Surroundings
Nature at the top of its lungs.
Natural areas on the Cote d’Azur
The Cote d’Azur may be one of France’s most touristic region, but it is also one of the greenest. At the heart of the Côte d’Azur and Provence, the Cote d’Azur is in fact the second most wooded region in France and is bursting with spectacular natural areas. And that’s one of the reasons why camping enthusiasts love it so much! Its Mediterranean climate and varied landscapes are a real treasure trove for lovers of unspoilt nature. Discover the most beautiful natural areas to visit during your holidays in Provence.
The Golden Islands.
The islands of Hyères, better known as the Golden Islands, are grouped together in an archipelago at the southernmost tip of Provence, opposite Bormes les Mimosas, La Londe les Maures and Hyères. This unique natural area is made up of three islands, Porquerolles, Port Cros and Le Levant, offering a wide variety of Mediterranean landscapes, both on land and at sea. The Port-Cros National Park was one of the first natural areas in France, and since 1963 has brought together the islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles under a charter designed to protect the site’s biodiversity on land and at sea. The 3 Golden Islands can be reached by boat from the port of Bormes les Mimosas or Le Lavandou, just a few minutes’ walk from the campsite.
The forest and the Maures massif.
Treat yourself to a magical walk deep in the forest, in the heart of a unique natural area, as you take to the heights of the Massif des Maures. Whether you’re on your own, off the beaten track or with a professional guide (ONF, naturalist guide, etc.), stroll through this natural area and let the scents of lavender, narcissus and broom surprise you as you go. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Hermann’s tortoise! Le Lavandou and Bormes-les-Mimosas offer a wide range of walking and mountain biking trails. Whatever your level or the age of your children, you’ll be sure to find a trail that’s suitable for all members of the family, so you can make the most of this privileged natural area!
The Domaine du Rayol.
Just a few kilometres from the campsite, between Le Lavandou and Saint-Tropez, discover a protected natural area of around twenty hectares, at Le Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, at the foot of the Massif des Maures. A truly enchanting estate in which renowned landscape gardener Gilles Clément has designed the Jardin des Méditerranées, an emotionally-charged area containing trees from all over the world, creating an exotic natural space in the heart of Provence. In the Jardin des Méditerranées, you’ll plunge into the heart of a New Zealand Forest, pass by a shipwreck, walk through a pine forest and take a diversion into the gardens of Australia, America and the Canary Islands. It’s a journey through a variety of faraway natural spaces, while keeping your feet firmly on the ground in Provence. In summer, explore the marine trail on a snorkelling trip to discover the riches and natural spaces of the underwater world.
The Esterel massif.
The red rock of the Massif de l’Estérel and its steep slopes make it an absolutely remarkable 32,000-hectare natural area, which has inspired tourists, artists and writers for hundreds of years! Attached to Africa several million years ago, the Massif de l’Estérel gave birth to Corsica, which can be seen in the distance from the heights on a few clear mornings. The Massif de l’Estérel offers an unspoilt natural environment and stunning landscapes. The natural area of the Estérel massif extends as far as the communes of Saint-Raphaël, Fréjus, Bagnols-en-Forêt and Les Adrets de l’Estérel. Half of the site is classified as Natura 2000, which brings together natural areas of the European Union with a high heritage value due to the exceptional flora and fauna they contain. Just 45 minutes from the campsite, it’s an ideal spot for hiking, mountain biking or horse riding.
The Verdon gorges.
An idea for a stopover on your way to or from the Côte d’Azur: the Gorges du Verdon, considered to be one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe. An incredible natural area to discover, for the beauty of its landscapes and its many villages (Valensole, Riez, Aiguines, Bauduen, Castellane, Moustiers, Sainte-Marie…). The Gorges du Verdon are a delight for lovers of unspoilt nature, sports enthusiasts and anglers. The Verdon is one of Provence’s richest rivers in terms of species (torrent brown trout, pike, carp, etc.). Spend a day hiking in the low-lying gorges or paddling or kayaking on the water, and discover a richly-coloured natural area.
