Elephant Beach

Located just a stone’s throw from the centre of Sainte-Maxime, in the Var, Éléphants Beach is a wild and unspoilt stretch of sand, ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Its tranquillity and natural setting make it a favourite spot for those who love to laze about and sunbathe.

In the footsteps of Babar

Elephants’ Beach owes its fame to Jean de Brunhoff’s comic strip *Babar’s Journey*, published in 1932. It was here, in the heart of this unspoilt Mediterranean landscape, that the author is said to have found the inspiration to illustrate the famous hot-air balloon journey of Babar and his wife Céleste.

Still standing facing the sea, the De Brunhoff house serves as a reminder of this unique link between literature and the coast, lending the place an almost timeless quality.

Even today, Éléphants Beach captivates visitors with its wild and soothing character. Far from the hustle and bustle, it offers a true haven of tranquillity, perfect for relaxation, rest and the simple pleasures of the sun, in a natural setting where the imagination seems to float freely.

Dogs allowed

Two areas along the town’s coastline are open to dogs all year round, namely:

the dog beach in the town centre: this is a section of the town centre beach situated opposite the Préconil bridge;
the land area at Pointe des Sardinaux (except in July and August): this natural site (Sensitive Natural Area) is a meeting place for many dogs.
Owners must keep their dogs on a lead at all times and ensure they pick up after their pets, in order to maintain hygiene at these sites and ensure everyone can enjoy the area together. On the town centre beaches (with the exception of the area mentioned above), the Oursins, Nartelle, Garonnette beaches and the southern tip of the Pointe des Sardinaux, dogs are prohibited all year round.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs, however, are permitted all year round on all beaches.