Cap Bénat: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The rocky promontory of Cap Bénat juts out into the turquoise sea and belongs to the municipality of Borne-les-Mimosas. Cap Bénat is located opposite two of the Îles d’Hyères, the Île de Porquerolles and the Île de Port-Cros. Covered with dense pine forests, Cap Bénat is a popular holiday destination.
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Cap Bénat - Must-see attractions
Fort of Brégançon
The Fort de Brégançon is located at the western edge of Cap Benat on the Côte d'Azur in France on a small rocky island. It lies directly on the coast and is connected to the mainland by a short causeway. In recent times, the fortress served as a presidential residence and was used for numerous state visits and similar events. For example, in 2020, Angela Merkel was welcomed here by Macron. The fortress is now also open to regular visitors.
Beach of l'Estagnol
Plage de l'Estagnol is located in Bormes-les-Mimosas in France. It stretches over 475 meters and has toilets. Since it slopes gently into the water, it is also suitable for families with children. You can reach the beach section either through the Estagnol park, which is open during the high season and has a fee, where there are parking spaces. Alternatively, you can use the coastal path from La Londe les Maures or the beaches Cabasson or Argentière.
Domaine du Rayol - The Garden of the Mediterranean
The Domaine du Rayol is a popular excursion destination between Cap Benat and Cavalaire-sur-Mer. In the garden, you enjoy Mediterranean nature, typical of the south of France and the Côte d'Azur, as well as vegetable and fruit plantations. The 20-hectare Domaine du Rayol was founded around 1910 by businessman Alfred-Théodore Courmes. Remarkable are the exotic plants from all over the world. Throughout the park, you repeatedly encounter historical buildings from the early days.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
Around Bormes-les-Mimosas, there are numerous beaches to discover and relax. From Plage du Lavandou, you can walk to Cap Bénat. Additionally, Bormes-les-Mimosas is also the starting point of the "Route du Mimosa." The 130 km long route runs partly near the beach and connects Bormes-les-Mimosas with Grasse. Bormes is also famous for the Fort de Brégancon. The fortress, located on an island off the town, has served as the summer residence of the President since 1968.
Beach of Lavandou
In the north, the beach of Lavandou transitions into the Plage Centrale, while in the south it is followed by the Plage de l'Anglade. The Lavandou beach is dog-free, but offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for children and adults. Take an extended beach walk to Cap Bénat and visit the Fort de Brégançon. The fortress is located on a small island with a 35-meter-high rock. The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway.
Cavalaire-sur-Mer
Cavalaire-sur-Mer is especially popular among divers and snorkelers. The cozy bays offer excellent swimming opportunities. Above the town, the Maures Massif attracts visitors with the remains of the Oppidum Montjean, a settlement from prehistoric times. From the hill Le Peynier near Cogolin, you can enjoy beautiful panoramas over the Bay of Cavalaire and the Îles d’Hyères. In summer, buses take you to famous holiday destinations like Saint-Tropez, Saint-Raphael, Toulon, and Nice for exploring and strolling.
Cap Bénat - Secret spots
Natural idyll around the fairy grotto of Châteauvert
You will find a magical place 85 km north of Cap Bénat. After a hike, take a dip in the stream that runs in front of the cave entrance. And then dive into the realm of fairies: The water reflects on the ceiling of the cave, immersing it in a mystical light.
Varied hours at the Plage de Gaou Bénat
The private beach around the club and the Gaou Bénat area is one of the most beautiful spots in Cap Bénat. Here you can wander through the well-maintained grounds with a pine forest or rent equipment and boats for water sports at the beach. The restaurant near the marina takes care of your physical well-being.
Porto Fino Cove
The Calanque de Porto Fino in Bormes-les-Mimosas is a small coastal area of the Domaine du Cap Bénat, accessible only by foot from La Favière beach. The beautiful beach with a small pier is rarely visited. After cooling off in the emerald green sea, rinse the salt from your skin with the shower.
Chapel of Saint Francis of Paola in Bormes-les-Mimosas
When visiting the town of Bormes-les-Mimosas, located 8.8 km north of Cap Bénat, you should not miss the Chapelle Saint François de Paule from the 16th century. The yellowish-painted building rises amidst an idyll of subtropical vegetation. Inside, a magnificent altarpiece with a gilded Baroque frame dominates.
Cap Bénat - In 3 days
Day 1
Cap Bénat is a rocky headland in the commune of Bormes-les-Mimosas at the foot of the Maures Massif. The place is the starting point of the 130 km long Mimosa Road, which leads to Grasse. If you visit the region in spring, you will be overwhelmed by the bright yellow of the plants. At the very tip of Cap Bénat stands a walkable lighthouse from the 19th century. On both sides of the lighthouse stretch beautiful beaches, including the Plage de Brégançon with the nearby Fort de Brégançon as the summer residence of the French President. The island with the fort is connected to the mainland by a causeway, but is not accessible to visitors. By bicycle, you can reach the neighboring commune of Le Lavandou via the coastal road Sentier du Littoral. Here, five enchanting beaches invite you to linger. Another half hour east lies Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. Lose yourself in the cozy coves lined with palm trees.
Day 2
Among the special beauties of the Provençal Mediterranean coast is the Îles d’Hyères island group. On your second day in Cap Bénat, you first drive to Le Lavandou, from where ferries depart to the island of Porquerolles, the largest of the Îles d’Hyères. You dock on the north side of the island. With a length of 7.5 km and a width of 3 km, the island can be easily explored on foot. However, you can also rent a bicycle on site. High above the island town towers Fort Sainte-Agathe, where you can examine ancient artifacts. Porquerolles is primarily known for its enchanting beaches, especially Plage de la Courtade east of the harbor and Plage d’Argent in the west. In the south of the island, the coast is steep and offers great hiking opportunities. Visit the Gorge de Loup fjord and climb the Sémaphore, the highest point of the island.
Day 3
The surroundings of Cap Bénat are ideal for hiking and cycling. On the third day of your stay, rent a bicycle and tackle the Route des Crêtes, the ridge path above Bormes-les-Mimosas. This hiking and cycling trail runs for 18 km through the Massif des Maures. The starting point of the ridge path is the Col de Caguo-Ven pass near Bormes-les-Mimosas. The tour ends at the 267 m high Col du Canadel pass above the municipality of Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. From the route, you have a magnificent view over the turquoise sea. If you prefer to take it easy, go for a walk around Lac de Trapan. On the shore of this reservoir, the ubiquitous mimosas grow, and you can also observe various bird species here. Take small breaks to enjoy the view—whether it's over the Bay of Hyères or over the rooftops of Bormes-les-Mimosas.