The Gulf of Saint-Tropez conceals little creeks situated on preserved sites where it is nice to bask in the sun. The village of Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer alone has five fine-sandy beaches.
La Pointe du Figuier is a rare and protected site, only accessible through the Jardin des Méditerranées, as it lies within a designated marine conservation area. This exceptional spot can be explored by booking one of the “sea excursions” offered by the Domaine du Rayol.
One thing is certain: this experience is truly one of the most unforgettable moments to enjoy in Rayol. Not to be missed!
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From Canadel Beach, it’s well worth extending your walk by about a kilometre along the “Voie Verte” — a former railway line — to reach the beautiful Pramousquier Beach. Nestled near Cap Nègre, this stretch of sand is shared by the villages of Rayol and Le Lavandou.
It’s the perfect spot to unwind while taking in the stunning views of the Îles d’Or just offshore. Its ideal orientation also offers shelter from strong winds, especially on mistral days.
We recommend visiting outside of the high season, as it can get quite busy during the summer months.
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Var region, Canadel Beach is just a 6-minute drive from Villa Douce. Nestled at the foot of wooded hills, it offers a more spacious setting than Rayol Beach.
Its wide stretch of sand is divided into two areas — East and West — by a rocky promontory. The atmosphere here is relaxed and family-friendly, perfect for a laid-back day by the sea. Don’t forget your mask and snorkel — the underwater scenery is truly stunning.
For added convenience, there’s free parking available nearby.
Rayol Beach is the closest to Villa Douce, just a 5-minute drive away. For added convenience, the hotel shuttle runs regularly to the beach during the high season. You can also reach it on foot via a charming path that winds its way down to the sea — the perfect opportunity to end your walk with a refreshing swim.
Made up of two small coves, Rayol Beach is our personal favorite. Nestled in a preserved and intimate setting, it remains surprisingly quiet, even in the height of summer, thanks to its discreet location away from the main road.
On site, enjoy the exclusive services of our partner Boukarou Beach: beachfront restaurant, sunbed rentals, paddleboarding, kayaking… an experience not to be missed!
A little tip: don’t forget to reserve your beach mattress at Villa Douce’s reception desk!
Le Rayol is a Riviera haven of peace, even at the height of summer. As one walks along the coast roads, one sights sumptuous villas, built during the Années Folles.
At La Villa Douce, our gaze naturally drifts towards the sea, ever-present on the horizon. But if we take a moment to look around, we quickly realize that the sea is not the only treasure of the place. The Villa, perched on the slopes of the Massif des Maures, a small mountain range that runs along the coast, is immersed in a landscape rich in rivers and scrubland. On these sun-kissed lands, the air is filled with the scent of pines and the very essence of Provence. It’s easy to lose oneself on a trail among the oaks, broom, and strawberry trees, where nature reigns in complete tranquility.
Our advise for going out wandering: wander on foot.
As you climb the Monumental Staircase, a stop at the Pergola du Patec offers a chance to appreciate its architecture and enjoy the first unobstructed view of the horizon. In the past, this area was a threshing floor, where harvesters would lay down the cut wheat to separate the grain from the ear by treading on it.
This circular pergola, listed in the supplementary inventory of Historic Monuments just like the staircase, is now a central gathering point for the community. It regularly hosts important events, as the location is particularly well-suited for gatherings.
One of the village’s greatest treasures is undoubtedly its Monumental schist stone Staircase, listed in the supplementary inventory of Historic Monuments. Built in the 1920s, it once served as a vital link between the heights and the sea, long before the arrival of roads. Its unique architecture makes it a remarkable structure, and the climb, though challenging, is richly rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
You must climb no fewer than 780 steps to connect the coastline to the summit of the village, then continue along the old path where a flag marks the highest point of the commune. Throughout this journey, walkers are treated to a true time-travel experience, immersed in the Art of Gardens from the Roaring Twenties, the period when the staircase was built.
The Jardin du Rayol, a botanical gem perched above the town, is inseparable from its reputation. Like a living canvas reminiscent of a Renoir painting, it offers one of the most stunning landscapes on the French Riviera. A stroll through the garden feels like a journey across the five continents—or at least through all the regions where vegetation thrives under a Mediterranean climate. From Australian acacias to Mexican agaves, Asian bamboos to New Zealand flax, Chilean palms to Mediterranean carob trees, each path invites you to travel the world through plants.
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BORMES-LES-MIMOSAS (less than 30 min)
Listed among the most beautiful sites of the Var, the medieval village of Bormes-les-Mimosas is a must for lovers of history and old stones.
RAMATUELLE ET GASSIN (less than 30 min)
-Ramatuelle is a small medieval village, very picturesque with its ramparts, its pink tiles roofs and narrow alleys. Sumptuous panorama on the Pampelonne bay
-Gassin is a medieval village nestled in the middle of the vineyards, which belongs to the very closed club of the «Most beautiful Villages of France».Let’s have the opportunity to taste one of its very good Côtes de Provence wine on its shady square, with a wonderful view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
SAINT-TROPEZ (less than 45 min)
Saint-Tropez is only 25 kilometres from Villa Douce and well worth a day trip. As you walk along its harbour, you maybe dream of Françoise Sagan, Eddie Barclay or Brigitte Bardot, who each left their mark on the place in their own way…
PORT-GRIMAUD (less than 45 min)
Another medieval village perched among oak and chestnut forests from the foothills of the Massif des Maures. Its maritime area «PORT-GRIMAUD» at the end of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, looks like a «little Venice» with its multiple canals accessibles by electric barque.
From Le Lavandou or Cavalaire, the Vedettes Îles d’or and Le Corsaire sail all year to Port-Cros and to Levant, and from April to September to Porquerolles.
Moreover, the cruises also offer a naturalistic outing to meet the unforgettable marine mammals of the Mediterranean, dolphins, cachalots, fin whales, black pilot whales…
> The reception of the Villa Douce reserves for you including a discount!
PORQUEROLLES
Porquerolles is the largest, the best known, the so-called «Pearl» of the Hyeres Islands with its large heavenly beaches of fine sand. We discover with happiness its marked trails by foot but especially by bike, to be able to travel it long and wide.
PORT CROS
If you do like hiking, you generally prefers this island, classified National Park of Port Cros, the island is the wildest and the hilliest among the 3 islands. It is also a paradise for divers. Escape to this green island to enjoy its fabulous points of view and clear waters.
LE LEVANT
Known for being the island of naturists since 1931 (the first naturist resort in Europe), the Levant also welcomes those who prefer to stay dressed and they would be wrong to deprive themselves of it. It is a peaceful spot, an unique balcony on the mediterranean sea.
Less than 10 km:
-BONPORTEAU beach in Cavalaire-sur-mer nestled in the heart of majestic cliffs
–Lavandou beaches:
CAVALIERE : the most family-friendly
AIGUEBELLE : the most prestigious
SAINT CLAIR : the most transparent
Less than 20 km:
-The beaches of La Croix-Valmer:
DEBARQUEMENT : the most family-friendly
SYLVABELLE : clear water
GIGARO : the most preserved
-The beach of L’ESTAGNOL in Bormes-Les-Mimosas in a preserved setting
Less than 30 km:
-The beaches of Ramatuelle:
PAMPELONNE : The most famous
ESCALET : Paradisiac creeks
-The “wild” beach L’ARGENTIERE in La Londe-Les-Maures
Discover the agenda of unmissable events and festivities in the Var, as well as the must-see highlights selected by Visitvar.
Click here to learn more!
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Set off to discover the Wine Route around Rayol-Canadel, featuring two unique itineraries: one that follows the Mediterranean coastline, offering spectacular sea views, and another that connects the Bormes-les-Mimosas plain to the stunning Massif des Maures.
Here is a selection of wineries worth visiting:
