Golden Islands

Introduction
Provence France
On this easy self-guided walking holiday you will discover 2 beautiful islands set in the Mediterranean sea.

You are based in the quaint Riviera town of Le Lavandou, in a charming hotel a few steps from the sandy beach. Le Lavandou has quaint cafés, great seafood restaurants, and one of the best beaches along the Côte d’Azur. Moreover, Le Lavandou remains authentic, contrary to many of the neighboring towns.
From Le Lavandou, you will explore some of the best kept secrets of the Riviera: its pristine and untamed coastline paths, and two of the “Golden islands” just off the coast. An absolute paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Wild islands of Porquerolles and Port Cros
- Plenty of swimming opportunities every day
- Get a glimpse of the Fort de Bregancon (summer residence of French president)

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a center-based holiday, so you will be staying at the same accommodation for all overnights. 

Description
Your package includes a stay in a lovely hotel housed in a historic house from the 19th century, completely refurbished. the bedrooms are quiet and comfortable and they all come equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV and private facilities with hair-dryer.

It is possible to upgrade to a different hotel for an extra fee (please inquire).


Meals
All breakfasts are included in your package.

Breakfast is available from 8am to 10am and is usually served on the patio. 

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Easy
You enjoy walking as a means to get fresh air and see the countryside, without consider-ing yourself as a "real hiker". You like to walk to get exercise on your holidays, and enjoy strolls in the countryside and discover Provence in a different & fun way. Walks are gen-erally from 2-4 hours on easy terrain, with some climbing up to perched villages .. You don’t need to be an athlete at all to enjoy this trip!

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Note: The Golden islands (Port Cros & Porquerolles) have a strict security measure in place during the summer season (June 15th to September 30th) with regards to forest fires, including path restrictions. Whilst the inland paths on the island may be closed, the coastline paths always remain open. In the case of path restrictions the information centre on both islands will provide you with a map indicating the paths you may take.


Day 1: Arrival
Make your own way to Le Lavandou
Meals included: none
Overnight in Le Lavandou

Day 2: Porquerolles Island
A ferry crossing from Le Lavandou (45 mins, return tickets included) takes you to the island of Porquerolles, the biggest of the Golden islands. You reach the port and walk through its quaint hamlet. The rest of the island is highly protected, crossed in every direction by walking paths through pine forests. A short climb leads to a lookout where the entire island is at your feet, and the infinite expanse of the Mediterranean expands in the horizon. A winding path through the heather descends on soft zigzags back to the coastline.
Walking about 12km (3h15) + 150m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Le Lavandou

Day 3: Port Cros Island
A ferry takes you from the port of Le Lavandou to the island of Port Cros (return ticket included), 8km off the coast. The island is France’s smallest national park. Its dense forests of tree heather, strawberry trees and cork oaks, all untamed, makes for a veritable walking paradise.
Walking about 9km (3h) +250m - additional loop: 5.5km (2h) +150m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Le Lavandou

Day 4: Coastline Trail
Short taxi transfer to the start of your walk. Today’s walk is a mix of peaceful beach walking and steep but short climbs and descents along the coastline trail. You follow the “sentier littoral” that passes along pristine beaches, hidden coves, on paths laden with lavender and lone pine trees. The protected coastline is unspoilt and offers magnificent landscapes of jagged coast and turquoise waters. Halfway through the walk the Estagnol beach is the perfect lunch break, with is beachfront
restaurant serving grilled seafood. Transfer back to your hotel after the walk.
Walking about 10km (3h) limited climbing along the coastal path
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Le Lavandou

Day 5: Departure
After breakfast end of your trip.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the ferry boat schedules, the order of the walks in the doesn't always match with the one on our itinerary. Don't worry though, the order of the walk does not matter since you remain in the same hotel every night.

Rates and Dates for Golden Islands

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Le Lavandou
Airport: Nice
Transfer:

Climate:
                                        Le Lavandou area