The golden islands
Regular shuttle services (fast boats) named ‘Iles d’Or’ and ‘le Corsaire’ enable you to reach the islands of Port-Cros, Le Levant and Porquerolles.
The shuttle services leave from Le Lavandou (all year), Cavalaire (April to September and La Croix-Valmer (July and August).
Full and half day excursions are on offer.
Spend an unforgettable time discovering the large and rich nature reserve within the Pélagos sanctuary, a maritime area of 87500 km2 for protected animal species.
Look for dolphins, whales, seabirds, tortoises, tuna and swordfish.
Porquerolles
This is the greatest, best known ‘pearl’ of the Iles d’Hyères with heavenly fine sand beaches.
You will discover the up and down marked walking and cycling paths.
Don’t forget to visit the Carmignac foundation dedicated to contemporary art surrounded by a sculpture garden within the Port-Cros national park.
Fondation Carmignac
An exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art, surrounded by a garden filled with sculptures.
Visiting the villa and its gardens is a moment out of time.
The farmhouse is blended into a Mediterranean landscape with 2000m2 of exhibition rooms lit by a water ceiling.
All summer long, discover an open-air cinema program based on odyssey journeys and other adventures.
short film or artist’s film selected from a network of 150 film schools.
Various activities and thematic visits are offered:
-Workshop for children from 6 to 12 years old.
-Sound tours on full moon nights.
-Meditative visit plus yoga class.
-Private visit.
The visits are done in a quiet environment, without crowds and barefoot.
You must reserve your entrance tickets and the time of your visit on the Fondation Carmignac website.
Possibility of lunch in the park of the foundation.
L’Ile du Levant
Le Levant is an island facing the Massif des Maures of which it is a geographical extension.
It has a natural heritage and an exceptional coastline.
The island is divided into two geographical zones. One of which is the military centre for testing missile launching.
Like its sister Archipelago islands ‘Iles d’Or’ (or Iles d’Hyères), Le Levant is a Mediterranean island situated facing the Massif des Maures of which it is a geographical extension.
It is the most eastern island of the Iles d’Hyères. It has two clearly marked geographical areas. 90% Of the island is used for military purposes.
Only the other 10% is open to visitors with the naturist reserve of Héliopolis.
It was the first naturist reserve in Europe. It is also open to non-naturists and it would be a shame not to visit it.
It is a true peaceful area with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Port-Cros
The national park of Port-Cros is ideal for walking.
It is the wildest and most mountainous of the three islands.
It is also a paradise for divers.
On the island there are still a few fishermen’s houses, a small church, but also important historical sites such as:
The watchtower, the valley of solitude, Hélène’s mansion.
Port-Cros has also kept a number of forts from its military past, including:
Fort de l’Estissac, Fort de Port-Man, Fort de la Vigie, Fort du Moulin, Fort de l’Éminence.
