Located at the westernmost end of the Massif des Maures coast, 10 kilometres from Le Lavandou, the health-resort and spa of Le Rayol was created as an extension of the community of La Mole in 1925, by the Compagnie d'Entreprise Immobilière, or Terre de France, over about 300 hectares, and has five sections: Rayol, Canadel, Le Fenouillet, le Datter, and Les Pierrugues. Major improvement work has been carried out: roads, stairs, gardens, hotels, tennis, the Patek Pergola, the beach jetty, the model Provencal village, and even construction of a small port. It was only on 30 August 1949 that the community became separate, by decree of the Prefect.
Walks & Tours : The Patek Pergola and the monumental staircase have been registered in the Catalogue of Historical Monuments since 1989. Originally this staircase, built between 1925 and 1927 went up to the Rocher du Drapeau (150 metres), over which the French Flag used to wave. Built of mica-schist stone quarried in the Le Rayol quarries, these stairs allowed residents to reach the beaches at a time when roads and cars had not yetbegun to hold their sway. Today, only the Centre Staircase and the "Degrés de la Mer" are left, which still take visitors to the Le Rayol beaches.

The Domaine du Rayol, which is owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral,is a magnificent botanical garden offering visitors an exceptional collection of plants and rare scents from the Mediterranean basin. During the summer season, discover the seaside path and musical evenings in the illuminated gardens. More information www.domainedurayol.org

The panorama from the Rocher du Drapeau and the fairy-tale view over the Iles d'Hyères from the Col du Canadel

Place Michel Goy. BP 14

83820 Le Rayol-Canadel (France)

Tel: +33 (0)4 94 05 65 69