With its beautiful coastline lined by a number of coastal paths and its surrounding massifs covered in forest, the countryside of this region offers many options for sport lovers.
The coast between Hyeres, Toulon and La Ciotat is home of world renowned windsurfing/kitesurfing and even surfing spots. Note that kitesurfing is forbidden around Six Fours, but ok in Hyeres.
In Six Fours, a few km west from Toulon, famous spots include: La Coudouliere, a selective wave spot working best with WSW and NW winds. Le Brusc located at the end of Six Fours bay, towards the Gaou Islands, excellent by NW winds. Experts only.
Fantastic watersport centre run by ex-professional windsurfers Eric Thieme and Pascal Boulanger. Located on the famous spot of L’Almanarre beach. Equipment rental or classes from professional instructors for any level. Provide all the latest equipment; rental of kayaks and paddle boards. Onsite lovely beach snack, beach volleyball area. Showers and lockers. Open daily/year round. Sale of new and second hand gear. Apartments rental on the spot.
Large and nice gym located by Toulon harbour. Open daily 7am-10pm.
Tel : +33(0)4 94 41 04 20
Nice gym with a wide choice of classes and equipment. Flexible for transient customers. Open daily Mon to Fri 9am to 8:30pm; Sat-Sun 9am-noon.
Tel: +33(0)4 94 05 28 54
www.formessence.fr
Toulon region is the ideal departure point for a large choice of excursions to discover Provence's beautiful scenery and a multitude of ancient, typically-Provençal villages.
Les Gorges du Verdon
Croisette Promenade is the world famous waterfront walk from the Vieux Port all the way to Port Pierre Canto and around Pointe de la Croisette. You may follow the waterfront all the way to Golfe Juan and Juan les Pins.
There is also a very nice coastal walk between the Port de la Napoule to the Port de la Rague,one km to the west. Stop in La Cambuse, right on the port, for a quick bite or a drink.
Cannes has miles of sandy beaches. Most of those bordering the Croisette are private and rent chairs and parasols.
There is also a long public beach stretched along Bd du Midi, just west of the Vieux Port, including plages du Midi and Les Rochers.
Just behind Port Canto is L’Ecrin plage, great for snorkeling.
Palm Beach, located close to Port Canto (towards Golfe Juan), facing Ste Marguerite Island, is a very popular kitesurfing/windsurfing spot. Easy launching from the narrow beach, by a large parking area.
It is quite wonderful to walk around the old town of St Tropez, explore its narrow streets and quaint plazas. Do not miss the legendary Place des Lices (lovely square, framed with plane trees and cafés), the Italian baroque style Église de St-Tropez quintessential landmark built in 1785 and the tiny La Ponche harbour. Walk up to the 17th century citadel that dominates the hillside and enjoy the fantastic panoramic views of the bay.
Capitainerie du Port
83990 St Tropez
Padi 5star dive centre located close to the Capitainerie and offering a wide range of diving for all levels, including wreck or reef diving. Team of certified divers, very flexible, can customise any of their dives. Equipped with Nitrox and TEC REC. All speak English well. Also provide underwater services such as hull cleaning or anchor work. Manager Jean.
Cell: +33(0)6 01 10 02 97
Cell: +33(0)6 09 71 96 05 Jean
www.miopalmoplongee.com
Vast pristine gym facility located at the entrance of Port Cogolin. Latest machines and equipment, wide range of fitness classes, boot camps and private coaching available. Onsite beauty salon. Open Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 9am-1pm, and Sun 9:30am-12:30pm.
Tel: +33(0)4 94 43 18 35
Les Tennis d’Isa
Route des Tamaris
Plage de Pampelonne 83350
Charming tennis club - located on the road towards Pampelonne beach managed by the French ex- professional champion Isabelle Demongeot. Five concrete tennis courts and two beach tennis courts. Open 7/7 in season from 8am-9pm.
