Lavandou, provençal beauty

 

The chirping of the cicadas and the clinking of petanque balls, Le Lavandou sings an ode to life in Provence. The powder-yellow of the mimosas, the bright pink of the bay trees and the fields of lavender and the region’s mallow, even the landscapes shimmer under the light. Pine trees and cypresses line the coast between the crystal-clear water of Cap Nègre beach and the vivid façades of Bormes-les-Mimosas. Take a stroll through the clusters of village in search of local products. Traditional crafts, sun-gorged citrus, fruits close to the airport and station in Toulon, Le Lavandou smells sweetly of the Mediterranean.

The real estate market

Prices have skyrocketed 30 to 40% in two years and are currently between €10,000 and €12,000 per square metre. Houses with a sea view, preferably on a gated estate, with a concierge and beach access go for substantially more.

Our advice

Supply is scarce : now’s the time to sell!

St Clair, Aiguebelle, Cap Nègre and Cavalière are the neighbourhoods to prioritise for their views and their orientation.

Inside tip. Consider the medieval village of Bormes-les-Mimosas for its historic heritage and exceptional blooms. --- Philippe BRAUNSTEFFER, director of BARNES Lavandou.

Art of living

Authentic soap-makers, gourmet restaurants and art centres, Le Lavandou has plenty to keep all five senses busy.

Culture

Villa Théo

@villatheo_lelavandou

At the heart of the bustling Saint-Clair, Villa Théo was once the home of neo-Impressionist Théo Van Rysselberghe’s studio. Nowadays it hosts exhibitions that continue out into the gardens. From the 9 July, rediscover home-grown artist Alfred Courmes “séduisant provocateur”.

265 Av. Van Rysselberghe, 83980 Le Lavandou

Hôtel des Arts Toulon

@hoteldesartstpm

Its colourful walls draw the eye... and rightly so. On the programme currently is an exhibition of furniture from the 1920s and 30s, in addition to the textile creation workshops that are sure to delight children.

236 Bd Général Leclerc, 83000 Toulon

Musée des Arts asiatiques

@museedesartsasiatiquestoulon

Facing Port Saint-Louis, an exotic collection of Asian artworks decorates the walls of Villa Jules Verne. Buddhas and Hindu divinities can be found there year-round, alongside temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists.

169 Littoral Frédéric Mistram, 83000 Toulon

Shopping

La Butinerie

@la_butinerie

Lavender, rosemary and thyme, the bees of Le Lavandou have a veritable feast before them. The beekeepers at La Butinerie collect this precious treasure on their family lands facing out to sea. As well as their selection of heavenly honey, you can pick up some royal jelly or flower pollen.

1509 chemin de l'Angueiroun, 83230 Bormes-les-Mimosas

Les Baladins

@lesbaladins

All of the ceramics at Les Baladins are handmade. The creations by the potters here are made to the customer’s specifications for a truly unique souvenir. Ceramic interior lights and earthenware dishes are all turned with precision and devotion.

4 place Massillon, 83400 Hyères

L’A-dress

@ladressconceptstore

Limited series sneakers, glazed ankle boots and new street brands - L’A-dress remains the best concept store in Toulon. With its powder-pink walls and its solid wood shelves it is the epitome of Provençal bliss and urban modernity.

1 place Jules Mazarin, 83000 Toulon

The hottest reservations in town

Le Sud

@restaurantlesud

Trained at Bocuse, Christophe Pétra has devised a frill-free and clear-cut menu where sea bass meets truffle – all in a cosy atmosphere. A well-earned Michelin star for this family institution where you simply have to try the pigeon in a pastry crust, served with foie gras.

Avenue des 3 Dauphins, 83980 Le Lavandou

La Rastègue

@larastegue

Only seven tables are hidden inside this restaurant with a panoramic view. An exclusive spot where guests feel at home but where the seafood products exhilarate the senses. Red mullet, anemone and herbs from Le Lavandou all have a role to play. But the chef’s signature dish is still rastègue fritters, deliciously grilled green anemone.

Le Pin de Bormes, 48 boulevard du Levant, 83230 Bormes-les-Mimosas

Eight Rooftop

@eightrooftop

Try a taste of crazy cocktails and tantalising tapas on one of the last rooftops in the region. The menu is filled with tequila, whether in the Mexican Mule or Margarita, against a backdrop of palm trees on a panoramic terrace where summer seems to stretch on forever.

Allée de la Lavande, 83160 La Valette-du-Var

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