Îles d'Hyères, Mediterranean archipelago near Hyères, France
The Îles d'Hyères are a group of three main islands in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Hyères. Porquerolles features sandy beaches, Port-Cros has rocky mountains covered in forest, and Levant is characterized by thick vegetation and small settlements.
Ancient Greek settlers named this island group Stoechades, meaning 'arranged in a line', and established trading posts along important Mediterranean maritime routes. The islands remained significant in regional maritime activity over many centuries.
The village of Heliopolis on Levant Island has maintained a naturist lifestyle since 1931, creating a distinct social environment in this Mediterranean setting. Visitors encounter a community that has chosen an alternative way of living quite different from mainstream traditions.
Ferry services connect the mainland to the islands from two main departure points: Tour Fondue reaches Porquerolles in about 15 minutes, while departures from La Londe take about 50 minutes to reach the other islands. Plan your crossing in advance, especially in summer when ferries run more frequently.
Port-Cros was the first combined terrestrial and marine national park in Europe, protecting both the island landscape and underwater ecosystems. This dual conservation approach made it a pioneer in environmental protection.
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