Hyeres and the Golden Islands

With a tinge of sadness we left Saint Tropez but look forward to coming back again next year. We drove west along the coast towards Hyeres, taking the D559 near Port Cogolin towards La Croix-Valmer. From here the road drops down towards the sea and skirts the coast passing through many family-friendly seaside resort towns with jam-packed sandy beaches. It is now the first week of the French school holidays and we are in the midst of one of the worst and most extended heatwaves the country has ever experienced. There are families on bikes, excited children and inflatable beach toys everywhere! The drive is rather corniche-style in places with beautiful sea views, cliffs, blue skies and sparkling water. MoneyPenny was in her element. :)

Hyeres is the oldest town on the French Riviera. Its old town precinct has characterful streets and local artisans' studios. You can walk all the way up to the ruins of the Chateau D'Hyeres with magnificant views at the top of the hill. The Chateau d'Hyeres dates back to 1062 and remained an important fortress for the Dukes of Provence, particularly in protecting the salt trade. It was dismantled in the early 17th century under the orders of Henry IV of France and then Louis XIII to try and exert central control over the local lords. We are staying the Le Hameau des Pesquiers Ecolodge and Spa by Hilton https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/tlnleqq-le-hameau-des-pesquiers-ecolodge in the La Capte area with heaps of great restaurants in the neighbourhood for delicious and affordable meals.

We stayed four nights here so we could explore Les Isles d'Or (the Golden Islands). These three islands are said to have some of the most beautiful beaches in France and can be reached by ferry from the Gien Pensinsula. These are all under the authority of the National Parks system. We spent a day on the island of Porquorolles where we hired bikes and rode to a remote beach called La Plage Blanc. We swam in pristine waters and ate our picnic - idyllic. On another day, we went to the island of Port Cros and hiked to a beach where you can snorkel along a 'marine trail' - once again idyllic and we didn't hear any foreign voices. More picnicking on the beach, a very high step count, lots of fresh air and sunshine - truly participating in the 'joie de vie'. Sublime.

This place is definitely 'off the beaten trail' for most foreign tourists but well worth a visit if you like outdoor activities and natural beauty mixed some raw French art and lots of history.