The region | The îles d’Or | Camping Les Tournels

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The region The îles d’Or (Golden Isles)

For an exotic trip off the coast from Hyères, take the boat for the îles d’Or and discover with wonder this heavenly archipelago, made up of 3 main islands and several islets. A genuine treasure of the Var coast, these islands are must-see excursions. You should discover Porquerolles and its white sandy beaches, where it is lovely to do nothing. Somewhat wilder, the island of Port-Cros (an unmissable island) is renowned for its steep hiking trails and its exceptional seabed. Lastly, the island of Le Levant (a lovely island) is known for its naturist village.

To access each of these exceptional sites, you must take one of the boat shuttle services which operate the link between the mainland and these Mediterranean paradises. In less than an hour you can set foot on these idyllic islands. Departures are possible from Saint Tropez, Cavalaire and Le Lavandou. Feel free to ask any of our receptionists to book this trip for you!

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The region Cavalaire

Located between Saint Tropez and Le Lavandou, Cavalaire is renowned for its heavenly beaches, including one of a length of 3 km which runs alongside the bay. To the east of the Cap Cavalaire headland, you are able to dive head first into the small wild creeks, which are generally less busy. Within this summer resort, the sea is a real heaven for all lovers of sailing.

There are several historical and cultural sites in the area, which will enable you to better understand the local heritage. These include the memorial for the Provence landings (which took place in Cavalaire during the Second World War) or the Oppidum de Montjean, a Ligurian fortress ruin built in 6 B.C and occupied between 6 B.C and 4 B.C. For a lovely stroll around the seafront take the Fenouillet path, which crosses the small valley of the same name and runs alongside the cliffs.

Less than 15 kilometres from the Les Tournels campsite, Cavalaire is the ideal spot to swim in the Mediterranean and bask in the sunshine on a fine sandy beach.

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The region Monaco

Considered as one of the gems of the Côte d’Azur, the Principality of Monaco is one of the must-see sites to visit, being only 140 kilometres from the Les Tournels campsite. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Monaco owes its renown to the famous “rock”, which is 300 metres wide, where the main tourists sites are.

Make an appointment for 11.50 a.m. on the dot, to see the changing of the Palace Guard in front of the Prince’s Palace. Continue your walk up to the Jardins Saint Martin (spectacular exotic gardens), laid out in 1830 around the Musée Océanographique (Oceanographic Museum). Overlooking the Mediterranean, this building houses more than 6,000 specimens evolving in their natural environment. A word of advice: do not miss the impressive Shark Lagoon!

As night falls, if you wish to play for high stakes, head for the Monte Carlo Casino. To end the day with a flourish, cross the Place du Casino and sit down on the terrace of the Café de Paris, to sip one of the establishment’s famous exotic cocktails.

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The region Cogolin

A stone’s throw from the Mediterranean coast, Cogolin accommodates a multitude of tourists every year. They come to contemplate the Provençal village built on the slopes of the Massif des Maures mountain range. Walk through the cobbled alleyways and do not miss its arched stone passageways. Some houses in the village were built from volcanic stone taken from the Massif des Maures.

Renowned throughout the whole of France for the manufacture of tobacco pipes and wind instruments, Cogolin is highly valued for its unique craft industries. The real star here is the heather which grows in the area surrounding the village. Once harvested, it is clipped by the craftspeople to make objects which are indeed unique in the world. Real works of art!

Throughout the year the rhythm of the craft markets and shows, not forgetting the craft fairs, all contribute to breathing life into the village.

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The region Port Grimaud

At the heart of the Golfe de St Tropez bay, Port Grimaud intrigues passing holidaymakers. Nicknamed Provençal Venice, most of the village is only accessible by boat. Some 8 kilometres of canals replace the alleyways criss-crossing the port village on piles. They are bordered by houses of many forms, with multiple colours and each hemmed into the others.

This unique 75-hectare village was built in 1966 on marshlands, by the architect François Spoerry. It would take nearly another 34 years to make this unused land into a superb village, now home to some 2,400 houses.

You can either visit Port Grimaud aboard an electric boat driven by you, or during a boat tour with commentary.

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The region Gassin

Perched on the summit of a hill, the charming village of Gassin, reveals a superb panorama over the Golfe de St Tropez bay, the Massif des Maures and all of the surrounding vineyards. This medieval village has joined, just a short time ago, the select “club” of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” ‘(an association of “the most beautiful villages in France”, having a rich cultural heritage).

It is delightful to meander through the cobbled alleyways of the village in the height of summer, when it provides holidaymakers with a little welcome fresh cool air. Climb to the top of the ramparts and you will have a 360° view as far as the Golden Isles. There is a slim chance that you will even be able to gaze at the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. To end your trip, stop in the botanical garden classified since 2009 as a “Jardin remarquable” (awarded by the French Ministry of Culture to gardens considered of high botanical, aesthetic, cultural and historical significance).

A guided tour takes place every Wednesday from April to October. This is the ideal opportunity to discover all of Gassin’s secrets. Located less than 10 kilometres from the Les Tournels campsite, it is a must-see village in the region.

