Things to do in Six-Fours-les-Plages: top 5 must-see attractions

Six-Fours-les-Plages at a glance

Located in the Var department along the Mediterranean coast, Six-Fours-les-Plages is famous for its 18 km of shoreline alternating between fine sand beaches, Aleppo pine and oak forests, hidden coves, and nearby islands. Drawing thousands of summer visitors every year looking for sun and water sports, the town charms travelers with its rich heritage and stunning natural scenery. You may also get the chance to sample Provençal specialties like tapenade, bouillabaisse, and ratatouille, paired with a glass of chilled rosé.

Well-preserved stone landmarks reflecting a Gallo-Roman past

Start your tour of the town at the Notre-Dame-du-Mai chapel, built in the 17th century high up on Sicié cape. The climb is a bit steep, but the panoramic view over the harbor of Toulon is incredible. Listed as a historical monument, the Collégiale Saint-Pierre dominating the hill of Vieux Six-Fours also offers great views. Tucked away among olive groves, the charming 6th-century Notre-Dame de Pépiole chapel is well worth a visit.

The Cap Nègre battery, an old military installation in the heart of the parc de Méditerranée, houses a museum center with diverse exhibitions. Art lovers can also stop by the Maison du Cygne, which features a delightful botanical garden.

A salty breeze and classic summer vacation vibes

Head over to Le Brusc, a small fishing village where colorful traditional wooden fishing boats called pointus are tied along the shore, creating a picture-postcard scene. At sunset, the view over the presqu'île du Gaou and its turquoise waters is magnificent, and you can easily walk across a footbridge to reach it. The lagoon has calm waters and is designated as a Natura 2000 protected area, taking about 1h to walk all the way around. A small beach sits on the western side, while the southern side is much more rugged. You can go snorkeling here, as the waters teem with marine life and fish.

You have plenty of options when it comes to beaches: Bonnegrâce (pebbles), Roches Brunes, Coudoulière, Rayolet, and Cros all provide amenities like picnic areas and showers.

Île des Embiez

This small island is home to a marina, a thalassotherapy center, and a diving paradise. Owned by the estate of Paul Ricard, much like the island of Bendor off the coast of Bandol, Les Embiez is accessible in just 12 minutes by boat from Le Brusc. Book your crossing online, as it is cheaper than buying tickets on site. Once there, you can try out sailing, kayaking, Polynesian outrigger canoeing, or jet skiing.

When to go?

The warmer months between spring and autumn remain the best time to enjoy everything Six-Fours-les-Plages has to offer. In June, the feria on Les Embiez and the bouillabaisse festival draw large crowds. Open-air concert fans should aim for July, which features contemporary lineups at the Pointu festival on the Gaou peninsula alongside classical performances at the collegiate church festival.

How to get there?

Renting a car right when you arrive at the Toulon train station is the most practical option. Alternatively, the Varlib bus network provides good coverage across the area.

Getting around locally

A car is essential for reaching the various sights around town. Once you reach the Presqu'île du Gaou and Les Embiez, you can get around entirely on foot or by bike.