Bandol, a charming coastal town in the South of France, is a fantastic hub for exploring both natural beauty and fine wines. Its location offers easy access to calanque sea trips, vineyard tours, and island adventures, making it a prime spot for memorable outings. We especially love the sea trips—like the visit to the Calanques, which showcase dramatic limestone cliffs and clear waters—and the vineyard tour, where tasting Bandol wines with a Michelin-starred sommelier elevates the experience. These experiences provide authentic insights and a taste of the region’s rich heritage.
If you’re planning your trip, you’ll find a variety of options, from relaxing boat rides to active wildlife excursions. To help you choose, we’ve rounded up the best Tours in Bandol—each offering unique ways to enjoy this beautiful corner of France. Whether you’re after a scenic cruise, a wine tasting, or an island escape, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
1. From Bandol: Visit the 13 calanques of Cassis & Marseille (3 hours 15 minutes at sea)
At number 1, this sea cruise takes you to the 13 calanques of Cassis and Marseille, a designated French natural heritage site. Departing from Bandol, you’ll enjoy a guided tour with expert commentary available in English, German, and Spanish. The boat ride lasts about 3 hours and 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to admire limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and secluded coves.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive coverage of the calanques—an area renowned for rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The guide provides interesting insights, and the inclusion of a commentary booklet helps deepen your understanding. The tour is family-friendly, with dogs accepted, making it suitable for pet owners eager to bring along their furry friends. With a rating of 4.5/5 from hundreds of reviews, travelers love the relaxed pace and stunning scenery.
Bottom Line: If you want a scenic day on the water with plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxation, this tour offers excellent value at $50 per person. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the natural beauty of the South of France without long hikes or complicated logistics.
2. From Bandol: Visit the 7 calanques of Cassis & Marseille (2.5 hours at sea)
Ranking just below the previous, this slightly shorter sea trip takes you to 7 calanques in the Cassis and Marseille region. Departing from Bandol, this guided cruise lasts about 2.5 hours and offers a more condensed yet equally stunning experience. The tour offers commentary in multiple languages, including English, German, and Spanish, making it accessible for international travelers.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on the most famous calanques, giving you a taste of their dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches. The shorter duration makes it ideal for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a quicker overview of the region’s natural wonders. The dogs welcome policy and high rating of 4.6/5 from satisfied reviewers indicate a friendly and well-organized trip.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a shorter, less intensive boat tour that still delivers unforgettable views, this 2.5-hour cruise is a smart choice. It balances quality and convenience at a competitive $43 per person.
3. Visit the vineyards and discover Bandol wines
Number 3 on our list is dedicated to wine lovers. This vineyard tour is led by a Michelin 3-star head sommelier, offering an expert-led journey into the Bandol wine appellation. For around $88, you’ll enjoy a pick-up and return by 4×4 to the region’s top estates, tasting some of the best wines in France.
The experience includes a visit to a renowned vineyard, where the sommelier shares insights into the winemaking process and the unique terroir of Bandol. The highlight is the wine tasting, which features wines from prestigious estates, allowing you to appreciate what makes Bandol wines so distinctive—full-bodied reds and complex rosés. The tour’s focus on expertise and the small-group setting make it stand out. Reviewers praise the personalized guidance and the opportunity to taste wines that are often hard to find outside France.
Bottom Line: This experience is perfect for those who want a deep dive into regional wines with a knowledgeable guide. It offers excellent value for the quality and exclusivity of the tasting, ideal for wine aficionados and curious travelers alike.
4. Excursion to Porquerolles Island from Bandol
Number 4 on our list is a full-day island cruise to Porquerolles, the largest of the Golden Isles. Starting from Atlantide, you’ll cruise for about 1.5 hours each way, with a 6.5-hour stopover on the island. During your free time, you can explore the beaches, walk along scenic trails, or just relax by the sea.
This trip is ideal for those wanting a mix of sea travel and island exploration. The route is well-commented to enhance your sightseeing experience, and the stop on Porquerolles offers a chance to enjoy its unspoiled beaches and quaint villages. The reviews highlight the smooth cruise and the beauty of the island, which remains largely untouched.
Bottom Line: For around $62, this tour provides a relaxing day out with plenty of time to soak up the sun and scenery, perfect for families or anyone craving a laid-back island getaway without the hassle of planning.
5. Whale watching, dolphins, and whales departing from Bandol
At number 5, this wildlife-focused cruise is the best choice for nature lovers. Setting sail at 6:00 a.m., you’ll have a chance to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals in their natural habitat. The trip features a hydrophone for listening to whale songs and the opportunity to take photos of these majestic creatures.
This tour is highly rated at 4.8/5, with reviewers emphasizing the thrill of seeing marine wildlife in the open sea. The early start is worth it for the chance to witness animals in their natural environment, and the naturalist onboard provides educational commentary on marine life and conservation.
Bottom Line: For an around-the-clock adventure that combines wildlife education with the excitement of spotting whales and dolphins, this tour offers a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s best suited for early risers and those eager to connect with nature.
6. Tour of the Bandol and Côtes de Provence vineyards + Lunch
Number 6 is a half-day wine and culinary tour that pairs visits to two renowned vineyard regions—Bandol and Côtes de Provence—with a gourmet lunch. Led by a former three-Michelin-starred head sommelier, this 4-hour experience offers tastings of some of the best wines in the area, alongside a delicious local meal.
The tour emphasizes exquisite wines and sublime landscapes, giving you insight into the winemaking traditions of both regions. The visit to two estates includes tasting sessions and a sit-down lunch at a Var restaurant, making it a well-rounded experience. Although only with 2 reviews, the 5/5 rating reflects high satisfaction. Reviewers appreciate the expert guidance and the chance to enjoy exceptional wines accompanied by authentic Provençal cuisine.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive wine and culinary experience, this tour is ideal. It’s best for serious wine lovers and foodies who want to indulge in the region’s best offerings in a short, focused outing.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Bandol
When deciding among these options, consider your priorities. If you’re after stunning scenery and a relaxed day at sea, the calanque cruises are unbeatable. For a deeper appreciation of local wines, the vineyard tour led by a Michelin-starred sommelier offers unmatched expertise. If your goal is wildlife viewing, the whale watching trip delivers excitement and education. And for those wanting a mix of island escape and leisure, Porquerolles is perfect.
Budget, time, and interests are key factors. For instance, if you’re limited on time, the shorter calanque cruise or the vineyard tour might make more sense. For a family adventure, the Porquerolles trip or the calanque cruises could be ideal. Remember to book early, especially for popular wildlife trips or wine tours, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Bandol offers an impressive variety of tours that showcase its natural beauty, culinary excellence, and marine life. The calanque sea trips rank high for scenic landscapes, while the vineyard and wine tours appeal to those wanting a taste of local craftsmanship. The Porquerolles island trip offers a relaxed escape, and wildlife lovers should not miss the whale watching excursion.
Whether you’re a cruise enthusiast, an avid wine lover, or an adventure seeker, these experiences are sure to enrich your visit. To ensure you don’t miss out, consider booking early—these popular tours fill up quickly during peak season. Whichever you choose, your time in Bandol will be full of beautiful moments and genuine discoveries.