Port d’Alon cove framed by pines and rocks — Port d’Alon beneath the pines.

A getaway on the Var coast

Port d’Alon cove and its pinewood paths

Text and photographs by Vincent Flachaire

Between Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer and Bandol, Port d’Alon cove shelters a pebble beach beneath the pines. A swim in the cove can be followed by a walk in the shade of the pines along the rocky coastal paths.

A cove sheltered by pine woods

Wooded hills descend towards a coastline of headlands and small coves. Pine woods cover the slopes down to the sea, while vineyards occupy plots further inland.

Water and wooded shores of Port d’Alon seen through the pines — The cove seen from the pine woods.

Port d’Alon cove cuts deep into this rocky coastline. At the head of the inlet, a small pebble beach lies beneath the pines, between grey and russet rocks.

Pebble beach at the head of Port d’Alon cove — The pebble beach at the head of the cove.

The coastal paths

From the cove, paths climb towards the rocky shores and pine woods above the water. The walk alternates between shaded and exposed stretches, with views of headlands and small inlets. Roots and outcrops make the ground uneven underfoot. The open sections offer a seaside walk without requiring a long hike.

A path among the pines above the sea at Port d’Alon — A path through the pine woods at Port d’Alon.

Nartette, preserving the vines

Inland from the cove, the Nartette estate retains vineyards and olive groves. A Mourvèdre conservatory brings together vines of different origins to preserve the genetic diversity of this grape variety, emblematic of Bandol wines.

This farmland belongs to the protected estate, alongside the pine woods and coves. The Conservatoire du littoral began intervening in the area in 1978 to curb development. Protection of the site now goes hand in hand with maintaining the vineyards and olive groves.

Along the neighbouring coast

The neighbouring coast also has an industrial past. In the late 19th century, gypsum and clay extraction at Pointe Grenier, towards La Madrague, supplied materials for plaster and roof tiles. The collapse of the mine in 1910 brought this activity to an end. Kilns, basalt millstones and an old loading quay bear witness to it.

In the La Gâche hills, the mistral shaped a hill of sand. For centuries, the wind lifted sand from Les Lecques beach and deposited it on the slopes. Once pushed over the ridge, it formed a long pale cascade on the other side. Wooden barriers now help stabilise this dune and protect its vegetation.

Baie de la Moutte and cliffs seen from the coast near Port d’Alon — The neighbouring Baie de la Moutte.

Continue along the coast or into the vineyards

In the Bandol wine-growing area, the lanes of Le Castellet overlook the vines. Further east, the Giens peninsula combines rocky coves with the long beaches of its tombolos.

Practical information

Planning a stop at Port d’Alon

Duration: Allow one to two hours for the cove and a short walk. Allow half a day if you also want to swim.
When to visit: Spring and autumn are pleasant seasons for walks through the pine woods. In high summer, arrive early to enjoy a quieter cove and avoid the hottest hours.
Parking: From Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer or Bandol, take the D559, then the road to the cove. Both car parks charge from 1 April to 30 September, from 8 am to 5 pm. See car park prices and opening times.
Paths and closures: Check restrictions before walking. The Conservatoire reports the closure of the section between Pointe Grenier and Pointe Fauconnière and the access ban at La Galère cove. See the protected estate’s visitor information.
What to bring: Footwear suitable for pebbles and paths, water and sun protection. Before swimming, check signs, lifeguard provision and conditions on site. Observe woodland access restrictions during periods of fire risk.

To plan your visit: Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer tourist office.

Extend your stay

Guest houses near Bandol

These properties listed on the Portal are within 25 km as the crow flies of the location featured in this getaway. Visit their websites to plan your stay.