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| The Var-Provence region | DESTINATION REPORT |
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Le Lavandou
Once a tiny fishing port opposite the Islands of Gold, this is now a major
international marina and sport fishing port. Divers also now come from
all over the world to explore the seabed with its rich marine life and
crystal waters.
The resident population is still just 5,500 but there are 40 hotels and
five campsites plus rental houses and apartments. Themed stays in Var-Provence compare wines from the different
As its name suggests, the area around Le Lavandou is redolent of For flycruise passengers grapes and how to harmonise
lavender but equally prevalent are the noisy cicadas. with special interest and passions, wines with food. Then test out
There are 12km of coastline, full of long sandy beaches and rocky chances are they will be able to how the experts do it by visiting
inlets but, in the centre of the resort, there is a casino, nightclubs and a indulge them while in Var- one of the restaurants of Les
range of summer entertainment. Provence. Among the themed day Maitres Restaurateurs Varois -
activities on offer are: 48 top chefs specialising in the
LE LAVANDOU ~ Tender port Golfing -13 courses suitable for regional cuisine.
Draft at anchorage: 20m all abilities, some in the deepest For pre-and post cruise
Distance from anchorage to Quai de la Capitainerie:1 nautical mile Provence countryside; others in stays - contact the Var-Provence
Distance from pier to town centre: 500m superb locations overlooking the Cruise Club (www.cruises-var.com)
Mediterranean. A Golf Pass offers for details of four star and luxury
Cavalaire privileged access to both coastal Relais & Chateaux hotels in the
and inland courses. region. These are particularly
Resting at the foot of the Pradels mountains in the most southerly bay of Mountain biking -the dramatic numerous in and around Saint
coastal Var by the entrance to the Gulf of Saint Tropez, this small (pop: cliffs and vineyard-fringed valleys Tropez and Saint Raphael.
5,000) village resort boasts 1,230 sheltered moorings for visiting boats of the island of Porquerolles (off For the broadest range of
and yachts. Hyeres-les-Palmiers) are ideal for accommodation (from charming
It also has a magnificent 3km beach and is an excellent base for trips fit and adventurous cyclists. guesthouses right through to 4
to the Levant, Porquerolles and Port Cros islands. Whitewater rafting -the Verdon star hotels), go to:
There is a sightseeing train touring the resort but most visitors prefer to Canyon is second in size only to www.visitvar.fr. It is possible to
go scuba diving, sailing or deep-sea fishing. the USA's Grand Canyon so the search by city, comfort level or
Outdoor concerts and shows are a feature of evening entertainment 21km Verdon River Gorge through number of stars.
in the summer when the array of 60 restaurants - including many with the limestone plateau overlooked Top ten tours
outdoor areas - are always buzzing. by sheer cliffs towering up to 750 There are major attractions within
There are 14 hotels, villa and apartment rentals, and six campgrounds. metres makes for a spectacular easy reach of all the cruise ports
passage in the bubbling emerald in Var-Provence including:
CAVALAIRE SUR MER ~ Tender port green waters. Avignon
Draft at anchorage: 30m Gliding -the best overview of the Cassis
Distances from anchorages to Quai des Iles: various spectacular Var-Provence Aix En Provence
Distance from pier to town centre: 100m landcape is probably from high Grasse
above in the most tranquil Cannes
transportation of all (taking off Monaco
from Fayence-Tourrettes airfield). Les Baux de Provence
Or go one further and take a half- St Paul de Vence
day light plane piloting course at La Camargue
Castellet or Luc circuits. Marseille
Water sports -everything from While, within Var-Provence, there
windsurfing, diving, water-skiing are a variety of popular
to fishing, yachting and attractions. As well as the cruise
motorboating is on offer in the port towns and cities, these
Islands of Gold off Hyeres and include the:
among the magnificent flora and Hilltop art and crafts village of
fauna of the Port Cros nature Le Castellet
reserve. Roman city of Frejus
Sun-worshipping -on the sandy Hilltop village of Bormes Les
beaches and rocky bays of the Var- Mimosas
Provence coastline. Spiritual Thoroney Abbey and
Wine-tasting -on day courses at Verdon Grand Canyon.
the Maison des Vins de Provence, Alternatively there is the
learning about the Cotes de opportunity to follow in the
Provence wine-growing history footsteps of Santa Magdalena to
and also how to smell, taste and Saint-Maximin.
| ITINERARY PLANNING | SHORE PROGRAMMES | PASSENGER HANDLING | SUMMER 2009 |
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