Le Lavandou Cruise Port Guide — Beaches, Old Town, Bormes & Golden Islands

Getting Ashore

Le Lavandou is a tender port, with ships anchoring in the bay and tenders landing at the marina beside the town center.

Getting Ashore in Le Lavandou

1
Tender to Quai d'HonneurShip tenders normally land at Quai d'Honneur in Port de Plaisance du Lavandou. The tender ride is short in calm weather, but timing still depends on sea state and ship procedures.
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Step straight into townFrom the tender point, cafes, shops, the seafront promenade, and Grande Plage are all within a few minutes' walk. No shuttle is needed for a simple town-and-beach day.
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Use buses or taxis for hill villagesThe old hilltop village of Bormes-les-Mimosas is about 5 km inland and roughly 200 m above the coast, so it is a real climb. Use a taxi, cruise tour, or local Zou! bus rather than walking it in summer heat.

💡 Pro move: If you plan an island ferry or independent excursion, build in a generous buffer for the last tender back to the ship.

Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line

Le Lavandou has a marina rather than a large cruise pier, so cruise calls are handled by tender.

Cruise Line	Typical Berth / Arrival	Dock or Tender
Most cruise lines	Anchor offshore in the bay; tender to Quai d'Honneur, Port de Plaisance du Lavandou📍	Tendered
Small luxury and expedition ships	Typically tender to the marina; docking is not the normal cruise operation📍	Tendered

Top Excursions

The best Le Lavandou shore days are simple: beaches on foot, a flower-filled hill village by taxi, or a ferry toward the Îles d'Or if your schedule allows.

Relax

Grande Plage Beach Break

Walk from the tender landing to Le Lavandou's main sandy beach for swimming, sunbeds, waterfront cafes, and an easy return to the marina.

⏱ 1-3 hrs🚶 5 min walk🏖️ Sandy beach💰 Free access

Find Le Lavandou beach tours →

Nature

Saint-Clair Beach & Coastal Path

Follow the Sentier du Littoral east toward Saint-Clair, a sheltered cove known for clear water and a more polished Riviera feel than the town beach.

⏱ 2-3 hrs🚶 20-30 min each way🥾 Uneven path🏊 Swim stop

Find Saint-Clair Beach tours →

Culture

Bormes-les-Mimosas

Ride inland to one of the Var's prettiest medieval villages, with steep lanes, flowered balconies, artisan shops, and views back across the coast.

⏱ 3-4 hrs🚕 10-15 min drive🚶 Steep lanes📷 Viewpoints

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Iconic

Îles d'Or Ferry Adventure

On longer calls, passenger boats from Le Lavandou connect toward Port-Cros and other Golden Islands for national-park hikes, snorkeling, and car-free island scenery.

⏱ Half to full day🚤 Seasonal schedules🌿 National park🤿 Snorkeling

Find Îles d'Or ferry tours →

Food

Harbor Lunch & Provençal Flavors

Stay local with seafood along Quai Gabriel Péri, market produce when stalls are open, and a glass of chilled Côtes de Provence rosé overlooking the marina.

⏱ 1-2 hrs🚶 Easy🦐 Seafood🍷 Rosé country

Find Le Lavandou food tours →

Self-Guided Walks & Hikes

Le Lavandou is one of the easier Riviera tender ports to enjoy on foot, with town, harbor, and beaches close together.

Harbor, Old Town & Grande Plage

1.5 km | 45-60 min | Flat & easy

Start at the marina, browse the compact center and fishing-village lanes, then loop along the seafront to Grande Plage for a swim or cafe stop.

🗺️ See full route in Maps →

Sentier du Littoral to Saint-Clair

3 km return | 1.5-2 hrs | Uneven coastal path

Walk east from the port on the coastal path for sea views, rocky coves, and a reward swim at Saint-Clair Beach before retracing your steps.