Giens

Giens is a peninsula on the French Riviera, in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It lies opposite the town of Hyères and is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus known as the Presqu’île de Giens.

Two long promontories extend into the Mediterranean, creating sheltered coves and several beaches along both sides of the isthmus. The eastern coast includes Plage de l'Almanarre, a broad sandy beach favored by windsurfers and kite surfers because of reliable winds, while the western side offers calmer inlets and small ports. The peninsula is near the Salins d'Hyères, historic salt flats that shaped the local economy for centuries.

Nature and heritage: The coastal habitats support diverse flora and migratory birds. The area contains remnants of Provençal village life and several viewpoints and paths for walking.

Economy and use: Today, Giens is chiefly a tourist destination, with accommodations, restaurants, and marina facilities. Outdoor activities include swimming, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, and birdwatching.

Access and context: The isthmus is reachable by road from Hyères; the area is served by regional roads and local buses. The proximity to Hyères and to other attractions, such as the Îles d'Hyères (Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and l'Île du Levant), makes it a common base for visitors.

Nearby attractions and history: The name Giens reflects ancient and medieval settlement in the region, and the landscape bears remnants of fortifications and traditional Provençal architecture.