Making the most of Bandol
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Bandol's port is fitted out to shelter 1,500 boats of all sizes: yachts, great sailing vesseIs, and professional fishing boats.
This is a tender port. Tender boats will bring you to the center of town.
Bandol (8400 pop) is a true seaside resort. its first tourists were called Thomas Mann, Aldous Huxley, Marcel Pagnol, Mistinguett, Raimu and Fernandel. Many sand beaches, cliffs, inlets, and creeks are all part of this natural environment and are surrounded by hills of pines and willows.
Getting around
Take the seven-minute boat ride to the Ile de Bendor just offshore, a car-free enclave purchased in the 1950s by the Ricard family of pastis fame.
The vineyards of Bandol are famous: - The red wines are powerful but velvety - The roses are fruity and racy - The whites, full bodied and fine. So, whatever the color, the wines of Bandol are amongst the best of the Midi and even of France.
Nearby places
Cassis. The train station of Bandol is only about 1 km away, The train ride takes about 20 minutes to Cassis and departs every 30 minutes or so. Cassis is a small attractive town in Provence in southern France on the Mediterranean coast. Celebrated for its cliffs and calanques, it is also known for the Cassis wines (white, but also rosé) produced in the region.
Cassis train station is 3 km / 1.9 miles from the harbor and a good 40 minute walk along a busy main road downhill into town. If this does not appeal, a list of taxi numbers is posted in the station opposite the ticket office.
Food and shopping
Shoppers can browse the designer shops along the Quai de Charles De Gaulle. Take in the morning market in Place de la Liberte.
Money
Euro