Le Var: Le Brusc — My favorite fishing village

Le Brusc

I remember stumbling upon Le Brusc during a short pit stop in Sanary sur Mer. It was over 10  years ago and I decided to wander around and see what was nearby.

From Sanury to Le Brusc

From Sanary, I followed the sea and went to the end. When I arrived in this charming fishing village, my jaw dropped. It was so beautiful (and still is). I parked my car and took in the magnificent views before me. I grew up by the sea in the Northeast of the United States and Le Brusc felt like home. Sometimes, it feels very built up and busy in the South of France. Here, it is another world. The water is still, the colorful fishing boats are gliding back and forth and the birds are flying overhead searching for their next meal. It is peaceful and calm and I just love it.  

… Flash forward years later and I am now living in Sarnary-sur-Mer right down the road from Le  Brusc. I can’t believe it. I usually ride my bike and every time I do, I get the same excited feeling when I arrive and make my way into the village. The beaches are beautiful, the atmosphere is very local and it feels like it’s been untouched. There is an authenticity about this place and I believe that this is why I like it so much.  

This is where I go…. 

The Beach

Pebbly Beach

The beach in Le Brusc is really beautiful. It is rocky, so bring your water shoes. Thanks to the rockiness, the water is the bluest ever. You can see right down to the bottom and it’s just lovely. I also love the views from here. When you’re on the beach, you are looking over the cliffs of Sanary-sur-Mer and Bandol to the right and the island of Les Embiers to your left. Off in the distance, you can also see the rolling hills of the “arriere pays” (the countryside) which is covered in vineyards. I think it is one of the prettiest views that I’ve seen here. I also think that this is the best place to take in the sunset. As the sun goes down over the expansive bay, the cliffs become a silhouette. It is just breathtaking. Every time!  

There are many little restaurants in Le Brusc, lining the harbor. They are all nice but I think my favorite is “La Spiaggia”. You can’t miss it as it’s the first place you see at the end of the first beach. They are open all day so this can be breakfast,  lunch, or dinner. It’s a family-run place and the vibe is cool. 

The Harbor

Le Brusc-Port

If you’re not a “sit on the beach” person and enjoy walking, keep going, and before long you’ll be in front of the loveliest harbor. Le Brusc is a fishing village and this becomes evident as you will see the fishing boats, nets, and the little stands where the fishermen sell their catch of the day. If you walk down to the right at the bottom of the harbor, you’ll probably see a bunch of locals playing Boule. They have the best spot, right on the water! 

If you’re looking for a place to sit for a bit, the harbor is a great place to have a drink or a bite to eat. There are a few very lovely places to sit and the choice is yours. I never tire of sitting by this harbor. It is small, colorful, and just so classic. A great place to observe the locals.  

Two walking options from the Harbor 

A hidden walk along the sea

Le Brusc-Hidden Walk

I discovered a fabulous walk that is a bit hidden and you wouldn’t know it was there. I really like it as you are literally walking along the rocky path along the water. It almost feels like you’re walking on the sea. I think that the easiest way to get there is to go right when you enter the village. You’ll be at the foot of the harbor. Go past the Boule court, and head down to the water. Here, you will see a small path where you can start a nice walk that will take you along the coastline. What I love. Is that it is very quiet and the views, again are stunning, peaceful,  and magical. If you start from here, this will loop you back to the beginning of Le Brusc. From here you can walk back into town.  

Ile du Gaou

Ile du Gaou is a stunning island that it at the tip of the Brusc. It is not too far and if you walk along the coast, past the harbor and just head straight, you will come to the end and before you know it, you’ve arrived. The walk in between the harbor and the island is my absolute favorite. This is where I first fell in love with Le Brusc. You’ll find little boats lining the harbor and you’ll be looking over towards Les Embiers (an island across the bay). It is very serene.  

Ile du Gaou

To get there, keep the harbor on your right and continue all the way to the end. This is a treat!  Once at the end, you will see a little bridge. Cross over this bridge and begin your walk around the beautiful island of Gaou. It is a preserved area and they have done a lot of work to keep it protected. I usually walk the whole periphery which isn’t too far and completely manageable.  

There are a few small beaches where you can sit and enjoy the day, so bring your towel and a snack and choose your beach. Admittedly in the summer (like everywhere) it gets very busy so the earlier you arrive to claim your spot, the better. What I like about Iile de Gaou is that it’s out of the way. It’s a place where you can take in nature, swim in the beautiful water, and listen to the birds as they sing away. Lovely.  

Didn’t pack a lunch? There are two restaurants just before the bridge. Both are cute and have a great beach vibe. You can’t go wrong here.  

I hope you enjoy a nice day in Le Brusc!  

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER