La Croix-Valmer: Coast, Nature and History

La Croix-Valmer offers a range of ways to plan your trip: a protected natural area, paths by the sea and traces of the town’s history. Options range from exploring underwater independently to guided walks and historic memorial sites. You can tailor your stay to the themes that interest you most.

Nature and trails around La Croix-Valmer

La Croix-Valmer lies at the heart of a protected area belonging to the Conservatoire du littoral and managed by the Parc national de Port-Cros. At the Pierre plantée site, an area open to the public is designated as an “Espace naturel sensible” (sensitive natural area). It covers six hectares. A one-kilometre fitness trail passes exercise equipment and signs about tree species. The figures for the area and trail give you a concrete sense of this natural space.

There are also various ways to experience the landscape along the coast. The Circuit du Cap Lardier is an 8.22-kilometre circular route that combines a walk through the forest with a stroll by the sea. On the Domaine du Cap Lardier mountain bike trail, you can discover Cap Lardier and Cap Taillat, with wide-ranging views of the Îles d’Hyères. The two routes therefore offer different ways to experience nature and the coastal landscape.

The Sentier marin is near Îlot Crocodile and Plage de Jovat. Underwater information panels showcase Mediterranean flora and fauna. Explore independently with your own fins and snorkel. If you prefer to go with a guide, the tourist office and the park organise guided walks with park staff throughout the year. Topics include discovering local fauna and flora, as well as the reptiles of Cap Lardier. Check the dates before your trip and whether advance booking is required.

The coast and local history

At Plage du Débarquement, memorial steles and explanatory panels commemorate the Allied landings in Provence on 15 August 1944. This lets you combine a visit to the coast with learning about the site’s historical significance. Beach services are seasonal. Another notable landmark in the town’s history is the Croix de Constantin: this eight-metre-high stone monument was inaugurated on 16 April 1893.

The Gallo-Roman Villa Pardigon II is also part of the region’s history. The site covers 3,500 square metres and was one of the largest Roman seaside villas on the Gallic coast. From a viewing platform, you can see the site and understand its layout. Check before your visit whether the viewing area is accessible.

Family activities and seasonal connections to the beaches

The “Balades Ludiques” consist of three circular routes suitable for families: two on foot and one by bike. They are suitable for children aged four and up. In the family game “Les Mystères de La Croix,” follow a route through the village to find the Croix de Constantin. The two activities have different focuses: one offers circular routes in different formats, while the other is a search for a specific historic monument.

From 1 June to 30 September, a free seasonal shuttle connects the town centre with Plage du Débarquement, Gigaro, Sylvabelle and Héraclée beaches. If you plan to use this service during your trip, check in advance that the published times work with your travel dates.

Wine, trails and regional themes

A wine-tourism cycling route links Château de Chausse, Domaine de La Croix and Domaine de La Madrague via cycle paths. A separate tour at a winery, which must be booked in advance, includes a walk through the vineyards, an explanation of the work in the cellar and a wine tasting afterwards. Contact the winery in advance to ask about the specific tour.

Four trails explore local history, as well as Domaine de La Madrague, Domaine de La Croix and Château de Chausse. They are available in French, English and German; check availability before using them. Together with the walks and wine-related activities, they offer a range of themes to plan around, without requiring every outing to be the same kind of excursion.

Discover more destinations: Le Val, Sainte-Maxime, Bagnols-En-Forêt, La Roque-Esclapon, Saint-Paul-En-Forêt, Seillons-Source-D’argens, Ginasservis, La Martre.

Browse the broader travel guide: Var.