- Home
- La Côte d'Azur
- Must-sees
Must-sees during your stay in Hyères
The Giens peninsula is packed with incredible sites, and it's sometimes hard to know where to start. To help you make the most of your stay, our team has explored the best activities and experiences in the region. Here are our three top places to see when you visit the Mediterranean!
Our favourites : the Hyères salt marshes
An exceptional natural site
The Salins d'Hyères is a unique place, combining nature, history and tranquillity. These vast salt marshes are a haven of peace for nature lovers. It's an ideal spot to unwind, go for a walk or observe the local wildlife, particularly the migratory birds that come here to take refuge.
Discover the two salt works still in operation :
- The Vieux Salins d'Hyères : They cover around 1,200 hectares and are now a biodiversity conservation area, a refuge for migratory birds and a top spot for nature lovers. You can discover this natural area by following the footpaths that wind through the marshes.
- The Salins des Pesquiers : Classified as a Departmental Nature Reserve since 1983 and formerly a salt production site, it is now a favoured spot for birdwatching, particularly pink flamingos, who come here to rest during their migrations. It's also a great place for photographerss or nature lovers who want to explore this peaceful, unspoilt setting.
Our passionate guide will accompany you
Our guide invites you to explore the Vieux Salines d'Hyères, renowned as one of the most remarkable natural areas on the Mediterranean coast, on a 3-hour cycling tour. The expedition includes a guided cycle along paths that are home to a wealth of flora and fauna, including pink flamingos, which you'll be lucky enough to spot, and a visit to the Nature Centre and its exhibitions. The Vieux Salins d'Hyères offers a wonderful place to escape in the heart of the Mediterranean, combining nature, history and serenity.
The Îles d'Or: a treasure to discover
The Îles d'Or, treasures of the Mediterranean, lie just off the Giens peninsula. This little piece of paradise is made up of three islands : Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant. Each has its own charm, with breathtaking scenery and perfectly preserved nature.
The island of Porquerolles
The largest and most visited of the islands, Porquerolles, is a natural paradise. It is known as the island with two faces: : on the south side, you'll find a number of cliffs sheltering creeks and little coves where you can hide from the world. On the north side, a change of scenery is guaranteed: a Caribbean atmosphere where you can admire turquoise waters and a fine-sand beach. The centre of the island is a lusher area, abundant in plant and animal life.
The beaches of Porquerolles, which include the Plage d'Argent, are among the most beautiful in the region, with their turquoise waters and fine sand. It's the perfect place for swimming, snorkelling or simply basking in the sun.
Here, the atmosphere is calm and relaxed, far from the hustle and bustle of the big seaside resorts. No cars, just bikes and pedestrians, are allowed here, which adds to the sense of tranquillity.
Port-Cros
Wilder and more unspoilt, Port-Cros is the perfect island for nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in a wild landscape. It is a delight for walkers and divers, with well-marked trails and an exceptional seabed teeming with fish, coral and wrecks to explore.
Île du Levant
The smaller Île du Levant is known for its naturist beaches and intimate, serene atmosphere. Here, you can feel the tranquillity of life and bohemian atmosphere. A large part of Le Levant is occupied by a military centre, but the rest of the island is open to the public. You can also discover lush vegetation and hidden coves.
The two tomobolos of Giens: a rare geological phenomenon!
A truly fascinating and rare geological phenomenon, the two tombolos at Giens create a natural bridge between land and sea. These two narrow strips of land link the peninsula to the mainland. Giens used to be an island but became attached to the mainland through the accumulation of sand and sediment transported by sea currents over time.
On one side is the Mediterranean Sea, with its turquoise waters and fine sandy beaches, and on the other, typical Mediterranean vegetation. It's an ideal spot for a walk or cycle ride, enabling you to enjoy the breathtaking views over the bay and the Îles d'Or in the distance.
Located in the south of France, just a few minutes from Toulon, the Salines open-air hotel offers upmarket accommodation of a new kind: the Beach House, the Cabanes de Giens and the Folies. Each accommodation features large indoor/outdoor spaces in a refined style in the heart of Provencal nature, with direct access.