MANY BEACHES ON THE GIENS PENINSULA
L’Almanarre : With a length of 5 km, this beach is located on the West tombolo. The sand is white and the low water level (on the Giens side) allows children to enjoy swimming in complete safety. In westerly or north-westerly winds (the famous Mistral), there are a large number of windsurfers and kite-surfers. Depending on the strength of the wind, the sea can be rough and have a beautiful wild character. In an easterly wind, this beach is sheltered and the calm that reigns there allows you to discover the colors of a water that will make you dream.
La Bergerie and La Badine: These beaches stretch along the eastern tombolo. The shallow waters allow for easy and safe swimming in front of the Golden Islands. The fine sand is ideal for building the most beautiful castles! On days with a westerly or Mistral wind, these beaches will be sheltered from the wind.
The Four à Chaux, the Pradeau, the Darboussière and the wild coves offer you swimming spots far from the hustle and bustle of the coast for a moment of calm and relaxation on the beach near the Madrague, the Tour Fondue or along the coastal path.
PRM information: The Vignette Beach (Renée Sabran Hospital) and the La Bergerie Beach are adapted for swimming for people with reduced mobility and the visually impaired. In addition, two associations allow people with disabilities and their companions to enjoy the pleasures of the sea (swimming, sea kayaking, jet-skiing, scuba diving, sailing, etc.): Un Fauteuil à la Mer and La Mer Autrement.
To be discovered...
NATURE RESERVES AND REMARKABLE GARDENS
The enhancement of natural land and sea areas is at the heart of a conservation dynamic within the municipality of Hyères and the Var department. The Port-Cros National Park, the League for the Protection of Birds and the National Mediterranean Botanical Conservatory of Porquerolles also play a fundamental role in raising awareness among all audiences about the discovery of fauna and flora.
The ideas for nature outings are numerous and inexhaustible, among which we recommend must-see places in Hyères or in the surrounding area.
In Hyères and on the Giens Peninsula:
- The Salins d’Hyères (Les Pesquiers and the Vieux Salins);
- Castel Sainte-Claire Park;
- St. Bernard’s Park;
- Olbius Riquier Garden;
- Emmanuel Lopez Garden (Porquerolles).
In the surrounding area:
- Departmental nature area of the plan (La Garde, 17km)
- Remarkable Garden of the Domaine d’Orvès (La Valette-du-Var, 22 km);
- Domaine du Rayol, the Jardin des Méditerranées (Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, 45 km away);
COASTAL PATH, HIKING IN THE VAR, MOUNTAIN BIKING AND UNDERWATER TRAILS
Wild coves, paths lined with pine trees, cliffs and creeks; the coastal path allows you to go around the Giens Peninsula and immerse yourself in a corner of unspoilt nature.
Important information :
Dear friends who love hiking and bucolic walks, it is important to beware of the conditions of the Mediterranean climate which becomes excessively arid during the summer, which leads to a significant increase in the risk of fire. Some particularly critical situations (strong wind, increased drought) lead to the temporary closure of trails, as well as forest areas. As a result, the authorities have implemented a prevention plan that we invite you to read more about by clicking on this link: Access to forest areas.
As the hikes are not limited to the Hyères coast, we invite you to discover the many possibilities available to you in the Var, whether in the municipalities of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée agglomeration, in Provence Verte, in the Massif des Maures or in the Estérel.
People who enjoy cycling and mountain biking in the middle of nature will also be served during their holidays in the Var and on the Giens Peninsula. In addition to the many trails suitable for mountain biking on the island of Porquerolles, many itineraries will reveal the variety of Var landscapes.
Ten underwater trails, located in La Garde, Le Pradet, Hyères, Cavalaire and La Croix Valmer, are part of the network of partners of the Port-Cros National Park. They will allow you to discover the richness of the underwater fauna and flora.
ACTIVITIES WITH OUR PARTNERS
Find here our selection to enjoy the sea and nature.
Bike rental
Locabike offers the rental of bicycles, mountain bikes, electric bikes (adults, children) and carts, allowing you to discover the wonders of the Giens Peninsula and its surroundings.
10% reduction - Reservation: +33 (0)6 27 46 86 81
Sea trips
Îles d'Or Evasion, boat trips departing from the Port de la Tour Fondue. Discover the coast of the Presqu'île and Porquerolles with Julien !
€4 reduction - Reservation: +33 (0)6 38 14 15 84
Diving and snorkeling
The Club Espace Mer invites you to discover the seabed and the coast of the Giens Peninsula by scuba diving or snorkelling.
