French Riviera and Golden Islands

Easy to moderate hiking. Expect 2 to 4.5 hours of actual walking per day and/or 180m to 430m (590ft to 1410ft) of positive elevation gain and 180m to 630m (590ft to 2065ft) of negative elevation loss.

No technical difficulty: trails range from easy to moderately challenging. However, please be aware that in bad weather and strong winds, groups will not venture onto coastal paths, particularly around the Giens Peninsula, due to the risk of rogue waves and submersion.

You leave your luggage at the hotel for the duration of your stay. You don't have to carry anything except a daypack with your picnic and personal items for each day's hike/activities.

Privates' transfers on land as per the program and public boats. Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 7 from either Nice or Marseille are included. Transfers outside of these days and/or destinations can be arranged for a supplement fee.

From 4 to 12 people per group with 1-2 EU certified Grand Angle mountain guide that stays with the group throughout the trip.

7 days / 6 nights / 5 days of hiking

Start

On day 1 in Bormes les Mimosas, France Giens presquile, France

End

On day 7 in Giens Penisula, France

Accommodation / Catering

Accommodation

Bormes les Mimosas in a 4* hotel (2 nights): https://edenrose-grandhotel.fr/

Giens Peninsula in a 4* hotel (4 nights): https://www.provencalhotel.com/

Meals

All meals are included from dinner on day 1 through breakfast on the final day. Stays with bed & breakfast all nights of the tour. Dinner is planned at hotels or nearby restaurants walking distance from our accommodation. Lunch is prepared by your guide and enjoyed as a picnic along hikes daily.

Extend your stay

It is possible to plan additional nights to explore the eastern coast of the Giens Peninsula, Almanarre Beach, or the Salins des Pesquiers, and enjoy a few more hours of coastal walking, relaxing on the beach, or birdwatching — including the chance to see pink flamingos!

Arrival Destination

On day 1 in Bormes les Mimosas, France (Airport transfers included from Nice or Marseilles airports)

Departure Destination

On day 7 in Giens Peninsula, France (Airport transfers included from Nice or Marseilles airports)

By Plane

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)

By Train

SNCF Connect: Book your train tickets to France and Europe

By Bus

FlixBus: Affordable Global Bus Travel

Acting for Responsible Tourism - ATR label

Since 2012, Grand Angle has been a member of ATR, the leading association for more responsible tourism. We design our trips—on foot, by bike, or on snow—to invite everyone to discover the world differently: with curiosity, respect, and kindness.

Active on the board of directors since 2018, we contribute to advancing industry practices toward greater purpose. Specifically, we ensure:

• Transparency in our practices and pricing
• Respect for our partners and local communities
• Environmental preservation on each of our trips

We also share the values of the Traveler's Ethical Charter, which encourages simple actions to protect the places visited and foster meaningful encounters.

For more information on the ATR association: www.tourisme-responsable.org

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management—both within our company and with our partners, as well as in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, confirms our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy.

It is the client's responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

CLOTHING CHECKLIST:

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in
  (Note: buy boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
• Hiking Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Hiking/Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves (these items may not be needed in warmer months)
• Hiking Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts
  (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated "puffy" jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket (this item may not be needed in warmer months)
• Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc. (these items may not be needed in warmer months)
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

GEAR CHECKLIST:

• Backpack – a 30-45 Liter sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking.
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, rolling suitcase or backpack – for extra hiking clothes and casual clothes.
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
• Trekking Poles – telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain. (Note: strongly recommended)
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries
  (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour. Along the trail, there may be the need to use natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.) when there are no public toilets available. Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply.
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage in France is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are E/F & L type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
• Swimsuit

*FIRST AID KIT SUGGESTIONS:

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
  • Prescription Drugs – Any prescriptions you have from your doctor with back-up doses (always kept with you in carry-on luggage)
  • Epinephrine – Consider bringing multiple doses of Epinephrine (EpiPen) if you have any severe known allergies and have a prescription from your doctor.
  • Pain Relief – Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Non-Aspirin: Comparable to Tylenol – brand of choice
  • Antihistamine – Diphen: Comparable to Benadryl – brand of choice
  • Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief – Loratadine: Comparable to Claritin – brand of choice
  • Antacid/Heartburn Relief – Bismuth: Comparable to Pepto-Bismol, Antacid tablet – brand of choice
  • Anti-Diarrheal – Loperamide hydrochloride: Comparable to Imodium – brand of choice
  • Cold/Flu Medicine – brand of choice
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/"KT Tape", Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

PACKING FOR TRAVEL:

It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

"Carry-on Bag(s)" - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (hiking footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items become lost or delayed.

