Holiday Villa Rental Giens Peninsula South France


Holiday Villa for Rent Giens Peninsula

The Giens Peninsula is linked to the main land by a 'double peninsula', which has two long and beautiful beaches - the Almanarre Beach on the west side and the Bergerie/Capte beach on the east side. In between there is a vast area of previously salt marshes, now a nature reserve for migrating birds such as flamingos, egrets, teals, cormorants, herons, terns and sandpipers. Guided tours of the reserve are organised through the Hyeres Tourism Office on 04 94 38 50 91 (Maison du Tourisme de Provence Azur).

Along the east side, where the main road takes you to the Tour Fondue - where the ferries to Porquerolles, Port Cros or Levant Islands can be boarded - the small villages of La Capte and Bergerie are very well equipped for all sorts of water sports.
Along the east side, the so-called Salt Road - closed to traffic between November 15th and April 15th due to frequent flooding - is a haven for walkers, cyclists and bird watching. The long sandy Almanarre beach is a paradise for families and a European hot-spot for Funboards, mainly when west winds are strong.

The village of Giens

Giens, close to the holiday villa, is one of the most beautiful and untouched villages of the French Riviera: truly French, simple and authentic. There is a wide selection of shops, a little co-op called Cadi with welcoming proprietors, a boulangerie, newspaper shops, butcher, chemist, doctors, restaurants, hotels, cafés, art galleries and many more, not forgetting its charming church.
The Tuesday Market (8am till 1pm) is a high point of the week. Do not miss it for fresh fish, cheaper than at the Niel harbour, all local goodies and Provencal souvenirs…. Similar markets are on Friday at La Capte village and on Sunday on the harbour of Hyeres.

At the top of the village (via stairs across from the newsagent) you will discover a splendid 360 degrees view over Toulon, Hyeres and the Golden Islands which gives you a perfect idea of the landscape of the Peninsula.

The restaurants of both 'Le Tire Bouchon' and the restaurant of the Hotel Provençal are of a very high quality, offering very good value for money.

The Harbour of Niel

Niel harbour has colourful fishing boats, a small beach perfect for small children and a coastal walk. It is just two minutes walk down from the villa. The harbour is very well protected from the Mistral/West winds and East winds. It is the perfect place to moor your boat (boat hire is available in Hyeres Harbour). Every morning, around 8.30/9am, you can buy fish directly from the fishermen. Make sure you are one of the first in the queue, so you have a better choice of the catch of the day. Take a bucket, as they do not provide plastic bags. It is not cheap but the fish is fresh and the atmosphere unique!
The restaurant 'Poisson Rouge' is highly acclaimed in the area. You can sit outside and have a wonderful view over the harbour towards Porquerolles Island.

The Coastal Footpath

Reserved to walkers only, the coastal footpath is well sign posted with yellow marks around Giens Peninsula, Porquerolles and Port Cros islands. The path round the Presqu'ile is just behind 'Lune de Niel'. Just walk up to the west of the Peninsula and you will discover some beautiful views, accompanied by the scent of herbs and the singing of cicadas. Take some drinking water and a swimming suit with you. Choose your little cove and have a swim. Good shoes are highly recommended as some parts of the path are rather steep. The Island footpaths are equally enjoyable. Maps can be purchase in Giens. Smoking is not allowed, as a protection against fire.