Le Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer and its Mediterranean garden

🌴 Here, palm trees, coves and the Maures forest form a dream landscape.

In Rayol-Canadel, for example, there are several beaches and coves that attract holidaymakers from May onwards. Don't miss the sandy beaches of Le Canadel and Le Rayol.

These superb beaches of fine sand are bordered by translucent water.

🍴 As an added bonus, you'll find bars and restaurants where you can refresh yourself and spend a pleasant moment under the sun with the sound of cicadas for company...

Among the various addresses along the Rayol coastline is the L'Ancre d'Or beach restaurant.

Located on the Canadel beach, L'Ancre d'Or serves elaborate cuisine in its restaurant. What's more, you can hire a deckchair for the day on the beach - it's a real treat!

Then it's on to the centre of the village of Le Rayol. For the best shots of the Mediterranean and the Hyères islands, head for the monumental Rayol staircase.

This emblematic site of the commune winds its way down from the centre of the village to the sea, through exuberant vegetation.

🚵‍♀️ Finally, if you're a keen cyclist, the Var coastal cycle route passes through the commune. What's more, this walk combines sport and discovery! In fact, the views of the coastline are fantastic in places!

🏰 Established in the early 19th

century, the Domaine du Rayol villa was built by a banker who loved the region. The garden was already an integral part of the project.

After a period of neglect, the Domaine was rehabilitated and restoration work began in 1989.

Today, the Domaine du Rayol covers more than 20 hectares of superb natural surroundings and is owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral.

The visit to the Domaine du Rayol - Le Jardin des Méditerranées is organised around the discovery of different gardens with similar biology. You'll have the chance to take a journey through plants from all over the world!

For example, you'll be able to admire :

• The California Garden
• The Garden of Chile
• The Garden of South Africa
• The Garden of Australia
• The Garden of Subtropical Asia
• The New Zealand Garden

The centre also organises guided dives in summer. You can discover the rich underwater world of this part of the Var coastline.

On the practical side, you'll also find :

• Le Café des Jardiniers, where you can have lunch or take a break while exploring the area.
• A nursery where you can buy your future plants (the same ones you'll have admired at the Domaine)
• A bookshop specialising in the environment, with over 3,000 references on nature.

Access to the site is subject to a charge and is open all year round (except public holidays). Opening times vary according to the season (open from 9.30am to 5.30pm in low season).

⭐ The hotel La Villa Douce lives up to its name! Situated on the heights of Le Rayol, this establishment promises you a holiday... sweet and happy!

🌊 First of all, the view of the Mediterranean Sea and the islands of Hyères is breathtaking...

Then, the thirty or so rooms offer modern comforts, always accompanied by this incredible view.

🛌 The rooms have air conditioning and flat-screen TV. The family suite accommodates up to 4 people.

🏊 Outside enjoy the superb swimming pool with sea view ...

🍴 For a bite to eat, try Café l'Envol, a great address with a varied menu for lunch or dinner.

🚗 Finally, the establishment has free private parking.