-5% on all activities - Reservation: +33 (0)4 94 58 94 94
Catamaran trips
AMC CAPE GRACE - The most beautiful place on Earth is at sea!
Departing from the Port of Hyères, escape for a sea trip aboard a maxi-catamaran and set sail (10 % reduction).
Reservation: +33 (0)4 94 55 28 60
Plage d'Argent
Sailboats dot the clear blue water of this narrow sandy beach suitable for tanning, which also attracts swimmers. Photo: (c) Hyères Tourisme
Plage Notre-Dame
Beautiful secluded tree-lined beach with long stretch of sand and rocks. Photo: (c) Hyères Tourisme
Jardin Emmanuel Lopez
This magnificent garden brings together plants adapted to the climate and spectacular plants from the four corners of the world: South Africa, Australia, South America, South East Asia, and Florida. Photo : (c) Port-Cros National Park
Bay of Langoustier and its beaches
Located on the western tip of the island, Langoustier Bay offers wild landscapes and two beautiful beaches spread out on either side of its isthmus.
Square Bachagha Boualam
Small public garden with artist’s studio, which offers a magnificent view of the open sea, the islands and the infinitely blue sea to the South, and of the bay of Almanarre, the beaches, the salt marshes and the town of Hyères as a whole in the North.
Cap de l'Estérel
Discover the eastern part of the Giens peninsula by walking the coastal path.
Pointe des Chevaliers
Discover the western part of the Giens peninsula by walking the coastal path.
Tour Fondue archaeological underwater trail, Pointe du Bouvet
Underwater, just a few meters from the shore, and at a shallow depth (6 meters), the route is marked with explanatory leaflets. Amphorae discovered on the wreck of the Madrague, found in the early 1970s in Giens, have been re-submerged. The remains were installed on the edge of Pointe du Bouvet, thus forming an archaeological underwater trail. Photo : (c) Hyères Tourisme
Tour of Toulon harbour
Embark on a guided tour of Toulon harbor, the most beautiful harbor in Europe, you will discover a large part of the buildings of the National Navy.
Castel Sainte-Claire Park
Experience a refreshing and bucolic interlude in this remarkable garden.
Rock and troglodyte caves of Cotignac
A picturesque village nestled at the foot of troglodyte cliffs. It is surrounded by vineyards and has a beautiful shaded square.
Glacière Pivaut and Le Gaudin
In the heart of the Mazaugues forest, a beautiful hike leading to the Pivaut ice house dating from 1880. This heritage, restored by the department, bears witness to an ancestral activity that has now disappeared.
Carcès Lake and Caramy Falls
This hike allows you to visit the village of Carcès, Lake Carcès and the splendid Caramy Falls. To be done in spring, when the water flow is high.
Esparron Lake
Lake of Esparron-de-Verdon, with an area of 328 ha, is one of the wildest in Verdon with its landscape of coves and cliffs.
Pennafort gorge
Explore this 2.6 km round trip route near the town of Callas. This easy route is a very popular place for walking, so you will probably meet people during your excursion (ideal in spring or late season, as summer is often dry). Dogs are welcome and can be let loose in certain areas.
Vallon Sourn - Châteauvert
An oasis of greenery and freshness, crossed by the Argens, this site is renowned for its cliffs among climbers, and for its ecological qualities. The walk leaves the small village of Châteauvert, runs along the Argens to discover this magnificent valley.
The Turtle Village in Carnoules
Educational refuge which allows visitors to contemplate around fifty species of turtles resulting from abandonment or administrative seizures, in an area close to their natural environment.
Tropical Zoological Garden
On more than 5 hectares, come and discover many species of rare animals and exotic plants.
Domaine du Rayol, The Mediterranean Garden
Welcome to Domaine du Rayol, a protected natural area of 20 ha, owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral, at the foot of the Massif des Maures and facing the Hyères Islands, in the Var, between Le Lavandou and Saint-Tropez.
Ampus
Nestled in the foothills of the Verdon at an altitude of 600 meters, Ampus, a village of character, reveals itself and the Provençal soul appears obvious. An invitation to stroll along the water path then the stations of the cross before taking some time in one of the village squares.
Sillans-la-Cascade
Set off to discover 2 magnificent waterfalls in a setting worthy of the greatest adventure films.
Cape Sicié
A natural gem of the commune of La Seyne-sur-Mer, Cap Sicié is to be discovered or rediscovered through numerous hiking trails. At the top of the massif, the Notre-Dame du Mai chapel offers the walker a splendid view of the sea and the massif.
