The Giens Peninsula offers everything we love about a holiday in the Var: fine sandy beaches, water sports, unspoilt nature and Porquerolles just fifteen minutes away by boat.
Connected to the mainland by its unique double tombolo, this strip of land jutting out into the sea offers activities for everyone — families with children, kitesurfing enthusiasts and nature walkers alike.
Kitesurfing on Almanarre beach, diving around the Îles d’Or, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking along the wild coves: the Giens coastline has no shortage of spots. And between the Pesquiers salt marshes with their flamingos, the coastal path and the boats to Port-Cros from La Tour Fondue, your days will fill up in no time.
Whether you’re on a week’s holiday at the Belambra Giens holiday club or just passing through, here are all the unmissable activities on the Giens peninsula to help you make the most of this haven of peace in the south of France.
Activities on the Giens Peninsula
The Giens Peninsula is one of the most well-rounded destinations in the Var for anyone wanting to discover the Côte d’Azur in a different way. The activities on offer here cater for all tastes: water sports, nature walks, family swimming and boat trips to Porquerolles. It’s hard to get bored, even over a whole week.
What makes Giens a must-visit is the variety of leisure activities packed into just a few kilometres. From kayaking at La Madrague, kitesurfing at Almanarre Beach and snorkelling along the underwater amphora trail, the peninsula offers water-based activities for the whole family.
And for nature lovers, the Pesquiers salt marshes and the coastal path offer a different way to explore Giens, far from the summer hustle and bustle. Every day can be different. That’s what makes this extraordinary spot in the Var so special.
Water sports to try
The Giens peninsula is an ideal playground for all water sports enthusiasts. The Almanarre kitesurfing spot is one of the best in the region, frequented by windsurfers and wingfoil enthusiasts from Toulon and beyond. Whether the wind is from the west or the mistral, the sea here has a wild character much appreciated by windsurfers and kitesurfers.
For diving, there are several centres on the peninsula. Ulysse Plongée, located at La Madrague, offers trips to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful sites. Espace Mer, at La Tour Fondue, offers diving, snorkelling, free diving, boat trips and kayak and paddleboard hire, with access to the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros.
Kayaking allows you to explore unspoilt coves accessible only by sea. Rental companies offer single or double kayaks for half-day or full-day hire, from 20 euros, departing from La Madrague. A lovely way to discover Giens in a different light, away from the crowds.
The best beaches for swimming
The Giens peninsula boasts a variety of beaches, depending on what you’re looking for. Almanarre Beach, stretching 5 km along the western tombolo, is the largest and best known. The sand here is white, and the shallow water on the Giens side means children can enjoy a swim in complete safety. When the wind is from the east, this beach is sheltered and the water takes on colours that are the stuff of dreams
For smaller, quieter beaches, head for the coastal path and its unspoilt coves. As you walk along the path, you’ll reach idyllic spots such as Pradeau Cove, Bauma Beach or Pontillon Beach, where the crystal-clear water and panoramic views of the open sea are truly contemplative.
The sunset from the western tip of the peninsula is a sight not to be missed. The light over the sea and the Îles d’Or at this time of day alone makes the trip worthwhile.
How do you get to the walking trails?
The Giens Peninsula coastal path is one of the most beautiful nature trails along the Var coast. There are two main loops – one on the west side and one on the east side – accessible on foot from the Port de la Madrague or from the village of Giens.
The western loop covers 6.1 km and takes around 2 to 2½ hours to walk, with an elevation gain of 264 metres. The path runs along the cliff, crosses a pine forest and passes through pretty, unspoilt coves with magnificent views of the sea and the islands. Make sure you wear suitable footwear and bring water.
The East Loop, which is easier, covers 8.7 km with an elevation gain of just 104 metres. It passes by Bauma Beach, Pradeau Beach and the Tour Fondue, offering lovely views of Porquerolles and Port-Cros.
Please note in summer: the Var’s woodlands may be closed by prefectural order due to the risk of wildfires. Before setting off on any walk, check the map showing closures in the Var’s woodlands, which is updated every evening. Out of season, spring and autumn are perfect for exploring these peaceful trails.
Places to visit
Beyond the beaches and water sports, the Giens peninsula is well worth a walk inland. The village of Giens, perched on its hilltop, is loved for its Provençal charm and its little fishing port of Le Niel, nestled in a calanque. On Tuesday mornings, the market offers local produce, olives and regional specialities.
The site of the former Château de Giens, now a public garden, offers a magnificent view of the open sea, the islands and the sea to the south, and of Almanarre Bay, the beaches, the salt marshes and the town of Hyères to the north. An unmissable stop for photos.
At the tip of the peninsula, the Tour Fondue is the departure point for boats heading to Porquerolles, just a fifteen-minute crossing away. Right next to it, discover the underwater archaeological trail of the amphorae: a few metres from the shore, at a shallow depth of 6 metres, the trail is marked with information panels. A unique marine site to explore with flippers and a mask.
There you go – have a great time on the superb Giens peninsula!
