The Month When Everything Really Kicks Off!
22°C on the thermometer. The sea finally reaching 18°C. And 14 hours of sunshine a day inviting you to step out of your accommodation right after breakfast. May is when the Var truly comes alive, when the beaches become officially swimmable, and when the calendar fills up with events that make you want to do everything at once.
Between Le Lavandou and Bormes-les-Mimosas, May rolls out the red carpet for vacationers who've figured out that before July-August is even better. Restaurants aren't packed, shopkeepers have time to chat, and you can still find a parking spot without circling the block three times.
Welcome to the smart travelers' club.
🎉 May's Calendar: Things Are Happening!
May 8th: Beach Handball & Beach Vibes
Free beach handball tournament on the sand. Teams compete, the atmosphere is friendly, and even if you know nothing about handball, you'll love watching. Who knows, someone might even ask you to try a few passes!
May 21st & 22nd: Saint-Clair Restanques
Free guided tours of the Saint-Clair Restanques. These dry-stone terraces spanning 6 hectares showcase Provençal agricultural heritage and now host permaculture crops. You'll discover how locals once cultivated these steep hillsides overlooking the sea, and how these ancestral techniques are being perpetuated today. Bring good shoes and a hat—the sun's already strong in May!
May 24th: Fishermen's Festival
Special day at Le Lavandou harbor. On the program: free catamaran baptisms with instructors and sailing outings. Even if you've never set foot on a boat, this is your perfect chance. The sailing school instructors welcome you, explain everything, and even let you take the helm if you're up for it. Freedom guaranteed, plus you'll see the coast from the sea. It changes everything.
May 30th & 31st: Islands Trophy Regatta
Sailing weekend with the Islands Trophy regatta. Set up on the beach with your market picnic, spread out your towels, and enjoy the show. White sails gliding across the intense blue Mediterranean—it's mesmerizing. Kids love it, and so will you.
Every Thursday: The Essential Provençal Market
On Avenue du Président Auriol, the Provençal market unfolds its stalls: fresh fruits and vegetables, aromatic herbs, cheeses, olives, honey, and Provence wines. Vendors are chatty, baskets fill up quickly, and you leave with everything you need for a feast. Our tip? Arrive early (around 9am) when stalls are fully stocked and the atmosphere is at its peak.
🚴 Get Moving Without the Hassle
92 Kilometers of Bike Paths
Le Lavandou offers 92 kilometers of safe bike paths to explore the coastline and hinterland, from beginner to experienced cyclist. Rent a bike for the day, fill your backpack with market goodies, and head off along the coast. Stop whenever you want—at coves that catch your eye, in front of photo-worthy panoramas, or simply to dip your feet in the water. Total freedom.
The Coastal Path: The Must-Do
Spectacular sea panoramas, secret coves, and wind-sculpted rocks. The trail alternates between shaded passages, secluded little beaches, and breathtaking viewpoints. May is the perfect time: warm enough to want a swim when you reach a cove, but not so hot you'll suffer in the sun. Bring water, sunscreen, and maybe a picnic if you're heading out for several hours. You won't encounter many people, especially on weekdays.
Massif des Maures: Take It to New Heights
Trails wind through umbrella pines, cork oaks, and fragrant maquis. When you reach the promontories, the Mediterranean view makes you forget the effort. At 22°C, you hike comfortably, without that melting sensation after twenty minutes like in summer. Locals will tell you: May and September are the two best months for hiking in the Var.
⛵ On the Water (and Under It)
The Golden Islands: Porquerolles & Port-Cros
Daily departures from Le Lavandou harbor. Porquerolles charms with its bike paths and heavenly beaches, while Port-Cros (national park) is ideal for hiking and snorkeling. A day on the islands means total escape just twenty minutes by boat. No cars, just bikes and dirt paths. You disembark and feel like you're somewhere else, far away, when you're really just across the water.
Our tip: leave early morning (first crossing around 9am), bring your picnic, and return late afternoon. You'll have time to bike around the island, relax on several beaches, and dive into waters that rival the Caribbean.
Diving & Snorkeling: The Underwater Show
The crystal-clear waters shelter exceptional Mediterranean flora and fauna: colorful fish, gorgonians, and posidonia meadows. Clubs offer guided outings for all levels. Even if you've never dived, baptisms are accessible from age 8. And with just a mask and snorkel, you'll already be amazed swimming along the rocks. Sea breams, wrasses, rainbow wrasses... the parade is constant.
Water Thrills
Head to La Favière and harbor clubs: kayak to explore coves inaccessible on foot, paddleboard to glide at sunrise, jet-ski for adrenaline lovers, parasailing to soar above the Grande Bleue. In May, the water sports season starts, pros are motivated, and you enjoy everything without queuing.
🎨 Culture & Local Flavors
Villa Théo: Art by the Mediterranean
The "Colors of Var" exhibition runs until September 30th. This cultural venue pays tribute to neo-impressionist painter Théo Van Rysselberghe, captivated by the Côte d'Azur's exceptional light. Entry is free, the visit short (30 minutes), perfect for a cultural break between beach sessions. You'll understand why so many artists fell in love with this unique light.
Le Lavandou Harbor: Aperitif Facing the Boats
The harbor accommodates up to 1,100 boats and its quays are lined with restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. Late afternoon, when the sun begins to set and everything takes on a golden hue, settle on a terrace with a glass of local rosé. Watch boats return to harbor, listen to rigging tinkling in the wind. That's also the Mediterranean art of living.
Domaine de l'Anglade: Sea-View Tasting
18 hectares of vines near downtown, famous for its Provence rosés. Guided tours and tastings to discover winemaking techniques. The estate benefits from sunny weather and sea breezes that give the wines that special something extra. You taste, chat with winemakers, and leave with a few bottles for your terrace dinners. Chilled rosé with grilled market fish—simply perfect.
🌤️ May Weather: The Reassuring Numbers
22°C during the day. The sea at 18°C, finally swimmable without being a hero. 14 hours of daily sunshine. And only 3 to 4 rainy days the entire month. Statistically, you have an 87% chance of good weather. Packing-wise, bring shorts and t-shirts for daytime, a light sweater for evenings, and definitely your swimsuit. You'll need it.
🏡 Your SELECT' Rental, All Services Included
In May, booking an apartment or villa with SELECT' means choosing peace of mind: housekeeping, linens, everything's taken care of. You arrive, unpack, and enjoy. Whether it's an apartment in the village heart or a quiet villa, near beaches or nestled in greenery, each accommodation is carefully selected for your comfort.
And in May, before high season, you benefit from the best rates of the year while enjoying our full service. You just think about your vacation—we handle the rest.
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