Plaine des Maures & Lac des Escarcets
Hike in the last wild plain of the Var, in the heart of the Plaine des Maures nature reserve.
La Gâche and the Sand Hill (Colline de Sable)
A short walk that can enhance an afternoon, with beautiful panoramas all around Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, and a pleasant route first along the edge of the vineyards, then under the pines, then on a rocky ridge, ending by descending the famous sand hill.
Mount Faron
Mount Faron (Faro in Provençal) dominates with its 584 meters of white limestone the most beautiful harbor in Europe. Far from being the highest point, it nonetheless remains the most famous. At its feet stretch Toulon and the harbor, the coast from the Îles d’Or to La Ciotat, the Mediterranean as far as the eye can see. Access possible by Cable Car (Téléphérique). Depending on your wishes: outdoor activities, visit to the zoo or the Provence Landing Memorial.
Gaoutabry dolmen
Walk in the heart of the Massif des Maures to discover the largest Dolmen in the Var. Orientation table allowing you to discover an exceptional panorama. Regulated access depending on the opening of the massifs (inquire with our services).
Boat rental - kayaks / La Petite Flottille
At the Port du Niel or the Port de La Madrague, boat rental (with or without a license), sea kayaks and paddles!
Île du Levant
Domaine d’Héliopolis, one of the most popular naturist destinations on the Mediterranean coast.
Voie douce des Pesquiers
The gentle discovery route “Le Pas de Saunier” was officially inaugurated at the Salin des Pesquiers in Hyères. This 1.6 km long natural trail now allows walkers and cyclists to travel within this exceptional natural site, owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral managed by the Métropole Toulon Provence Méditerranée. Photo: (c) Métropole TPM
Saint-Bernard Park
Located at the foot of Villa Noailles, Parc Saint-Bernard occupies a privileged place and offers a marvelous panorama of the horizon.
Calanques National Park - Cassis
Landscapes worthy of the most beautiful postcards. The turquoise water licks the white sand of the beaches and small coves lined with limestone rock. This exceptional territory offers magnificent panoramas with the Mediterranean in the background. A must in the region, when access to trails and forest areas is authorized (ask our services).
Hiking in "Massif de la Sainte-Baume"
Numerous hiking trails are within your reach in this renowned forest, protected for several centuries, exceptional for the variety and quality of silvicultural species. Lovers of ancestral legends and spiritual tourism, take your shoes!
Hiking - Les Aiguilles de Valbelle
This sporty hike allows you to discover the Aiguilles de Valbelle and its dolomitic rocky peaks which emerge through the oak grove. A site guarded by the Chartreuse de Montrieux, an abbey of Carthusian monks.
Hiking - Colle Noire & Cap Garonne
A discovery trail illustrating the originality of the vegetation, the close dependency relationships between man, the coastal forest, water and the mine. A network of trails allowing the discovery of generous nature and exceptional panoramas on the Giens peninsula, the Hyères islands, the great harbor and the Toulon mountains.
Coastal path - L’Argentière
The coastal path, starting from the east of Argentière beach to Fort de Brégançon, offers you a beautiful 9 km walk with a postcard landscape with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea on one side, the vines of the AOC Côtes de Provence – La Londe on the other.
La Muie - Salernes
Natural swimming pool fed by the river “Bresque”. Swimming authorized but not supervised. Pets not accepted.
Via cordata - Le Dramont
Discover a 100% natural adventure course above the sea. In the red rocks of the Estérel, departing from the small port of Poussaï in Saint-Raphaël.
Almanarre beach
Long, narrow sandy beach located opposite a protected bay, ideal for swimming, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Beach "La Badine"
Magnificent fine sand beach where the water is shallow, making it possible to walk a long distance. Ideal with children!
Beach "Le Pradeau"
This superb beach, sheltered from the winds and facing south. It is reached by the coastal path a few minutes from the Tour Fondue pier (for Porquerolles). The water is turquoise and the sand is quite fine.
Beach "Le Bouvet"
Small beach accessible from La Tour Fondue following the coastal path (around 10 minutes). Nice panorama of the island of Porquerolles.
Beach "Anse du Four à Chaux"
Small sandy beach accessible from the Parc des Chevaliers, at the western tip of the Giens peninsula.
Beach "La Madrague"
Beach located at the end of the Parc des Chevaliers. Magnificent panorama of the harbor of Carqueiranne.
Beach "Darboussières"
Magnificent beach of tiny pebbles, a great starting point for hiking and snorkeling.