The Sud from one island to another

Opposite Marseille, the Frioul Islands make for a wild escapeless than one hour by boat. From the Vieux-Port, Lebateau shuttles take you to the biggest main Islands of the archipelago: Ratonneau and Pomègues. The superb crossing passes in front of the Château d’If, which is famous through the Count of Monte-Cristo. Once you’ve docked, it’s time for a swim, and you can head for Morgiret and Saint-Estève beaches. A unique atmosphere which is both mineral and soothing, with a panoramic view of the Marseille coast on one side and the Côte Bleue on the other. On Ratonneau, stop off at the Maison des îles et du littoral, former Villa Marine, which has a panoramic esplanade and a whole mine of information on the biodiversity, landscapes and heritage of the archipelago. For those who love snorkelling, the Saint-Estève underwater trail, from the Saint-Estève beach, guides you under the water to discover the local submarine wildlife. Accessible both from the sea by yacht or shuttle, le Frioul is a gentle first stage in a blend of simplicity, nature and relaxation. To make the most of this archipelago in the heart of the Calanques National Park, find out what is the best way to visit it and the regulations to respect on the National Park site.

At a mere 12 minutes from the Brusc pier, in Six-Fours-les-Plages, the island of Les Embiez is a haven of peace and an invitation to explore, on foot or by bike. With its protected wildlife, the island is listed as a Natura 2000 site and has the Pavillon Bleu eco-label. The coastal trail has splendid panoramas over the sea and pretty creeks. Take to the sea in a canoe, a kayak or by boat to discover the island from another point of view. Feeling peckish? Between two walks, take a break in one of the restaurants on the Les Embiez harbour, and remember that booking at some places means you get a free ferry crossing. To digest gently, take some time to wander around the shops, discover the wine-growing estate or visit the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard, where you can take part in educational activities on the theme of marine biodiversity. Every corner of the Les Embiez island is an invitation to slow down, observe, and breathe deeply to experience a gentle, sustainable and authentic Mediterranean.

Easily reached from the Les Sablettes beach in La Seyne-sur-Mer, the Saint-Mandrier peninsula offers a peaceful, lush setting. The coastal trail offers some lovely walks through pine forests, with little creeks ideal for swimming or just a contemplative break. It also takes you to the Domaine de l’Ermitage, near the La Coudoulière beach, a former farm which bears witness to the rural past of the coast and has been converted into a cultural structure which blends sustainable farming, maritime memory and cultural events. At the northern end of the peninsula, opposite the bay of Toulon, you’ll come to the little marina of Saint-Mandrier where the “pointus” boats are lined up, sheltered from the wind. From the sea, heritage-lovers can admire Fort Balaguier, Tour Royale, the national monument erected as a homage to submariners and Fort Saint-Louis or just take the time to visit them from the land. And for those who love local products, the Baie du Lazaret is renowned for its shellfish farm and fish farm producers, to be discovered in a local market or a tasting by the sea.

Linked to Hyères by a double tombolo surrounding the Salin des Pesquiers, the peninsula of Giens can easily be reached by bus from Hyères. On your way, stop off at the archaeological site of Olbia, a witness to ancient civilisations, and walk or cycle along the green discovery lane which goes past the Salins des Pesquiers, the paradise of migrating birds. The bus takes you right to the southern end of the peninsula where you can see Fort du Pradeau, which houses a permanent exhibition on the theme of local natural and cultural wealth, and the La Tour Fondue underwater trail, to explore the beauty of the cost’s submarine biodiversity. Here, from the harbour of La Tour Fondue, or the various ports on the continent (Hyères, Toulon, Bormes-les-Mimosas, La Londe-de-Maures, etc.) climb aboard a sea shuttle or set sail for the Island of Porquerolles, the gem of the Port-Cros National Park and the site of the NEPTUNE European project for the protection of the coasts. You can also go to Port-Cros, a biodiversity haven which is also the home ot the La Palud underwater trail and L’île du Levant, with its unique atmosphere. Whatever your itinerary through these islands in the National Park, there is always a picturesque setting with hiking trails, pine trees, creeks, unspoilt nature and charming Provençal villages. To make the most of these islands and protect them, find out what is the best way to visit them and the regulations to respect on the National Park site.

Opposite the Cap de la Croisette, the Lérins islands, which can be reached in 15 minutes from the Quai Saint-Pierre in Cannes, offer an escapade between culture and nature. On Sainte-Marguerite, walk around the forêt domaniale of pines and eucalyptus trees, explore the Réserve Ornithologique de l’étang du Batéguier or visit Fort Royal, known as having housed the mysterious man in the iron mask for 11 years, without his identity ever having been revealed. Under the waves, an underwater ecomuseum exhibits 6 immersed sculptures forming artificial reefs which have gradually become covered with marine life, a poetic and committed work to raise awareness on the protection of the Mediterranean. A few cables away, Saint-Honorat is home to the Abbaye de Lérins, a place of spiritual interest where the monks still produce wines and liqueurs. The peace and quiet contrasts with the bubbling hustle and bustle of Cannes. By yacht or shuttle boat, this last stage is in the same vein as the rest of the circuit, wild, bucolic and cultural.