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Le Mas de la Gavaresse

Freediving Retreats in the Var

la mer à pied, le silence en plus

We have already had the pleasure of hosting several freediving groups, and their feedback consistently highlights the harmony that defines the Mas. Everyone emphasizes the perfect balance between intense days at sea and the deep quietude found back on land.

This is the very experience we invite you to share.

Posidonia seagrass meadow under the Mediterranean Sea in Le Pradet, hosting freediving retreats at Mas de la Gavaresse.

More than just a group holiday home: a family estate for your freediving retreats

Nestled between forested hills and the Mediterranean, Mas de la Gavaresse has been our family home for five generations. Formerly a wine estate, this thoughtfully renovated Provençal farmhouse is surrounded by a large Mediterranean garden, combining authentic charm, comfort, and privacy. As freedivers ourselves—both here and abroad—we understand the vital importance of a peaceful setting to unwind, debrief, and prepare for your next dives in complete serenity.

Easy travel options for groups coming from afar

Toulon station, with TGV and regional connections from Paris and other major French cities, is just twelve kilometres away.

Toulon-Hyères airport, a quarter of an hour from the Mas, runs a seasonal direct flight to London — handy for our British guests — alongside domestic connections to Paris, Nantes, Brest and Lille.

For international groups, Nice and Marseille airports open up further options, with numerous direct European connections.

A haven of absolute calm, ideal for recovery and static apnea

We’ve chosen a place free of noise disturbance — no amplified music, no loud entertainment — a stance that naturally suits the rhythm of a retreat: days paced by the outings, evenings for debriefing, resting, and setting off early again the next day.

A short walk to the Port des Oursinières for your boat excursions

The Port des Oursinières, just a few minutes’ walk from the Mas, allows you to moor your boat(s) right on location. You can park your trailers directly at the Mas and walk to your vessel—no commute, no wasted time.

From Les Oursinières to Port-Cros: your diving spots in the Var

Just minutes away on foot, the Oursinières cove and the rocky shores of the Garonne Bay provide the perfect body of water for static and dynamic training, as well as marine exploration. Here you will find two shallow-water snorkeling trails and the San Peyre blue cave (among other gems). Depth training on lines is possible down to -100 meters, facing the dramatic red rocks between Cap Carqueiranne and the Pointe du Bau Rouge. The Hyères islands are only a short boat ride away: Porquerolles and Port-Cros, located in the heart of the National Park and a Natura 2000 protected zone, are among the finest freediving destinations in the Mediterranean. They offer crystal-clear waters, sheer drop-offs, caves, swim-throughs, and protected marine life, including groupers, conger eels, and gorgonians. Several accessible wrecks range from a few meters to 50 meters deep—ideal for designing a progressive training program from beginners to advanced divers, all from a single base.

Dedicated facilities: rinsing, drying and storing your freediving gear

Rinsing and drying gear, equipment storage, showers: everything is designed so daily logistics fade behind the practice itself. The group only has to focus on the outings — everything else follows.

Rates

from €28 /person/night

 Full privatisation of the mas, 15 to 20 people, mid-season.

Freediver descending along a line into the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of the Var region.

Tailor-made

Every group has its own requirements—schedules aligned with daylight or other activities, specific gear to store, dietary needs for shared meals, or managing mixed skill levels during the same session… Let’s discuss it directly: we will do our best to ensure logistics never get in the way of your program by providing the best accommodations possible. For your shared meals, we can recommend caterers or a private chef capable of adapting to your specific dietary requirements.

Solo Freediver or Retreat Organizer

Whether you are looking for a club to join or a venue to book exclusively

Freediving fin on a wooden table facing the sunset at Les Bonnettes beach in French riviera after a snorkeling session.
A magical end to the day at Les Bonnettes: the ultimate ritual after a long swim in the warm waters of our coastline.