Le Lavandou, Mediterranean coastal commune in Var, France
Le Lavandou is a coastal town on the Mediterranean in southeastern France with sandy beaches, rocky coves, and a working fishing harbor. The settlement spreads along the shore with low buildings, tree-lined streets, and a mix of developed waterfront areas alongside quieter residential neighborhoods.
The settlement began in the early 1700s when Genoese fishermen established a community here to work the fishing grounds. It later drew Catalan sailors and eventually became independent in the early 1900s after separating from a neighboring municipality.
The municipal coat of arms features a crowned golden lion with blue waves and three golden dolphins, representing the maritime identity of this French town.
The town has a compact center and sits along an accessible stretch of coastline that invites walking and exploring neighborhoods at your own pace. Basic services and information points are located in central areas and easy to find on foot.
The name may come from wild lavender varieties that once grew in the surrounding hills or from an old washing place used by fishermen's families. These two possible origins reflect both the rural landscape and the seafaring past of the settlement.
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