Mejean and Magaud coves, the two most beautiful beaches in Toulon

MEJEAN AND MAGAUD COVES, THE BEST BEACHES OF TOULON !

by

Updated : 2 February 2026 at 10:01

PACA map of Mejean cove and Magaud cove

You probably already know the Mourillon beaches in Toulon, but have you ever heard of Mejean or Magaud coves ? These two well-preserved gems on the edge of the city are, in our opinion, the most beautiful beaches in the area. We were immediately won over by their wild, peaceful atmosphere, their idyllic setting, and their exceptional marine biodiversity. Whether you’re on holiday in the Var region or live in Toulon, these spots are absolute must-sees !

Map of Mejean and Magaud coves in Toulon-La Garde

MEjean cove, a small jewel with a Greek feel

Mejean cove, the most beautiful beach of Toulon

Just a 10-minute drive from Toulon, this long cove is, for us, one of the most beautiful on the coast. To truly enjoy it, we recommend going early in the morning or outside the peak season. Very popular in summer, access can be more difficult then, both in terms of parking and finding space on the beach.

– Did you know ? –

Mejean cove originally consisted of a restaurant and three wooden huts. The site was destroyed by the Italians in 1942 and rebuilt after the war. Quite rustic, with no electricity or facilities, small concrete dwellings began to appear in 1963. Right on the water’s edge, these solid cabanons, once overlooked due to their simplicity, are now highly sought-after and sell for very high prices. The area has since become private and is home to 25 families.

How to get to Mejean cove ?

🩴 On foot : via the coastal customs path (sentier des douaniers). It takes 25 to 40 minutes of walking depending on your starting point. (Be warned, it’s uphill!)

🚉 By public transport : take bus number 6 from Toulon to the “Magaud” stop, then follow Chemin de la Mer down to the beach.

đźš™ By car : on the D642 coming from Toulon, turn right onto Chemin de la Batterie Basse. There are several parking options :
– stop at the first car park at the start of the road, then walk downhill to Mejean cove
– or use one of the last two car parks at the end of the road, just above the beach
⚠️ These car parks are quite small and fill up quickly in summer !

Good to know

👉 The beach is supervised by lifeguards during the summer.

👉 You’ll find a restaurant, L’Escale, serving traditional cuisine with a sea view.

👉 Parking is free but limited, so it fills up quickly.

👉 Many boats anchor nearby, especially in summer, which can slightly detract from the experience even though the cove is large. However, a swimmer-only area is marked by buoys.

What we love :

The natural landscape : nestled below pine-covered cliffs, this pebble beach is surrounded by typical Mediterranean vegetation

Its unique charm, with lovely fishermen’s cabanons featuring blue shutters and a few traditional wooden boats (pointus). You almost feel like you’re in a small Greek village !

Crystal-clear water rich in marine life

A fairly large beach (though not very wide), making it easier to find space than at Magaud cove

Often protected from the wind

Mejean cove and its cabins, a small village with a Greek feel
Little fishing house at Mejean cove
The size of Mejean cove makes it easier to find space

What to do at Mejean cove ? Our to-do list

Explore the underwater world

Find your own spot in one of the small coves that make up part of the beach

Go on a paddleboard or canoe/kayak trip along the coast. With your own equipment, or rent one in Toulon

Wander through the two narrow lanes lined with traditional fishermen’s cabanons

Enjoy a lunch break at the local restaurant overlooking the sea

Discover the stunning Fer Ă  Cheval cove located just next door

Climb up to the Cap Brun viewpoint to admire the unique Mediterranean panorama, with the Notre-Dame-du-Cap-Falcon chapel

Continue walking to its little sister, Magaud cove!

The mini-coves of Mejean
Discover the coastline with a paddle hike
Admire the decoration of the fisherman’s huts
Fer Ă  Cheval cove next to Mejean
Chapel of Mejean cove and its panorama
Hike from Mejean to Magaud

The best viewpoints

Here are two great spots to admire the beauty of Mejean cove :

  • The first is higher up, just after the orientation table. From here, you can take in the full beauty of the cove and its turquoise water. It’s located here
  • The second is at the foot of the village, with a direct view of the cabanons. It’s located here
The most beautiful view of Mejean cove
Viewpoint over the village of Mejean cove

Anse Magaud, exceptional marine life

Magaud cove, a wild and preserved beach

Located in La Garde, Magaud cove is more discreet and less crowded than Mejean cove. Small and wild, it is perfect for peaceful snorkeling. It’s our favorite spot for this, and there is even an easy educational underwater trail, perfect for children ! The scenery is also beautiful, with pine trees lining the cove, a gravel beach dotted with rocks, and clear water.

How to get to Magaud cove ?

đź©´ On foot : from Mejean cove (see directions above).

