There are places along the coast that feel like they were made for a certain kind of day — unhurried, sun-warmed, with salt on your skin and nowhere particular to be. The Giens Peninsula is one of those places. Connected to the mainland by two narrow sand spits (the famous tombolas), it sits between the open sea and a chain of shallow lagoons, forming one of the most unusual landscapes on the French Mediterranean. From Villa Mauricette, it's just 30 minutes by car. But once you're there, it feels like a different world.

--- WHY THE GIENS PENINSULA DESERVES A FULL DAY

Most visitors pass through Giens on their way to the Porquerolles ferry. That's a mistake. The peninsula itself is a destination — with a coastal trail that rivals anything on the islands, a peaceful fishing port, wild coves you'll have to yourself in the morning, and a village with real Provençal character. This is the kind of outing where the plan is simple: walk, swim, eat, repeat.

--- THE COASTAL TRAIL: FROM GIENS TO PORT DU NIEL

The sentier du littoral (coastal path) that traces the southern edge of the peninsula is one of the most beautiful walks in the Var. It winds along pine-shaded cliffs, drops down to rocky inlets, and opens up to views of Porquerolles and the Îles d'Hyères. The stretch from the Tour Fondue area to Port du Niel takes around 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace — and every turn reveals another cove where you'll be tempted to stop, lay down your bag, and swim.

Some highlights along the way:

• Darbousière Beach, on the western side — a calm, pebbly cove tucked below the pines, ideal for a first dip

• The Four à Chaux calanque — a little-known rocky inlet, perfect for adventurous swimmers

• The bird observation point near the salt marshes — flamingos are a regular sight in spring and autumn The trail is well-marked and accessible year-round.

Closed shoes are recommended (it's rocky in places). Avoid windy days when the Mistral blows hard — it can make the exposed sections uncomfortable.

--- PORT DU NIEL: THE QUIET HEART OF THE PENINSULA

If Giens village is the postcard, Port du Niel is the secret. This tiny harbour, at the eastern tip of the peninsula, feels almost forgotten — a handful of fishing boats, a small beach, crystal-clear water, and a pine grove where families set up for the afternoon. There are no beach clubs here, no umbrellas for rent. Just shade, calm water, and the sound of cicadas. It's the kind of place locals don't advertise. Our tip: arrive by mid-morning, claim a spot under the pines, and use it as your base. Swim, walk, nap, repeat.

--- GIENS VILLAGE: A PROVENÇAL PAUSE

Perched above the peninsula, the old village of Giens is worth a short detour — narrow lanes, a ruined castle, views across the tombolas, and a handful of local spots for coffee or a glass of rosé. It's not a tourist village. It's a real one. Which is exactly why it works.

--- WHERE TO EAT

For a sit-down meal, the restaurants around Giens village and La Madrague offer fresh seafood and Provençal classics. But our favourite option? Pack a picnic before you leave — bread, charcuterie, a bottle of rosé — and eat it by the trail or in the pine groves around Port du Niel. Tables are available at several points along the path.

For a proper restaurant experience nearby:

• Le Belédor at La Madrague — terrace with a view • La Paillote at La Badine — feet in the sand, fresh fish --- PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Getting there: 30 minutes from Villa Mauricette by car. Park at Port du Niel or Giens village.

• Parking: Free at Port du Niel (limited spaces, arrive early in summer). Paid parking in Giens village (€5–€10/day in high season).

• Best time to visit: April to October. Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of warmth and calm.

• Trail conditions: Well-marked coastal path. Closed shoes recommended. Check weather before heading out — Mistral days are best avoided.

• Public transport: ZOU bus network serves Giens from Hyères. More info at zou.maregionsud.fr

• Family-friendly: Yes — Port du Niel's calm, shallow water is great for children. The walk can be shortened to suit all levels.

--- OUR VERDICT

The Giens Peninsula is one of those rare places where you can walk, swim, eat and rest — all within a single, perfect day. No crowds, no rush, no agenda. Just the coast at its most honest. And the best part? You'll be home at Villa Mauricette by sunset, with salt-dried hair and that particular kind of tiredness that only a good day by the sea can give you.

→ Dreaming of days like this? Book your stay at Villa Mauricette and we'll help you plan every detail. Chat with us on WhatsApp or book directly at villa-mauricette.com