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Hyères Islands
The Hyères Islands is the marine paradise of the Var district. Fortunately, it has not yet been touched by real estate promoters who have already constructed all over the coast. The Hyères Islands are made up of Porquerolles, Port Cros and Levant. These islands, also known as the “Iles d’Or” (Golden Islands), are accessible from the presqu’île of Giens, Lavandou, Hyères and Toulon. Why the “îles d'Or"? Because of the light reflected from the golden-brown mica rocks.
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Porquerolles is the largest of the islands measuring 8 km by 2 km. It is also the most visited but it is not a «tourist factory». Here, the infrastructure has remained simple and nature has fiercely been preserved. The north coast of the island shelters beaches with fine sand and turquoise seas. On the south, the coast is more hilly and rocky. The centre of the island is a thick forest. Cars are prohibited on the island, so the best ways to get around is on foot, bicycle or horse. It is best to visit the island in mid-season as it is always packed in summer.
Port Cros is a national park protected since 1963. Its surface and marine life is closely watched. The flora is rich and varied and its fauna includes many different species of birds. The island is essentially rocky and measures 4.5 kms by 2.5 kms. Many of the places have Roman names such as: Pointe de la Galère, Vallon de la Solitude, Vallon Noir, Route des Crêtes, etc. Many fortresses: Estissac, Eminence and Vigie reminds one that the Hyères Islands used to be an important control post on the coast.
The Levant Island is a real paradise for nudist in summer. About 150 years ago, it was known for something completely different because a prison for children was installed here. Levant is also a military base that occupies its 8 km by 1.5 km surface. There is not much space here to walk around, but then again one comes here to get rid of your bathing costume and to sip on a drink under the mimosas and bay leaves. Except for the beach, the island is made up of little cliffs
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