Sentier du littoral – Balade sur l’île de Port-Cros

Check out the guide to the Coastal Trail published by the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolitan Area
Route 16: In the Heart of the Wilderness (pp. 70–73)

Boat departures: Port Saint-Pierre in Hyères

1) Start from the port, then head uphill toward Fort du Moulin. After passing the small maritime cemetery and its cypress trees, you’ll notice olive trees, evidence of past farming activity around the dwellings.

2) Further on, on the schist soils, Aleppo pines—pioneer plants that are now aging—give way somewhat to holm oaks. Along the path’s edge, on very sunny ground, you’ll find a carpet of fragrant plants in the summer: rosemary, lavender, Montpellier rockroses… catmint, which resembles thyme, is endemic to the islands: it is found only in Corsica, Sardinia, the Balearic Islands, and the Adriatic Islands.

3) In the shadiest areas, you’ll notice sarsaparilla, a vine that forms a veritable curtain over the
trees. It also serves as a windbreak. As you descend toward the sea, you’ll find immortelle and sea aster.

4) Once you reach Palud Beach, where tamarisk trees thrive, an underwater trail continues into the sea, all the way to Rascas Rock. With a mask, snorkel, and fins, you can follow the underwater informational markers pointing out the flora and fauna you might see. You’ll find that the seabed is rich and well-preserved.

After a refreshing swim, you can return to the port and pass by the Estissac Fort. Built between 1634 and 1640, this fort is entirely consistent with the general design of the Richelieu-style forts already seen on Porquerolles. In 1793, the British blew up the tower, causing half of it to collapse; it was rebuilt in 1810. This structure is open to visitors in the summer. The ground floor has been converted into an exhibition center. (Information
available at the National Park Office). From its terrace, it offers magnificent views of the Hyères harbor.