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Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer

A balcony overlooking the Mediterranean

Imagine the Maures massif plunging into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean; in between, rooted on the corniche, a village on a human scale and its extraordinary garden, happy to enjoy this sublime view forever. This paradise exists…

A tongue of land balanced between sea and sky…

The mimosa road winds up the hillside through a landscape of infinite beauty. You’ve just passed the white Foncin house, perched on its hill, when the corniche des Maures begins, overlooking the old Provence railway: a portfolio of images that will remain etched in your memory forever. Below, a succession of wild coves and sandy tongues. Their names are: Pointe du Figuier, Anse du Petit Port, Beaches of Rayol, Canadel and Pramousquier, and they run all the way to the sheer cliffs of Cap Nègre. In its transparency, the sea feeds on a thousand micaschist particles that reflect the sun’s rays in a mirage of glittering stars.

A surprising climatic and seaside resort

This small village has so many treasures to reveal. The monumental shale stone staircase rises up from the seafront, far higher than the Patec pergola, to the flag, the commune’s highest point and a symbol of rediscovered freedom. Both are listed on the supplementary inventory of historic monuments, for their original architecture and breathtaking views. The church and chapel are also well worth a visit, as are the magnificent late 19th-century villas and the “little port of Canadel”. As for leisure activities and restaurants, will you take the time to discover them all?

The Mediterranean Garden

The resort’s reputation is closely linked to that of the Jardin des Méditerranées, whose Renoir-style landscapes are among the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur. An open-air journey through hectares of plant species from five continents, typical of Mediterranean climates: a guided tour is a must! And don’t forget the astonishing history of the Domaine du Rayol, the creative workshops offered on site, the discovery of underwater flora and fauna accompanied by snorkelers in summer, and a relaxing break at the gardener’s organic café. Observe, smell, dream! A veritable Garden of Eden; how could we ever imagine moving away from it?

From the top of the pass, 360° of breathtaking panoramic views!

From the top! It’s impossible to describe the area without taking the winding road up to the Col du Canadel, amidst the oaks, broom and arbutus blossoming right out of the brown rock. At the top, a marvellous view, described on the orientation table, against the backdrop of the Hyères islands. “Whoever comes here once always comes back” is the motto written in gold letters on the town’s coat of arms…

A little background

Until the 18th century, nothing: a wild, inaccessible coastline. And yet, what beauty! The arrival of the railroad (1885) brought the region to the forefront of tourism. It comprised five districts (Les Pierrugues, le Dattier, le Fenouillet, Rayol, Canadel) spread over 300 ha. The “Terre de France” Company undertook major works in the Rayol district: 35 km of roads, the village, staircases, gardens, hotels, the Patec pergola, a jetty on the beach. His goal: to create a luxury housing estate. This neighborhood, created as an extension of La Mole (1925), became a health and seaside resort, before becoming independent in 1949 under the name of Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. Two steles commemorate the fact that the Canadel beach was the scene of the Provence landings at midnight on August 15, 1944.

Stays & Activities in Rayol-Canadel

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