3* holiday complex on
Giens peninsula in Hyères

Day 1 – Settling into a holiday residence on Giens peninsula, between wonder and inspiration

We arrived on a sunny Sunday at the end of August, for a week’s holiday at the Résidence La Gabinière. It was our first visit and Jennifer (receptionist) was a great help. Her recommendations allowed us to discover a multitude of activities that delighted the whole family. After unpacking our suitcases, we headed to the small beach called Plage du Bouvet, where the water sparkled under the late afternoon sun. My children Louise and Paul, exhausted by impatience, ran towards their first swim in the sea. I watched them frolic in the waves with a smile, feeling the stress of the last few weeks begin to dissipate. Back at the residence, on the pontoon, I saw a man wearing a diving suit, the black of which contrasted with the intense blue of the sea. He was chatting with a group of curious people gathered around him, recommended a few places in the surrounding area, then suggested that we get information from the Club Espace Mer, right next to La Gabinière. We made an appointment for Friday for a sea trip aboard the Brigantin; the week was already looking too short…

Day 2 – The Port du Niel and its museum, boat trip, snorkeling

From the first morning, we explored the calm and picturesque Port du Niel and took the opportunity to visit the Musée du Niel, rich in works of art, mainly abstract paintings from the 20th century. A great introduction to the cultural richness of the region, before picking up a small boat (without a license) reserved in advance from La Petite Flottille. Luckily, there was no swell along the coast: this outing allowed us to picnic in a cove not far from Port Auguier, under the song of the seagulls, which fascinated the children much more than abstract art, and to admire the splendor of the seabed (rocks, posidonia, colorful fish) while snorkeling (fins, mask and snorkel). Entertaining and enriching, an activity that delighted both the children and the captain in me. After this first busy day, we took the time to dine in our apartment facing the sea, and to rest in order to set off again the next morning.

Day 3 – Market in Giens, hike on the West side, gilthead sea bream

Tuesday in Giens is market day: local fruits and vegetables, olive oil and a great gilthead sea bream were brought back to the residence for dinner, after a detour to Square Boualam and the heart of the village, with its authentic alleyways and peaceful atmosphere. Indeed, we had planned a beautiful hike on the West side of the Peninsula Giens (after the Port de la Madrague), and it was a question of not hanging around too much. A hundred meters after the parking lot shaded by umbrella pines, whose scent of needles heated by the sun filled the air, we took the coastal path. The landscapes there are simply breathtaking (cliffs and coves). A light and very short shower perfumed the path, intensifying the scents of Mediterranean plants. After this immersive hike of almost 3 hours, we were all pleasantly tired, but not enough to forget the beautiful sea bream promised for dinner!

Day 4 – Bormes-les-Mimosas, Domaine du Rayol, Le Lavandou

On Jennifer’s good advice and in order to broaden the range of our discoveries, we headed east and went to Bormes-les-Mimosas, whose historic heart is ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. Between old buildings in ochre tones, narrow streets, flowery squares and art galleries, there reigns here a typically Provençal atmosphere, not to mention the magnificence of the bougainvillea flowers at the end of summer, and the breathtaking view from the heights. After lunch on a shaded terrace in one of the small local restaurants, we now had to go to the Domaine du Rayol, a protected natural area, owned by the Conservatoire du littoral. Much more than a park to visit, Le Jardin des Méditerranées is a magnificent collection of plant species from all over the world, whose layout is designed by geographical zones (Canary Islands, Chile, California, subtropical Asia, etc.). I was far from imagining the ease with which my children, adventurous apprentice botanists, surveyed the 20 hectares of its landscapes. Additional advice: the refreshing break at the Café des Jardiniers. For the rest of the program, it was time to return to swim and relax in Le Lavandou, which has superb beaches (Aiguebelle, La Fossette, Cavalière), and a seafront in the city center very lively in the evening, for all ages.

Day 5 – Porquerolles, sunset at Almanarre

Thursday was dedicated to the discovery of a pearl of the Mediterranean: the island of Porquerolles. Accessible by boat with the TLV-TVM company (pier 100 m from the residence, very many rotations all year round), the island amazed us with its dream beaches and its diverse landscapes, to discover by taking, on foot or by bike (many rentals on site), the many paths laid out along the coast or through the woods (beware of restrictions in Mistral weather). We also took the opportunity to visit the Villa Carmignac and its sculpture garden (2000 m² and 15 ha dedicated to contemporary art harmoniously integrated into an exceptional natural environment). A unique cultural experience, the highlight of the day between sea and vineyards, before returning to eat an ice cream on the Place d’Armes, dominated by the Sainte-Anne church (similar to Mexican religious buildings), while waiting for the boat. As soon as we got back, we quickly got something to go for a picnic on the Almanarre beach (also famous for kitesurfing, wing foiling and windsurfing). Admiring the sunset and the gradual appearance of the starry sky was very inspiring.

Day 6 – Sea trip on a traditional sailboat

As planned, we were on time at the port of Hyères to enjoy a unique experience: embarking for the day aboard the Brigantin, a traditional wooden boat powered by the wind in the heart of the maritime territory of the Port-Cros National Park. It is the ideal vessel to discover the Golden Islands in an atmosphere of relaxation and serenity, with the partner of the Résidence La Gabinière, the Club Espace Mer.

After a welcome coffee and a presentation of the program using a nautical chart, we set off for the most beautiful sites of the Hyères harbor and the island of Porquerolles, passing by the Cap des Mèdes, the bay of Notre-Dame, that of Alycastre (with its fort surrounded by mystery) and the Langoustier beach, before reaching the islets of Ribaud. The captain dropped anchor around noon in a splendid bay for the aperitif and the buffet. After lunch, time was given over to water activities (kayak, paddle, flippers, masks and snorkels in the turquoise Mediterranean waters, while some took the opportunity to take a nap. Finally, the captain suggested that we hoist the sails with the crew, then resume sailing back to the quay, with memories of this magical day in our heads.

Day 7 – Hyères and its city center, last evening on the Giens Peninsula

For this last day, I decided to get up early to take a few pictures of the beach “Plage du Bouvet“. When dawn broke, the horizon was tinged with pink and gold, further enhancing the expected result. I also thought about the multitude and richness of the encounters of the week, and took the opportunity to greet Jennifer to express our deep gratitude for her advice that enriched our stay. Saturday morning is perfect for discovering the city center of Hyères, since the market there takes place every week, summer and winter. Between the palm-lined avenues, the pedestrian streets and the many stalls in the steep alleys of the labyrinthine old town, here we were again finding something to intoxicate ourselves with beautiful flavors and fill our bags with local specialties and souvenirs to take home (find here the tourist sites not to be missed in Hyères).

To top it all off, while I was tasting a subtle olive oil from a producer in La Londe-les-Maures, I was stopped by a man in his forties, whom I recognized quite easily. It was Valentin, a good friend from high school, who had come to settle in Hyères with his parents in the early 2000s. The end of summer and my mood favored the sharing of an impromptu lunch in a local restaurant. Seeing my children’s happy faces, I could only accept Valentin’s offer to meet up before we left for a last swim followed by dinner together. This moment stolen from the routine was a moment of happiness.

The next morning, we left with a multitude of enchanting memories and a burning desire to return, not only for the sea, but for so many other reasons…”

Marie G, 37 years old, Aix-en-Provence