Bandol, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, Sanary-sur-Mer: discover six of the most beautiful beaches in western Var!

🏖️ Contents: 

Beloved sandy beaches...

• Portissol Beach in Sanary-sur-Mer
• Renecros Cove in Bandol
• The Lecques Bay in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer

Well-hidden pebble coves...

• Beaucours Cove in Sanary-sur-Mer
• Capelan Beach in Bandol
• The Port d'Alon cove in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer

Portissol is in Sanary to Sanary a pillar of the local landscape, a place that speaks to all generations. At the same time, this cove, approximately 200 meters long, is an open door to the Mediterranean...

While Portissol is an ideal place to enjoy several hours of relaxation and alternate between sunbathing and swimming, there is one time of day that the locals prefer: the morning. Whether it's for breakfast with a sea view in one of the establishments overlooking the bay, or for a first swim at dawn, when the town is slowly waking up and the sun is beginning to flood the water with its golden reflections, mornings in Portissol are like a sweet dream.

And for those who are more "night owls" than "early birds," the surrounding restaurants and bars take great pleasure in offering nighttime entertainment. Whether it's dinner on the terrace with the sound of waves in the background for lovebirds or a night of dancing in a trendy bar for epicureans, there's something for everyone.

🚗 Where can I park to go to Portissol Beach?

Parking is available above the beach, and parking is permitted in the neighborhood's narrow streets. That said, in summer, parking spaces are hard to come by! If you can't find a spot here, you'll have to park near Victorin Blanc Park or in downtown Sanary and walk about 15 minutes.

🚌 How to get to Portissol by public transportation?

• Sanary-sur-Mer can be reached by bus, thanks to line 885. This line serves neighboring towns such as Bandol, La Seyne-sur-mer, and Toulon. The closest stop to Portissol is the " Centre Culturel ." Located in the town center, it will then take you about twenty minutes to reach the beach.
• From Sanary-sur-Mer train station, summer shuttle buses take you closer to the town center and the shore.

On the Bandol, Renecros beach is the envy of all. This hidden bay, located below the road, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the town, is a magical place. 

In summer, families make this their favorite spot. It must be said that this cove ticks all the boxes for a successful day out with children: sand to play on, gradually deepening water for safety, and plenty of beach snack bars and restaurants for lunch and afternoon snacks.

But to fully understand why some call it " the pearl of the coast ," you have to come a little earlier or a little later. Renecros reveals all its charms in spring or late fall. When the crowds have left the sand and nature has regained its serenity, this beach becomes a timeless place. If you have the opportunity to visit, don't miss the sunset. It can be observed from the sand, with your heart at the water's edge and your eyes filled with color.

🚗 Where can I park to go to Renecros Beach?

The easiest option is to use the Deferrari parking lot. Located on the Corniche Bonaparte, at the western end of the city center, it has the advantage of being free! What's more, the short walk of 5 minutes to the beach runs along the sea... so you'll be dazzled from the start! And if this parking lot is full, you'll have to head to the Stade parking lot, which is paid this time, but is still accessible in less than 10 minutes.

🚌 How to get to Renecros by public transportation?

• If you are coming by bus from neighboring towns, you will need to take line 885 or 880. The only stop is "Casino de Jeux," located 15 minutes from the beach. 
• If you are arriving by train, Bandol station is conveniently located just a few minutes from the town center. This means you can reach Renecros in less than 10 minutes. We recommend taking the train rather than the bus, as the train schedule is more flexible!
• Finally, if you are spending your vacation in Bandol, please note that shuttles are available year-round to connect the different neighborhoods.

The last sandy beach in our TOP list is Lecques Bay in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. This cove is undoubtedly the largest in the area: no less than 2 kilometers of pleasure!

Lecques Beach has that certain something that makes you fall in love with it. A bay open to the horizon and closed to the east by a pretty green hill, and to the west by a charming fishing port. The incredible charm of Var nature and Provençal culture combined in one place...

Here, life is meant to be sweet and easy. A morning yoga class on the sand, brunch at one of the restaurants along the promenade, a refreshing swim in the open sea, or even a surfing session in winter... Les Lecques can be enjoyed all year round, at any time of day.

🚗 Where to park for Lecques Beach?

This bay is bordered by a very large parking lot that can accommodate visitors. In addition, there is a second parking lot on the harbor side. So you'll have no trouble finding a place to park. However, if they are all full, you will have to use the Lavandes parking lot, located less than 10 minutes walk away.

🚌 How to get to Les Lecques by public transportation?

