pierre et Marie Curie in the pedestrian zone near the Avenue des Alliés, reputed for its excellent shops.

4. Now head left under the porch at the bottom of Avenue des Alliés and on to Place Benjamin Gaillard, where you will see the Town Hall. This is the favourite haunt for local boules players. Fancy a go?!

5. The walk along the Promenade de la Mer on the left, where you will discover a variety of charming boutiques and sunny café and restaurant terraces. At the end of the promenade, cross over and turn back on your right via the pedestrian walkway which runs along the gorgeous sandy beach.

Panorama

Magnificent views over the Golden Islands

Take the RD 559 road from Cavalaire towards Le Lavandou, then the RD 27 towards La Mole. When you reach the summit, turn right and take the "Route des Crêtes", which offers magnificent views over the "Iles d'Or" or Golden Islands, Cavalaire and the bay. The hilltop road is located 500 metres above sea level.

"Le Belvédère"

At the "Rond Point de l'Europe" roundabout, take the Avenue des Myrtes then the Avenue du Signal.

From the "Maison de la Mer"

Fine views over the marina (1 200 berths), bay and beaches.

Games area for children

In front of the runabout of Wolfach, in the city centre.

Wouafou club

Play area with inflatables games, aero trampoline. Daycare center per hour or per day. Swimming course from 4 years, baby swimmer for less than 4 years. Phone : 06 20 56 07 17 / 06 80 95 23 31.

Skatepark

Skaters and skateboardes will love this training circuit equipped with ramps, tracks, etc… just near the careening area.

Whatever the Weather

"La Médiathèque"

38 500 documents, videos, CD-ROMs, periodicals (papers, magazines). Regular exhibitions (according periods) and a new conference room. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.00-12.00 and 14.00-18.00, Saturdays 9.00-17.00. 305, Rue du Port - BP 30. Tel: 04 94 01 93 20. Fax: 04 94 01 93 25

Movies

"L'Ecran Bleu" cinema, open all year round. Recorded message 04 94 05 48 76

Exhibitions

Painting and sculpture exhibitions at the “Maison de la Mer”. Information at the "Office Municipal de la Culture" Tel. 04 94 64 00 96.