Giens Peninsula, Mediterranean peninsula in Hyères, France.
Giens Peninsula extends into the Mediterranean Sea through two sand strips that form a natural double formation, with the Pesquiers lagoon nestled between them. These twin spits of land developed through centuries of sand and sediment deposition.
The area was once home to an ancient Greek settlement called Olbia, which became the Roman city of Pomponiana and was inhabited until the 7th century. Following the decline of this settlement, the region later developed into a salt-producing area.
The Pesquiers lagoon shaped the daily lives of local residents for generations as the region's economic center. Today, the abandoned salt ponds stand as a reminder of this close bond between the community and the sea.
The peninsula can be reached via two roads: the Salt Road and the Giens Road, though the Salt Road may close seasonally during winter. It helps to check accessibility before planning your visit.
The peninsula shelters rare bird species such as peregrine falcons and alpine swifts that nest and hunt here. The presence of these raptors demonstrates the site's importance for conserving these demanding species.
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