🚉 By public transport : take bus number 6 from Toulon and get off at the “Magaud” stop, then follow Chemin de la Mer to the beach.

đźš™ By car : park along the D42 and walk down Chemin de la Mer (about a 10-minute walk one way).

Good to know

👉 The beach is supervised by lifeguards during the summer.

👉 There is a restaurant, La Calanque: prices are high, but the setting is truly unique.

👉 Boats are not allowed to anchor directly in the cove, so you can enjoy swimming in complete peace.

👉 Toilets are available during summer just above the beach, at the bottom of Chemin de la Mer.

What we love :

Above all, it’s an ideal place to observe local marine life! Posidonia seagrass, anemones, sea urchins, starfish, octopus, colorful fish… the challenge is spotting the most impressive species!*

A rocky barrier about 50 meters from the shore that breaks the waves, keeping the sea calmer when the swell picks up

That same rocky barrier, perfect for endless cliff-jumping sessions! (Always check the water depth before jumping)

The small cove to the right of the restaurant, surrounded by rocks

Its idyllic setting, with pine-lined cliffs providing welcome shade

* It’s important to remember to respect and protect this underwater fauna and flora, for example, never take a starfish home with you. Even though this seems obvious to most people, we unfortunately still see it happening… For more information, an information booth about the richness of marine life in the cove is located at the beach entrance, next to the lifeguard station.

Magaud Cove and its clear water
Little cove near the restaurant
Rocks of Magaud cove

What to do at Magaud cove ? Our to-do list

Take an underwater hike in July-August: accessible to children aged 8 and over, this guided tour is led by the Naturoscope association. Reservation on 07 69 78 33 49 or by writing to rando.sub@naturoscope.fr (priced exit)

Explore the underwater trail of Magaud cove on your own. Very easy to access, marked by buoys with information panels about aquatic biodiversity.

Dive into the clear, refreshing waters of the cove

Go on a paddleboarding adventure along the coast. Highlights include a wild and stunning shoreline, a spectacular cave, the Pointe Sainte-Marguerite cave, with several underwater tunnel entrances (⚠️ for experienced divers only !), and another charming seaside hamlet, San Peyre. Allow about 1 hour one way from Mejean cove.

Enjoy the gentle end of the day with dinner at La Calanque restaurant

The clear water of Magaud cove
The clear water of Magaud cove
Cave of Pointe Sainte-Marguerite
Cave of Pointe Sainte-Marguerite
San Peyre Cove Village
San Peyre Cove Village

The best viewpoints

As with Mejean cove, here are two viewpoints to enjoy Magaud cove :

  • At the start of the beach, near the restaurant here
  • From the sea near the rocks, to take admire the entire cove : here
Viewpoint over Magaud cove
Viewpoint over Magaud cove

To go further

Here are a few more ideas if you’re staying in or visiting Toulon :

👉 Spend a relaxing day at Mitre Beach, a natural spot right on the edge of the city

👉 For Food lovers, sample local specialties on a guided food tour of Toulon

👉 Discover Pin de Galle beach and its cluster of charming hillside cabanons, the view as you walk down to the beach is stunning

👉 Continue the walk to Monaco Beach via the customs path. A lovely beach with shaded areas under the pines, more wild in character, with a section reserved for naturists

👉 Explore the coastline aboard a catamaran departing from Le Brusc. A full-day sea excursion that is absolutely worth booking!

  • Mitre beach
    Mitre beach
  • Pin de Galle beach
    Pin de Galle beach
  • Monaco Beach
    Monaco Beach

Where to stay in Toulon to enjoy Mejean and Magaud coves ?

If you’re planning a stay in the area, here are a few hotel suggestions in Toulon, depending on your budget :

  • In the city center : L’Eautel, featuring a stunning rooftop with a swimming pool, just a 2-minute walk from the old town and the port of Toulon. The rooms are tastefully decorated, with marine-themed bathrooms.
See photos and prices of L’Eautel
  • In the east of the city, close to Mourillon beaches and therefore near Mejean and Magaud coves : Best Western Plus La Corniche, with stylish dĂ©cor and some sea-view rooms.
See photos and rates of the best Western Plus La Corniche hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express : close to the A57, convenient if you plan to explore beyond Toulon. Comfortable rooms and attractive prices.
See photos and rates for the Holiday Inn Express hotel
See all available accommodations in Toulon

– OUR OPINION –

Mejean and Magaud coves are preserved and authentic places, yet they’re located just steps away from a large city and a highly urbanized coastline ! These two coves, with their clear waters and natural surroundings, are perfect for a day of relaxation and underwater exploration. Mejean beach, with its fishermen’s cabanons and seaside restaurant, is ideal for a laid-back day by the water. Magaud beach will appeal more to nature lovers thanks to its incredible marine life. For us, these two hidden gems are a true favorite.

You might also like…

Share on :
Share

Leave a Comment