Sports and Leisure - while on Holiday in Provence

SWIMMING

With the direct access to the sea, villa 'Lune de Niel' is a wonderful place to enjoy a peaceful holiday far from crowded and noisy beaches. The private stairway leads to a sunny corner on the rocks below. Take goggles and flippers and off you go, exploring the surrounding little coves.
It is a perfect place to start windsurfing, scuba diving or simply fishing.

SCUBA DIVING

There are lots of clubs along the French Riviera, welcoming members of all levels. The Ulysse Club at the Madrague harbour is just five minutes drive away and the closest 04 94 58 25 07 with Sub Plongée au Pousset between La Capte et Bergerie - March to December : 04 94 58 25 30

For all the shipwreck sites and other diving sites
For scuba diving clubs in the area
For the famous shipwrecks of the Presqu'ile

WINDSURFING AND FUNBOARDS

At the European hot-spot for funboards on the Almanarre beach, the area has lots of different shops and places where you can hire windsurfers for the day/and/or week.
When there are strong west winds, windsurfers just pop out onto the Almanarre beach. They are quite spectacular to see, very colourful and acrobatic.
A good shop and hire place is QUAI 34 tel 04 94 38 54 06
Windsurfing hire

HOBICAT / CATAMARANS

Hire at the Bergerie Beach and at the VVF village. 04 94 58 21 51 - voile légère

JET SKI HIRE

A Navigation Licence is required.
Easily available to rent for an hour, half a day or a day, it is a fun way to visit the islands.
Rando Jet au camping de la Capte
L'Arbajets at la Madrague
Audemar à l'Ayguade 04 94 05 30 30

MOTOR AND SAILING BOAT HIRE

The best way to visit the islands of Hyeres is to hire your own boat and cruise around. There are lots of hire and rental possibilities available at the Hyeres harbour, at the third marina.
Out of season, prices drop and we recommend hiring a motor boat for two to three days, according to the weather forecast, and visiting the islands.

SUN FAST 42 HEYOKA II - 06 80 02 64 70 - Location de voilier avec skipper
APACA MULTICOQUES - 04 94 38 43 01 - Voile location
AU FIL DE L'ETRAVE - 04 94 57 33 13 - Voile location
DIAPASON, ECOLE DE CROISIERE - 04 94 57 35 12 - Voile location
HEXAVOILE - 04 94 01 47 30 - Voile location
LA ROUTE DU SUD - 04 94 38 53 93 - Voile location
MELEE VOILES - 04 94 12 20 20 - Voile location
MISTRAL MARINE - 04 94 38 36 12 - Voile location
MOORINGS SAIL MED - 04 94 57 37 17 - Voile location

FISHING

For the amusement of the all family, it is very simple to get some cheap cane fishing rods with a little string and a hook not bigger than number 20 (19 is already too large to catch the little fish for the soup). Buy some Escavenes dures, sort of wriggly worms that you cut into pieces for your hook.
Just walk down to the rocks below the villa when it is not too windy. The evenings are best. It is always a great joy to see children catching their first fish.
For the discerning fishermen, you can use your professional gear at the same spot where you can catch bigger fish. Regarding deep-sea fishing, the area behind the islands is very well known for Bonitos or small Tuna. Try to make contact with Mr Giraud 06 07 31 88 63 / 06 09 98 49 33. Rebel fishing, Mme Bethancourt on 0607856898 and SOCOMER - 06 07 31 88 63 or 06 09 98 43 33

RAMBLERS / WALKS

During the high season, the coastal walks round the Presqu'ile de Giens and the three Golden Islands give wonderful views, with shade and secluded coves for a quiet swim.
Out of season, the department of Var is packed with walks in the back hills. Guided walks are also very interesting and details can be found on the Maison du Tourisme Provence Azur 04 94 01 84 44
Check out our recommended book list for maps
For guided tours in the Maures hills

BIRD WATCHING

On the Salt marshes /Les Salins des Pesquiers/Salins de Hyères. The vast area of former salt marshes in between the two roads of the island, is now a protected nature reserve for migrating birds where more than 80 species can be seen, such as flamingos, egrets, teals, cormorants, herons, terns and sandpipers. Guided tours are organised through the Hyeres Tourism Office on au 04 94 38 50 91 (Maison du Tourisme de Provence Azur) or you can also ring the LPO, Ligue protection des Oiseaux = Association of the Bird's Protection on tel 04 94 57 01 98.

GOLF

GOLF DE VALCROS - 04 94 66 81 02

TENNIS

The Tennis courts at the Hotel Provençal are available to rent by the hour. Ring the clubhouse or the hotel on 04 98 04 54 54

HISTORIC SITES AND BUILDINGS

The French Riviera has a wide range of historical buildings, forts, churches and abbeys. The Green Guide of the Cote d'Asur and Provence is the best guide to the area.
La Chartreuse de la Verne at Collobrières, driving through the Dom Forest and Notre Dame des Anges à Pignan are worth a day visit. The wonderful Abbaye du Thoronet at Cannet is a beautiful example of mastering perfect acoustics in a church and a great day out.

The Gardens of du Domaine du Rayol are a true paradise for hundreds of Mediterranean and exotic plants from all over the world Tel 04 94 05 50 06 Historical tours

THALASSIC TREATMENTS

The Thalasso at the hotel Ibis in La Capte offers some treatments all year round. For more details

BICYCLE AND MOTORCYCLE HIRE

Available behind Hyeres harbour, on the Avenue Méditerranée, from the HORIZON shop Tel 04 94 58 03 78

RESTAURANTS

The possible list is very long but within walking distance of the villa you have 'Le Tire Bouchon' and the restaurant of 'Hotel du Provençal' in the village of Giens and 'Le Poisson Rouge' at Niel harbour and 'La Bouillabaisse' at La Madrague harbour. It is very difficult to recommend any of them as they do vary from season to season. Your comments will be much appreciated ...

TO BUY YOUR WINE IN BULK - COTES DE PROVENCE EN PROPRIETE

Château de La Castille Fondation La Castille, Domaine de La Castille 83260 La Crau Tel: (33) 494 66 71 48; Fax: (33) 494 33 42 The rose in five or 10 litres is good quality at an excellent price. For the listing of Cotes de Provence
At the upper end of the scale, try OTT Domaine d'Ott Londe/Hyeres.