The Cap Lardier and Cap Taillat loop

This loop takes you along a narrow, steep and sometimes rugged coastal path, but the turquoise waters and unspoilt wildlife of the two headlands are well worth the detour.

Details

8931939
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.40 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 349 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 347 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 163 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m

Photos

Description of the walk

From La Croix-Valmer, drive to Gigaro beach and park on Boulevard de Gigaro or at the Saint-Michel car park.

(S/E) From Gigaro beach, head east to reach the entrance to the Domaine du Cap Lardier (a site classified by the Conservatoire du Littoral), after the wooden barrier.

(1) Follow the signs for Cap Lardier on your right, taking the Sentier du Littoral coastal path along the end of Gigaro beach. Continue along the rocky path by the sea, admiring the Îles du Levant on the horizon, until you reach the entrance to Brouis beach.

(2) Turn right to walk on the sand and join the Sentier du Littoral at the end of the beach. Continue along the tree-lined path by the sea, which begins to climb, then climb the stairs.

(3) At the top, turn right, then take the Sentier du Littoral towards Cap Lardier.

(4) Cap Lardier viewpoint: continue along the path (downhill) until you reach the intersection located directly below a small house by the sea on the right and vineyards on the left.

(5) Take the small passage on the right that continues on the Sentier du Littoral. You will reach the entrance to Briande beach.

(6) Walk along the beach to rejoin the Sentier du Littoral at the end of the beach at the isthmus of Cap Taillat.

(7) Continue along the Sentier du Littoral.

(8) At the long building (Maison des Douanes), follow the wide track that branches off to the left and continue straight ahead.

(9) Admire the Dolmen de la Briande and continue your hike between vineyards and streams on a path that can be muddy at times. At the intersection, go straight ahead and climb up to the paved road.

(10) At this point, turn left uphill onto the Route Forestière de la Tourraque Ouest (white and red barrier).

(11) At the RTE04 cistern, keep left and ignore the turn-off on the right.

(12) At the CVR02 water tank, continue left onto the Route Forestière des Brouis.

(13) At the crossroads located about 100 metres before another cistern, turn right and follow the signs for "Plage de Gigaro" to quickly reach the wide Piste du Fer à Cheval, which you should follow towards Gigaro.

(1) At the intersection, after the donkey enclosure, continue straight ahead to reach the entrance to the Domaine du Cap Lardier and then the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 4 m - Boulevard de Gigaro
  2. 1 : km 0.4 - alt. 3 m - Crossing the loop
  3. 2 : km 2.09 - alt. 5 m - Brouis Beach
  4. 3 : km 2.79 - alt. 97 m - Fork at the top of stairs
  5. 4 : km 4.04 - alt. 66 m - Viewpoint - Cap Lardier
  6. 5 : km 5.02 - alt. 19 m - Cottage
  7. 6 : km 6.02 - alt. 1 m - Briande Beach
  8. 7 : km 6.67 - alt. 7 m - Isthme du Cap Taillat
  9. 8 : km 6.92 - alt. 7 m - Customs House
  10. 9 : km 7.47 - alt. 49 m - Dolmen de la Briande
  11. 10 : km 9.39 - alt. 111 m - Forest Road
  12. 11 : km 10.09 - alt. 144 m - RTE04 cistern
  13. 12 : km 10.71 - alt. 160 m - CVR02 tank
  14. 13 : km 11.3 - alt. 155 m - Fork in the road
  15. S/E : km 13.4 - alt. 4 m - Boulevard de Gigaro

Notes

Parking is available near the starting point, but there is a charge during high season.

The Sentier du Littoral is often used by hikers in high season, but the section on the Route Forestière will be quieter.

Dogs are allowed in the Domaine du Cap Lardier, provided they are kept on a leash. They are allowed on the beaches, but only to cross them.

Be in good physical condition and have suitable equipment.
Bring appropriate food and drink.
Hiking boots are essential.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, especially in high season!

Worth a visit

At the highest point of Cap Lardier, enjoy a 180° view of the Camarat lighthouse, Cap Taillat, the Îles du Levant and Cavalaire-sur-Mer.

Three main beaches for lunch, sunbathing or dipping your feet in the sea: Gigaro Beach, Brouis Beach and Briande Beach.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 47 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
randone1964
randone1964

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 13, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb hike, though it’s a shame that the final stretch follows the recently refurbished firebreaks; it feels a bit like walking down a boulevard.
(Given the need for firebreaks, it’s perfectly understandable).

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RAY Pascal
RAY Pascal

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 25, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

26 March
A lovely walk
Not many people in March
A varied walk, turquoise water and lovely vegetation...
A must-do... one of the most beautiful coastal walks
Pascal RAY

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valnetmichel
valnetmichel
• Edited:

A beautiful hike to do at this time of year.
Lovely views. Passes by beaches where you can take a break or, if you're feeling brave, go for a swim. The first part of the hike is along the coast with some elevation changes (wooden or stone steps). The second part starts at Cap Taillat and winds through vineyards and forests back to the starting point.

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valnetmichel
valnetmichel

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike to do at this time of year.
Lovely views with several places to stop for a break or, for the more adventurous, a swim. The first part is along the coast, ending in vineyards and forests.

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tymim
tymim
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 02, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike, best done in winter when there are very few people around. The view is superb.
Thank you for this suggestion.

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alain83400
alain83400

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful coastal hike, the most beautiful in the area in my opinion. No difficulties. It's worth going to the top of Cap Taillat for the view.

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Hoffmann
Hoffmann

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike along the beach, then we climb up to overlook the sea with a magnificent view.

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User 16330382

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike in any season

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astiercanal
astiercanal

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Great view! Beautiful trails! Lots of processionary caterpillars! But it's worth it!

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Jeanlin
Jeanlin

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful day spent in this splendid area. The paths are sometimes a little difficult, but the scenery is so wonderful that it's well worth the effort. Definitely worth doing, in spring if possible to enjoy the flowers.

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Guigui_la_bricole
Guigui_la_bricole

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely trail with beautiful sea views, and in April the flowers are in full bloom!
Very well maintained and "artificialised", this allows you to look up and enjoy the landscape rather than watching your step.
That said, the numerous steps make it a physically demanding route despite the average elevation gain.
Best avoided at weekends and/or during peak times.

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Rando Leo
Rando Leo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb circular hike passing by Cap Lardier and Cap Taillat. The return journey is inland.
Probably one of the most beautiful hikes I've done by the sea: stunning views and, at this time of year, lots of flowers (Jupiter's beard, rock cysts, a variety of broom). Highly recommended!

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itinerant83
itinerant83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Wow! Did anyone count the steps going up and down? A colleague from the north once told me that the Var coast is completely flat! Yesterday, the weather was magnificent and the hike was superb. There were a few people around and one swimmer (brave, given the water temperature). The route was very easy to follow. We were a bit pressed for time, having left too late, so we didn't have time to go back to Cap Taillat.

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/adjedj
/adjedj

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent coastal path with views of the sea and islands. The return route through the interior offers views from above, and when you turn around, you can see the snow-capped peaks
Be careful if you have weak knees on the coastal section, as there are many steps.

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Bessillon
Bessillon

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Taken on a sunny but slightly windy autumn Sunday. Not many people around at this time of year. It's kind of what I was looking for... It's a beautiful hike...

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