The Îles d’Or and the Calanques fjords
The enchanting Provencal coast
There’s no doubt about it, the aptly-named Îles d’Or (Golden Islands) are genuine jewels of the Mediterranean. Situated off the coast of Hyères, the Île de Porquerolles and Île du Levant – appreciated by naturists – harbour a multitude of little coves and golden beaches lined with pine trees. Protected by a National Park, they offer an idyllic setting for bathers and sun-worshippers alike. Just a stone’s throw from Marseille and Cassis, the Parc National des Calanques is also a bather’s paradise. Forming a succession of little limestone fjords spanning a maximum of 1.5 km, the “Calanques” are lapped by turquoise waters where you can enjoy swimming, observing the sea beds with a mask and snorkel, or scuba diving