Iles d'Or - Golden Islands

Overview

Since the Renaissance, the three islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Levant have been called Les Iles d'Or (The Golden Islands). These jewels, just off the coast of la presequile de Giens (Giens peninsula), are on the most southern point of Provence.  We plan to walk on two of these three stunning islands, with a series of circular walks exploring the coastlines, inland flora and fauna and ruined forts.

The combination of sea and sun creates a mild microclimate giving the islands a green and luxurious vegetation of pines, eucalyptus, vineyards, fruit and olive trees and is a paradise for many types of birds.

Located on the French Mediterranean coast, the Giens peninsula is connected to the mainland of France by two 4 mile long sand dunes, which are also long and beautiful beaches.  In between the dunes once lay salt marshes, today it is now a haven for several species of migrating birds, from flamingos and egrets to sandpipers and herons.

We start our journey in Hyères where we spend three nights; from here we can enjoy some coastal walking.  We will also take the ferry to the Island of Porquerolles, with its stunning landscapes, picturesque village and calanques.  From Hyères we will also make our second Island visit to Port-Cros.  Ile Port-Cros, the smallest island of the three, is a national park and almost entirely covered in pine and holm oak trees, it's an ecological paradise!

From Ile Port-Cros we will travel direct to our second centre, Le Lavandou (our luggage will be transferred separately), where we spend our final three nights.  Here we will visit the picturesque medieval village of Bormes les Mimosas, walk along the scenic beach to reach the Port de Bormes and continue onto Cape Bènat, finally finishing at the Fort de Brégançon (the official retreat of the president of France).

We have a great programme of walks, enabling us to explore the local areas and islands, the best way of seeing the true beauty the Iles d'Or has to offer.