Long closed to the public, the Pointe de l’Estérel, at the eastern end of the Giens peninsula in Hyères, is now accessible to walkers in a preserved setting. Spearheaded by the Conservatoire du littoral, the site's manager along with Métropole TPM and the Port-Cros National Park, this restoration project has allowed nature to reclaim its place while highlighting unique military heritage and exceptional panoramas facing Porquerolles.
Under an autumn sun, the recently restored and renatured Pointe de l’Estérel was officially inaugurated this Monday, October 5th. Representatives from the State, the Conservatoire du littoral, the French Office for Biodiversity, Française des Jeux, and partner local authorities celebrated with a symbolic ribbon-cutting the public opening of this restored site, which now blends biodiversity protection, heritage enhancement, and landscape discovery.
Located in the heart of a remarkable environment, the Pointe de l’Esterel is one of the emblematic sites of the Giens peninsula. The operation aimed to reconcile several objectives: restoring natural habitats, securing military remains, and better welcoming the public. Old fences have been removed, degraded areas renatured, local species planted, and dedicated pathways and educational panels created to ensure respectful visitation.
In total, nearly 164,000 euros were invested. The project, supported by Mission Nature, received funding of €79,425 from the French Office for Biodiversity, €52,950 from the Région Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, €30,150 from the DREAL, and the Conservatoire du littoral. Work was carried out by companies Urbavar, Ruiz Aluminium, and Oxysign.
Beyond its ecological riches, the Pointe de l’Estérel holds a unique history. Formerly a coastal battery integrated into the defense system of the fortified camp of Toulon, the site preserves numerous military vestiges dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. The project has secured these structures without altering them and revealed their full heritage value, with interpretive signage now accompanying visits and recounting the site's defensive history.
One of the project's emblematic features is the transformation of the former cinetheodolite into a viewpoint, offering an exceptional panorama of the Giens peninsula, the salt marshes, Porquerolles, and the Port-Cros National Park. Biodiversity-friendly developments have also been created, including rock piles and refuges for reptiles and bats.
Owned by the Conservatoire du littoral, the Pointe de l’Estérel is managed by Métropole TPM in partnership with the Port-Cros National Park. This cooperation has successfully balanced the protection of natural environments, the valorization of historical heritage, and the discovery of the site by the greatest number, an effort also praised by the prefect of the Var.
Today, the Pointe de l’Estérel offers residents and visitors alike a new space for discovery where heritage, biodiversity, and exceptional Mediterranean landscapes meet, furthering the shared ambition to have the Giens peninsula recognized as a Grand Site de France.