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The region Ramatuelle

Nestled on the hillside, 4 kilometres from the Les Tournels campsite, Ramatuelle overlooks the Mediterranean and its heavenly landscapes. Surrounded by the region’s vineyards, this gem of the Côte d’Azur contains spiral-design houses with their own unique charm. Cut across the winding alleyways of this unusual village to reach one of the village squares. Make yourself comfortable on the terrace for a drink in the shade of an olive tree, and enjoy some regional specialities such as aïoli (garlic mayonnaise) or Tapenade (a savoury spread made with puréed olives, capers and anchovies).

If you wish to dive into the sea, put your towel down on the mythical Pampelonne beach, renowned for being one of the most beautiful beaches in France. The most courageous amongst you can take one of the many hiking trails which run alongside the village of Ramatuelle to contemplate, from afar, the Cap Camarat lighthouse, which is almost 130 metres high, or even the Moulins à Vent de Paillas (Paillas windmills).

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The region La Croix Valmer

Located around ten or so kilometres from the Les Tournels campsite, allow yourself to be seduced by the charm of La Croix Valmer. Acknowledged for the quality of its vineyard rated amongst the best AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) Côtes de Provence, the town is also famous for its incredible natural heritage, including its marine footpath.

Equipped with a mask and a snorkel, go out and discover the Mediterranean seabed, taking the aquatic footpath to reach it. When you’re on your own, swim alongside the yellow buoys which mark out the route of the seabed at the surface. Amidst fish of all colours and sea anemones you will certainly come across the famous wreck of the cement-carrying ship.

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The region Saint Tropez

Less than 10 kilometres from the Yelloh! Village Les Tournels campsite, discover the mythical destination on the Côte d’Azur for celebrities the world over. Visit the marina to admire the finest yachts which moor there. Considered as the capital of Sailing and the Arts, it is also the opportunity take a trip in a yacht up to the Baie des Canebiers (a spectacular bay).

When you have returned to land, stroll in the alleyways. The town conceals stylish shops and gourmet stalls filled with Provençal specialities. Do not forget to drop by the Musée de l’Annonciade, a former chapel converted to an art gallery, housing works by Matisse, Braque and other well known artists…Lastly, a visit to the Notre Dame de l’Assomption (Our Lady of the Assumption) church, an iconic building in St Tropez, is a must-see detour! Who knows, you may well come across a star passing through the town during your trip…

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The region The Domaine du Rayol

Located at the foot of the Massif des Maures and facing the Golden Isles, the Domaine du Rayol is a fantastic natural and protected 20-hectare area in Rayol Canadel sur Mer. These gardens were designed by Gilles Clément, a renowned landscape gardener. More than 4,000 species of exotic plants are brought together in these landscapes, inspired from the 4 corners of the world, where a Mediterranean climate can be found.

Guided tours are organised every day. For families, activities are offered to young children aged 4 to 12. Trained and supervised by an activity leader, go out and discover on the waterfront the treasures of the coast, observing submarine life through gigantic masks. You can also make the most of permanent exhibitions and a specialist bookshop. For something to eat, a café offers you various salads and dishes of the day, inspired by Provençal cuisine.

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The region Sainte Maxime

Sainte Maxime is a seaside resort renowned both for its charm and delightful climate. Hemmed in between the Massif des Maures (an ancient mountain range) and the Golfe de St Tropez bay, the town is constantly sheltered from the wind. It is wonderful to relax on its 11 kilometres of fine sandy beach. This is the ideal location to take advantage of the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, and undertake one of the multitude of aquatic activities on offer to you. These include stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, canoeing, jet skiing…entirely your choice!

Apart from the Barrière casino, you will also be able to visit one of the town's many museums. However, you can also go for a walk in the botanical gardens, discovering a multitude of Mediterranean plants and flowers typical of the region.

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The region The Plateau de Valensole (Valensole plains)

Lavender stems as far as the eye can see - what could be more typical of Provence? The Plateau de Valensole stretches over an area of more than 800 square kilometres. It is surrounded to the west by the Durance river valley, to the south by the Lac de Ste Croix (a man-made lake), in the north by the Bléone river valley, and to the east by the thrust fault layers of Digne les Bains.

From May to mid-July, this emblematic scenery attracts a multitude of visitors each year, filled with wonder upon seeing this expanse of purple flowers with its exquisite fragrance imbued in the air. A walking trail, leaving from Manosque, enables you to cover the Plateau de Valensol to explore landscapes, each proving more amazing than the others.

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The region The Gorges du Verdon (Verdon gorges)

The famous Gorges du Verdon form an impressive 50-kilometre canyon, hemmed in by vast limestone cliffs, which reach 700 metres in height. This site, which is unique in Europe, results from the erosion of the rock by the Verdon river.

if you drive alongside the cliff face by car, stop at Point Sublime to take a few photos of this natural wonder. Sports enthusiasts will prefer to scale the cliffs or go down the river by canoe. Thrill seekers, will be able to assuage their passion with a bungee jump above the water from the Pont de l’Artuby (Artuby river bridge). The Les Tournels campsite is only located around 100 kilometres from the Gorges du Verdon, so do not miss this site with the “Grand site de France” label (conserved and managed to ensure local sustainable development).