The Riviera's hidden gem. Rocky coves with crystal-clear water, two intimate harbours, pine-covered hills, and an authentic Provençal atmosphere untouched by mass tourism — just 25 minutes from Saint-Tropez.
Les Issambres is a stretch of coastline belonging to the commune of Roquebrune-sur-Argens, tucked between Sainte-Maxime to the east and Fréjus to the west. Unlike its more famous neighbours, Les Issambres has resisted overdevelopment — no high-rises, no nightclubs, no traffic jams. Just pine trees, rocky coves, and the sound of cicadas.
The coast is punctuated by two small, picturesque harbours: San Peïre and Port Ferréol. Both are intimate, working ports where local fishermen still moor their pointus alongside modest pleasure boats. The quayside restaurants serve the freshest catch on the coast — no pretension, just quality.
What makes Les Issambres truly special is its underwater world. The rocky seabed creates exceptional water clarity and supports rich marine biodiversity. A marked underwater trail (sentier sous-marin) with information buoys lets snorkellers explore the posidonia meadows, sea urchin colonies, and colourful fish populations without a dive certification.
The Calanque des Fournas and Val d'Esquières creek are among the most beautiful swimming spots on the Var coast — accessible on foot via the coastal path, or best of all, directly by boat rental from Saint-Tropez in just 25 minutes. Your captain can drop you at the cove of your choice.
San Peïre & Port Ferréol
Exceptional — rocky seabed
Underwater trail available
From €330 per trip (1-10 pax)
Snorkellers, divers, couples
Calanque des Fournas at midday
Harbourside tables, rocky cove terraces, and hillside restaurants under the pines — Les Issambres is where locals eat when they want the real thing.
Provençal seafood
Right on the harbour, grilled loup de mer and chilled Bandol rosé
Mediterranean
Tucked into a rocky cove, feet almost in the water, speciality octopus salad
French bistro
Authentic local cooking, daube provençale and tarte tropézienne, village institution
Italian-Provençal
Hillside terrace with pine forest views, handmade gnocchi and fresh burrata
Crystal-clear water, rocky formations, and abundant marine life make Fournas one of the best snorkelling spots between Saint-Tropez and Fréjus. Sea urchins, wrasse, octopus, and posidonia meadows.
Les Issambres features a marked sentier sous-marin (underwater trail) with information buoys explaining the marine ecosystem. Bring your own mask or rent one locally — suitable for all ages.
The sentier du littoral winds along the rocky shore from San Peïre port toward Saint-Aygulf. Dramatic cliff edges, hidden swimming spots, and panoramic views of the Maures massif across the bay.
Several dive centres operate from San Peïre, offering baptêmes (introductory dives) and guided excursions to underwater caves, drop-offs, and the rich marine biodiversity of the Golfe de Fréjus.
Reserve online or call us. Daily departures from Saint-Tropez, June through September. We can drop you at the cove of your choice.
Meet your captain at the Vieux Port in Saint-Tropez. The exact meeting point is sent to you by SMS before departure.
Just 25 minutes along the coast and you're at San Peïre port or a hidden calanque. Return boat available all day.