Tourist information

We chose to be a bird shelter and apply for the Esprit Parc National - Port-Cros label because it aligned with our values. This allows us to be part of a network dedicated to preserving and promoting our territories, traditions, and expertise.

Here are a few tips to help you organize your stay at the Gîte du Pagoulin while fully enjoying the surrounding area.

This is just a small sample of what you can do or visit. The best thing to do is coming and discovering our region by yourself ! See you soon at the Gîte du Pagoulin!

Hyères historic center

The old Hyères, dominated by the ruins of the medieval castle, is perched on a hill. Stroll through its colorful streets enjoying a splendid view of the Golden Isles and the Var hinterland. A discovery itinerary will allow you discovering Clemenceau place, street Massillon, Templar tower, St. Paul collegiale church, the medieval castle, the Villa Noailles (modern art which hosts exhibitions on architecture and photography), the arts circuit... Free shuttles to the city center 1 km from the house.

Porquerolles and Port-Cros

Porquerolles and Port-Cros islands are the two "hearts" of Port-Cros national park, refuge for wild and protected flora / fauna and hiker's paradise. On Porquerolles, several hiking and mountain biking circuits allow you to discover the rich landscape of the island: beahces on the north side, cliffs on the south side, vineyards and orchards... On Port-Cros, several walking tours and scuba diving sites allow you to appreciate the beauty of the wilderness and its protected species. Maritime shuttles provide the link all day between Hyères and the "Golden Isles".

Giens peninsula

The Giens peninsula connected to the mainland via a double tombolo, is full of magnificient small coves that can be discovered by walking on the coastal path or when diving. Come and enjoy a spendid point of view at the Pointe des Chevaliers, west of peninsula, via a sport trail accessible from the round table or the Madrague. An easier path connecting Badine beach to the Fondue Tower, will allow you discovering the eastern tip of the peninsula. Do not miss also the port of Niel, magnificient small fish port and the beautiful colors of its boats.

The Salt Road and Hyères salt marshes

The Salt Road connects Hyères to Giens peninsula, along the Almanarre beach famous for funboard and kitesurfing. The road closed to motorists from October to April, offers a pleasant walk or bike in the unspoilt nature of Hyères salt marshes, where we can observe flamingos and many other migratory birds species. Do not miss also the site of the Old Saltworks of Hyères, where you can onserve these birds in free access or during a visit commented by th LPO (Bird Protection League).

The remarkable gardens

The Olbius Riquier garden 15 minutes walk from the house, covers almost 7 acres and includes games, train and pony club for children.
The St. Bernard Park and the Castel St. Claire in the historic city center of Hyères, two plummeting terraced garden with exotic and Mediterranean flavors, provide a beautiful panomara on the city and its islands.

Toulon, its roadstead and Mount Faron

20 km from the house, Toulon roadstead houses the first French military harbor and is renowned for being one of the finest natural roadstead in Europe. You can discover it by boat during a guided tour, or from the top of Mount Faron after an ascent by cable car. A zoo on top of Mount Faron worths a visit. Why not enjoy your visit to see a game of Rugby Club Toulon in Mayol stadium?

Saint-Mandrier peninsula

The Saint-Mandrier peninsula is accessible by road (35km from the house), but it is also possible to access by water bus from the port of Toulon via the boat lines 18M and 28M, which makes the trip more agreable. Thus, you could for example take the opportunity to make a beautiful walk on the coastal path between the port of Sablettes and the port of Saint-Mandrier, with a splendid view of Cap Sicié and the rocks of the two brothers.

Fun activities in the air and underground

In the vineyard of Castille 10 km from the house, you can have fun on the tree climbing course in the freshness of the trees. Walks tours through the vineyards will make you discover the winery.

On the commune of Pradet 10 km from the house, the Cap Garonne mine is one of the 5 most beautiful mineralogical sites in the world. The visit of the old copper mine will delight young and old.

Bormes-les-Mimosas

Located 20 km from the house, the medieval village of Bormes-les-Mimosas is perched on a hill at the foot of the Maures and offers a panoramic view of the Golden Isles. The Mimosa Festival is held every year in February. During your visit, do not miss the handcrafted soap factory of the village. See also the path: wineries, Fort Brégançon, walks on the coastal path...

Sainte-Baume and Saint-Maximin

At 60 km from the house, straddling the Var and the Bouches-du-Rhône, the Sainte-Baume is a limestone wall more than 1100 m above sea level, 14 km long. Many hiking trails allow you to discover the site. Its cliffs are home to the cave of Mary Magdalene, a place of pilgrimage. You can pair your visit with one of the Basilica of Saint-Maximin, considered the most beautiful Gothic building in Provence.

Castelet

At 40 km from the house, the small medieval village of Castelet is a charming village perched on a promontory, with a spendid view on the sea, the surrounding vineyards and the Sainte-Baume forest. Stroll through the pretty alleys discovering artisans, small shops, art galleries...

Castelet is also famous for the Paul Ricard racing circuit located not far from the village, which hosts major car races and motorcycle prices.

BUT ALSO...

- Other ideas for visits on the website Esprit parc national de Port-Cros and also www.visitvar.fr

- The agenda of events in Hyères on the website of the Tourist Office of the city.

- A description of cycle tracks on the coast between Six-Fours and Saint-Raphaël.

- Itineraries of walking tours on the coastal path. We also have maps and hikes itineraries that we can lend you during your stay (IGN 3646 OT : Hyères et île de Porquerolles - IGN 3245 ET : Aubagne, La Ciotat, Massif de la Sainte-Baume - IGN 3145 ET : Marseille, les Calanques - Carte marine et terrestre de l'île de Port-Cros).

- Some amusement parks nearby : Magic World (4 km from the house), OK Coral (in Cuges-les-Pins, 50 km), Aqualand (in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, 50 km).