"Checked Bag(s)" - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your "Carry-on Bag" the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked "Travel Bag" (in case luggage is delayed). Hiking footwear is probably the hardest item to replace last minute if items become lost or delayed past the intended start date of the trip. Lost or delayed luggage has become more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

LUGGAGE MANAGEMENT DURING TRIP:

During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - "Checked Bag(s)" & "Carry-on Bag(s)": This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle/taxi, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity, but not throughout the day. Extra luggage is allowed on this trip and can be stored daily at the hotels.

Day Backpack (not provided): All guests will need a backpack, which they will be responsible for carrying during hikes. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.).

France, a member of the European Union, capital city is Paris.

Documents

Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health/Insurance

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

When calling France from an overseas number: +33 or 0033

Tourism bureau of Hyères: https://www.provencemed.com/hyeres-porquerolles/hyeres/

Adress : Rotonde du Park Hôtel, 16 avenue de Belgique, 83400 Hyères
Phone : +334 94018450.

Porquerolles tourism Bureau: https://www.provencemed.com/hyeres-porquerolles/porquerolles/

Adress : Carré du port, Porquerolles, 83400 Hyères
Phone : +334 94583376

Westen European Time: 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).

France is a Member-States of the European Union and use its uniform currency – the Euro €. France, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. French banks are generally open for the public from 8:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 Monday through Fridays. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.

Carte IGN Top 25 au 1/25000: n°3446 OT Hyères / île de Porquerolles

Carte IGN Top 25 au 1/25000: n°3446 ET Le Lavandou / Corniche des Maures / PN de Port-Cros

THE "GOLDEN ISLANDS"

Facing the Maures mountains, off the coast of the Giens Peninsula, the three islands of Hyères (Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Île du Levant) have remained untouched and today represent the last remnants of what the French Riviera once was before being submerged under concrete.

Between 2 and 3km (1.2 to1.9mi) wide and 7.5km (4.7mi) long, Porquerolles is the westernmost and largest of the three islands. Its terrain, high and rugged on the seaward side with coves and cliffs rising up to 100m (328ft) above the sea, slopes gently northward into stretches of fine sandy beach. From west to east, four cultivated plains are separated by hills covered with forests of cork oak, Aleppo pine, eucalyptus, fig, olive, and strawberry trees. There are no roads on the island; only dirt paths allow you to explore it.

Throughout the island, visitors will find a magnificently preserved natural environment with all the typical Mediterranean species. In 1971, the French State purchased four-fifths of the island and placed them under the care of the Port-Cros National Park, while a botanical conservatory safeguards species of oleander, almond, mulberry, apricot, and peach trees that have disappeared from gardens elsewhere.

The 350 residents who live on the island make their living from agriculture, vineyards, fishing, and tourism.

A BIT OF HISTORY...

In 1912, François Fournier purchased the island of Porquerolles at auction. A 55-year-old self-made man, he had left his home country, Belgium, penniless, became a foreman on the Canadian Pacific Railway, took part in the Panama Canal project, and made his fortune prospecting for gold in Mexico.

Upon his return, he bought Porquerolles as a gift for his young wife, and transformed it into a vast garden. He planted vineyards, fruit trees, cereal fields, and introduced sheep.

When he died in 1935, his children resisted the lure of real estate development and preserved the island intact, shaped according to the dream of their idealistic father.

WITNESSES OF TIME

Fort Sainte-Agathe overlooks the entire archipelago and the bay of Hyères. Built in 1531, destroyed, rebuilt, and expanded in the 19th century, it now houses an exhibition on underwater archaeology.

Among its treasures are elements of Greek shipwrecks dating back to 600 BC, recovered from excavations around the islands. The "Madrague de Giens," a commercial vessel from antiquity, measured nearly 30 meters (100 feet) long and could transport 8,000 amphorae.

However, no shipwreck from the Middle Ages has yet been discovered. On the other hand, battles against the English and the Dutch in the 18th century have left remains rich in fascinating history. Each artifact found is catalogued and treated to be preserved or exhibited at the fort.