• A bus line is available year-round for visitors and locals. It is the 880 , which serves both the town of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer and its neighbors such as Bandol, La Ciotat, and Le Beausset. 
• As for the train, the Saint-Cyr-Les Lecques / La Cadière station is 20 minutes from the beach.
• Finally, just like Bandol and Sanary, the municipality also provides shuttle buses to connect the different neighborhoods. This service is even reinforced in summer!

Portissol isn't the only beach that reigns supreme in Sanary-sur-Mer. Beaucours, sometimes better known as Baie de la Cousse, is also an iconic feature of the area.

Located in a 100% residential neighborhood on the border with Bandol, you won't stumble upon it by chance! This is the spot that year-round and seasonal residents love. It's where you can enjoy the sea in peace and quiet. From morning to night, every moment spent on this beach is worth savoring.

In terms of the splendor of the landscape, imagine a natural pebble cove with crystal clear waters surrounded by ochre-colored rocks. Before you, the Mediterranean stretches out, the Bec de l'Aigle in La Ciotat comes into view, and the sun sets in its most beautiful bed, the sea. Sounds tempting, doesn't it?

🚗 Where can I park to go to Beaucours Beach?

This is precisely where it gets complicated. As we mentioned, this neighborhood has no particular tourist attractions other than the beauty of its coastline. Therefore, there is no designated parking. To park, you will need to find a spot in the narrow streets leading to the beach.

🚌 How to get to Beaucours by public transportation?

• The line 885 line we have been discussing since the beginning has a stop called " Beaucours ." It is located about 20 minutes from the sea.
• If you are spending your vacation in Sanary-sur-Mer, the city bus lines can drop you off at the " Plage de Beaucours " stop, which, as its name suggests, is located just above the coveted beach.

Here's one that is becoming increasingly well known and loved by all. Initially, Capelan Beach was mainly appreciated by locals and vacationers whose accommodation was nearby. But today, it's clear that its beauty is winning over more and more hearts.

To give you some context, Capelan is a pebble cove divided in two by a peninsula covered in umbrella pines. When facing the sea, you will be surrounded by orange rocks on the left and a rugged cliffside coastline on the right, with a view of Île Rousse, a protected natural gem in Bandol.

Capelan Beach is not only ideal for sunbathing, but also for snorkeling. Its clear waters and rocky seabed are home to many aquatic species. Sea bream, white seabream, salema porgy and even lobsters can all be seen with just a mask.

🚗 Where to park for Capelan Beach?

Right next to the cove is the parking lot of the same name, with several dozen spaces. If you can't find a place to park here, you'll have to drive around the streets of the Pierreplane neighborhood to find a spot. Otherwise, if you're staying near the city center, it's best to walk! 30 minutes walk during which you can admire the other coves of Bandol. Pretty nice, isn't it?

🚌 How to get to Capelan by public transportation?

• All bus routes from neighboring towns stop at the "Casino de jeux" stop. So, whether you take route 880 or 885, you will then need to walk for about 30 minutes to reach the beach. 
• If you are spending your vacation in Bandol, the municipal bus lines can help you, as one of them has a stop called " Tennis Municipal " stop, located right next to the cove. 
• Finally, if you are coming by train, allow approximately 20 minutes to dive into the deep end!

Last but not least, our favorite cove is Port d'Alon in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. More than just a pebble beach, this is an entire calanque (rocky inlet) that we recommend you visit. A natural site surrounded by two strips of ochre cliffs, a wooded park for a lazy day without sunstroke, all set in the wild scenery of the coastal path. What more can we say?

This cove is the favorite spot: 

• families who come here for picnics on Sundays;
• surface divers who love to observe the marine life hiding in the crevices of the rocks.
• Beginner and experienced hikers who enjoy a nice swim break on the way along the coastal path.

Yes, because in addition to being a beach with crystal clear waters, the Port d'Alon cove is also part of the coastal path that connects the towns of Bandol and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. This is the area's flagship coastal hike, which, with its landscapes, beauty, and panoramic views, never fails to impress!

🚗 Where to park for Port d'Alon cove?

Behind the beach, there is a huge parking lot that can easily accommodate all visitors.

🚌 How to get to Port d'Alon by public transportation?

• Access by public transport from neighboring towns is complicated. The only line that could take you close to the cove is the 880 with the stop " Le Viguier ." However, not only are there few buses, but you will also have to walk for about an hour to reach the beach. Needless to say, we recommend that you opt for public transportation on foot, namely the coastal path.
• However, if you are staying in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, the inter-district shuttle bus will drop you off just a few meters from Port d'Alon.