Iles d'Hyères / Iles d'Or

The Iles d'Hyères, Porquerolles, Port-Cros and the Ile du Levant (as well as other islands) continue the peninsula of Giens to the east. Geologically they form part of the Massif des Maures and are called - probably on account of their glistening mica-bearing rocks - the Iles d'Or (golden islands). The islands are for the most part wooded, with steep fissured slopes; they have fine natural harbors and are popular not least because of their beaches which are ideal for swimming. In the time of King François I the islands were used as a base by pirates.

Ferry services leave from Toulon, Hyères-Plage and La Tour- Fondue to Porquerolles; from Port-de-Miramar, Le Lavandou and Cavalaire