Tel: +33(0)6 14 39 97 65
This well established gliders school has been highly recommended for the quality and safety of its equipment as well as the professionalism of the instructors. Located a few km from St Tropez. Open year round. Exceptional conditions for flying.
Tel : +33 (0)4 94 76 00 68
Ocean Drive is a spectacular route along the water, fringed by gorgeous mansions, ideal for a bike ride. It is a ten mile loop at the tip of Newport, away from the traffic and easily accessible from all downtown marinas.
Other winding lanes will take bikers past First, Second and Third Beaches, through country roads offering spectacular wide-open views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sky Kitesurfing School
This kitesurfing school is run by Christian Schlebach, one of the best kitesurfers in the region, also the owner/founder of Re-Sails. A team of experienced and certified instructors offers private lessons that can be re-scheduled if the wind conditions are not right.
Tel: (401) 849 8623
Surfing is a highly popular sport in Newport, which offers several good spots, including First and Second Beaches. Surfing equipment and paddle boards can be rented at:
Re-Sails/Hooley surf shop
Anna Gibbons is a triathlete and figure/body builder competitor, certified in personal training. Available for personal or group classes at the NAC, on board or at home. Highly experienced, super friendly, energetic, patient and attentive. Pilates, mat science, weight and free weight training, cardio/strength training. Will teach you how to keep in shape while traveling.
Cell: (401) 662 9344
[email protected]
The whole region is a great place for road or mountain biking.
La Route des Crêtes: Quiet (especially off season) and steep scenic road of 15km long between La Ciotat and Cassis. A local favorite. Ride your bike directly from the shipyards towards the Vieux Port and then just follow the quiet road along the coast.
Bike District: Great bike shop located 94 Av de la Sarriette, offering sale, maintenance and repair of all types of bikes.
Tel: +33(0)4 42 01 72 48
Rock climbers come to the region from all over Europe (and perhaps even further) to scale the white cliffs of the Calanques. See Marseille chapter for more info.
Expenature is a renowned climbing, hiking, sea kayaking and mountain bike school offering a whole range of tours and options in the region. They have a team of fully licensed and insured instructors.
Office located 5 Rue Compas in La Ciotat.
Tel : +33(0)4 42 83 64 46
Contact is Romuald: +33(0)6 80 74 40 99
www.expenature.fr
Body Gym
12 Bd Michelet 13600 La Ciotat
Highly popular gym located within walking distance from the shipyard. Good selection of machines and equipment; variety of classes. Les Mills method. Certified instructors. Personal trainer can be organized. Accommodating for transient customers.
Tel: +33(0)4 42 83 40 23
Licensed yoga instructor and charismatic Yvana offers very popular Hatha Yoga classes. She is also a licensed massage therapist. Rave reviews.
3 Bd Michelet 13008 Marseille
Second largest stadium in France. Football matches are one of the highlights of Marseilles life and most of the biggest teams, including the local OM, play here in a fantastic atmosphere. Tickets can be bought (ideally several days before the game) either on-line www.om.net or from the L'OM shop at the Vieux Port.
There is a vast network of clearly marked (with red and white strips) trails and one of the most popular is the GR 98 trail connecting Les Goudes fishing harbour to Cassis via 28km of paths between crests and coastline. Allow 11h and come back by car or bus.
Another popular hike is a few km west from l’Estaque harbour, from the harbour of La Redonne (accessible by a short bus/car or train ride) to Niolon. Allow around 3h. Climbing school BMC also organises hiking tours (see Climbing).
Les Calanques
There are many biking sites around the region, including the Fontblanche forest towards Aubagne, Sainte Victoire and Sainte Baume sites. Roads above the Calanques offer steep hill biking and can be accessed from the road D-559, towards Cassis.
We heard good reviews for Provence Mountain Biking, who organises bike tours in the area.
Tel:+33(0)4 42 03 95 60
Contact Albert: [email protected]
www.provence-mountainbiking.com.