Levant Island, Mediterranean island in Hyères archipelago, France
Levant Island is a narrow rocky formation in the Mediterranean Sea, part of the Hyères archipelago off the southern coast of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Steep cliffs drop into the water along most of the perimeter, while a central ridge runs the entire length and only a few coves offer access from the shore.
From 1861 to 1878, the island operated as a penal colony for juvenile offenders, where 89 inmates died during that period. After World War II, the French military took over most of the territory and has used it as a missile testing site ever since.
In 1931, doctors Gaston and André Durville established Heliopolis, the first naturist settlement in Europe, promoting natural living away from urban environments.
Ferries depart from the mainland and take between 35 minutes and a little over an hour, depending on the departure point, and the sea can be rough on the way. Only a small section of the island is open to visitors, so check which areas are accessible before landing.
In the 1930s, doctors Gaston and André Durville founded Heliopolis here, one of the first naturist settlements in Europe. The small inhabited zone still preserves that spirit today and attracts visitors who consider clothing optional.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
