Discover the Côte d'Azur town of La Londe-les-Maures
La Londe-les-Maures, its past and present
Anchored between pine forests, vineyards and Mediterranean shores, La Londe-les-Maures is a coveted seaside (and camping!) destination offering ancient heritage, preserved beaches and, of course, Provence’s inimitable quality of life.
A town where nature, culture and relaxation go hand in hand…
La Londe: origins of the name
In 1678, Antoine Lemonnier, a gentleman from La Londe in Normandy bought up vast plots of land on the southern coast where he built a castle baptized Château de La Londe, to which today’s village owes its name.
La Londe, or La Loundo li Mauro in Provençal dialect, bears the mark of the site’s natural history combining sea and forests. In ancient French, a londe refers to a wood, or coppice, evoking the vast oak and pine forests that have stood over the town from time immemorial. The word Maures refers to the Maures massif, a magnificent hill chain that shelters the town and lends it its unique geographical characteristics.
A touch of history
The origins of Londe-les-Maures date back centuries. The site was occupied as far back as Antiquity, due to its proximity to the sea and plentiful supply of wood. In the Middle Ages, the area was home to farming villages and small communities.
The town grew progressively in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the development of a fishing port, agriculture (vines and vegetables) and later, tourism. Today, La Londe is a foremost holiday destination, particularly coveted for its wild beaches and heritage.
👉 Click here to read about the ties between our campsite and the town
Twinned with Galbiate (Italy) and Walluf (Germany), La Londe upholds sporting, cultural and winegrowing ties that ensure our heritage shines throughout Europe!
Architecture & heritage
- Bastides and traditional houses
La Londe town centre is home to many typical Provençal bastides and houses, with their pastel façades, colourful shutters and curved roof tiles, reflecting a rural architectural heritage. - Promenade des Annamites
The old 20th century railway line, winding its way under pines from the town centre to the sea, is now reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. The line crosses the Brûlade sensitive natural area (15 acres of natural scenery and games, ideal for a holiday picnic). - Gaoutabry dolmen
Le plus grand dolmen du Var est à la Londe, dont il surplombe toute la baie ! Une balade facile, à pieds ou à vélo, et (pré)historique pour les amoureux d’archéologie et de nature. - Eglise de la Nativité
Historic monument (and site) built by local parishioners from 1844 using stone from the local Maravenne and Pansard rivers. Today, it forms a fine example of Provence’s unusual architecture. - Two marinas
The marinas of Miramar and Maravenne can accommodate around 600 boats each and are proud holders of the Blue Flag and Clean Ports labels. They are committed to raising environmental awareness among boat owners. From Miramar, you can hop on a boat bus to the Golden Islands. - Bormettes quarter
The historic Bormettes quarter, in the beating heart of La Londe, home to chateaux, an old railway line, a former worker’s estate and a foundry tunnel (Europe’s longest ancient chimney-tunnel), now boasts a delightful theatre. Today, most of the sites are private properties, but you can of course still view them from outside.
Beaches & coast
Boasting 3 km of wild or more tamed golden beaches gazing out over the Golden Islands, the seafront in Londe-les-Maures can only be described as exceptional!
- Plage de l’Argentière – a sweeping expanse of fine sand and translucent waters, ideal for families and water sports
- Plage de Miramar – easy to reach and handy for the shops, with a lifeguard in summer.
- Plage du Pellegrin – more intimate and lined with pine trees, perfect for a tranquil picnic and swim.
The beaches are crisscrossed with coastal footpaths, inviting holidaymakers to enjoy a stroll or bike ride with panoramic views over the Med. You’ll also find snorkelling trails along your way (particularly at l’Argentière beach).
Nature & activities
Just outside La Londe, the Maures hills offer a varied playground for mountain bikers, strollers and birding aficionados. The local vineyards produce renowned AOP wines (Côtes de Provence) – the perfect excuse for a tasting session or cellar tour!
You’ll find various sporting events on offer in the town throughout summer (“Course du soleil” footrace, beach volleyball and beach soccer tournaments, “Défi des vignes” race) and accessible facilities (sailing clubs, pétanque, zoological gardens), plus, of course, a typical and mouthwatering Provençal market held every Sunday morning!
In short
La Londe-les-Maures is a must-do destination for holidaymakers who enjoy heritage, beaches and nature, embodying the authentic charm of Provence and the Var, French Riviera-Côte d’Azur.
In addition to a fabulous giant water park, our campsite Les Jardins de La Pascalinette ® boasts a vast choice of activities ranging from cultural escapades to family days out at the beach and countless walking, hiking and cycling opportunities. La Londe-les-Maures offers travellers seeking radiant sunshine, history and Mediterranean scenery a unique balance of relaxation and exciting new discoveries.