08/10/2026
Destination
Want to discover the southern French coastline differently? Between Hyères and Saint-Tropez, the Corniche des Maures winds between the blue of the sea and the rugged terrain of the massif. Along the D559 road, beaches, coves, and character-filled villages regularly tempt you to stop. To fully enjoy this road trip in the South of France, plan a few must-do breaks, such as a stopover at Les Terrasses du Bailli in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, ideally located halfway along your route.
On the Corniche des Maures road, the journey is truly part of the destination. This section of the D559 connects Hyères to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez by following the southern French coastline. Mile after mile, it reveals a succession of panoramas stretching between the sea and wooded hills.
Above all, this route allows you to discover several faces of the South of France during a single getaway. The coastal beaches and coves give way to Provençal villages, ports, and the characteristic vegetation of the Massif des Maures.
The beauty of a road trip in the South of France is precisely the ability to stop wherever the mood strikes you. A swim, a walk, or a few minutes gazing out at the open sea can easily find their place in your day. From Hyères to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the Corniche des Maures road deserves to be traveled at your own pace.
Hyères is the starting point for this eastbound itinerary. Before leaving the city, a detour to the Giens peninsula allows you to discover one of the coast’s most iconic landscapes.
Next, head to Bormes-les-Mimosas, a perched village with incredibly charming narrow streets, and then Le Lavandou and its sublime beaches. The D559 then runs alongside Pramousquier before reaching Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer.
Set between the Massif des Maures and the sea, Rayol-Canadel marks a natural halfway point. This is where the first part of the journey ends, offering a chance to discover a more intimate side of the coast.
The second part of the trip will then lead you to Cavalaire-sur-Mer, La Croix-Valmer, and the villages of the Gulf before arriving in Saint-Tropez.
In Rayol-Canadel, Les Terrasses du Bailli offers a peaceful base. This 3-star seaside hotel in the South of France, just 650 feet (200 meters) from the beach, is nestled near one of the coastal coves in an environment where lush vegetation meets the blue sea. This 1930s villa, with its 24 rooms featuring warm tones and natural materials, cultivates that Provençal spirit so unique to Les Terrasses du Bailli.
Once your bags are unpacked, it’s time to relax! The seasonally heated outdoor pool, open from April to November, allows you to unwind and stretch your legs for a few hours at the end of the day after a long drive. Upon waking, breakfast is served on the terrace weather permitting. Facing the Golden Islands (Îles d’Or), the day begins gently before you continue your itinerary toward Saint-Tropez…
In Rayol-Canadel, sea-facing viewpoints allow you to admire the Golden Islands in the late afternoon light. Opposite the town, Port-Cros and the Île du Levant take shape offshore, forming part of the horizon.
Thanks to their elevated position, Les Terrasses du Bailli offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the Golden Islands. Some rooms also allow you to admire the panorama directly from a private balcony or terrace.
At the end of the day, simply sit facing the open sea and give way to contemplation. The colors shift across the Mediterranean. It is a moment of pure relaxation in the mild Riviera air before resuming your road trip the next day.
Before leaving Rayol-Canadel, the Domaine du Rayol is well worth a stop. Owned by the Coastal Protection Agency (Conservatoire du littoral), this 49-acre (20-hectare) protected natural area houses 17 acres (7 hectares) of gardens designed by landscape architect Gilles Clément. The Jardin des Méditerranées evokes landscapes from various Mediterranean-climate regions around the world, from California to Australia, Chile, and South Africa.
Next, continue toward Cavalaire-sur-Mer, then La Croix-Valmer. From there, several options are available depending on how much time you have. Take a detour to Gassin, a village perched high above the Gulf. Ramatuelle, with its narrow streets and Provençal houses, is another great stop before heading back down to the coast. The final stop: Saint-Tropez. Once you arrive, set off to explore the harbor and the alleyways of the town center on foot.
To avoid rushing through the Corniche des Maures and to fully enjoy each stop, plan for at least two days between Hyères and Saint-Tropez.
The first day can be dedicated to Hyères, Bormes-les-Mimosas, and Le Lavandou before spending the night in Rayol-Canadel. The next day can start with a visit to the Domaine du Rayol, before continuing on to Cavalaire-sur-Mer, La Croix-Valmer, and Saint-Tropez. With three days, the pace becomes even more relaxed. You can add a beach trip, extend a visit, or linger in one of the villages you pass through without having to constantly check your watch.
The goal is not to drive the D559 as quickly as possible. It is much better to stop along the way to discover the different facets of the southern French coastline.
Before departure, outline the main stages of your route, but avoid planning every single detail. Leave yourself the option to pull over along the way—spontaneity is an integral part of a road trip!
In high season, also allow extra time for travel, especially as you approach the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Remember to check traffic conditions before setting off and to look up parking options at your various stops.
To split the journey in two, book your night in Rayol-Canadel in advance. Les Terrasses du Bailli also has free parking, where you can leave your car for the duration of your stopover.
All that’s left is to take the time to discover the coast. From Hyères to Saint-Tropez, each stop reveals a new facet of the coast of the South of France. In Rayol-Canadel, treat yourself to a wonderfully relaxing break at Les Terrasses du Bailli.
