Île du Levant: a paradise for naturists and arbutus lovers in Hyères

History and geography of Levant Island

Located to the east of the Hyères archipelago, Ile du Levant stretches over 8 km. It is 2 km wide and rises to a height of 140 m. It is separated from Port-Cros by the kilometre-wide Passe des Grottes. The island’s eastern position earned it its original name, as it was a place where you could admire splendid sunrises.

The shuttles dock at the small port of l’Ayguade, from where the Val d’Ayguade path leads to the village. The village has retained its rustic character, with no poles, street lighting or illuminated signs. It can accommodate its guests with the utmost comfort, but the flashlight, along with the “minimum” or pareo, are part of the panoply of the perfect “petit Levantin”.

But it’s a real village, with its own town hall, post office, chapel built by the locals, and shops. Around a hundred people live here year-round.

In the past, the island was part of religious estates that cultivated it. It changed ownership several times before being plundered and ravaged by the English in 1793.

It was then abandoned for many years, until it was used for military operations, notably under Napoleon.

Since then, 80% of the island’s surface area has been dedicated to military activities and remains inaccessible.

Heliopolis naturist beach

In 1931, brothers Gaston and André Durville created the first naturist domain in the Mediterranean. They chose this spot for its tranquility and wilderness. Since then, the Heliopolis estate has become world-famous. In summer, it welcomes naturists from all over the world.

The sea here is crystal-clear and unpolluted. The seabed is magnificent, offering an unforgettable spectacle for diving enthusiasts.

Naturism is free everywhere except in public places, the port and the village square. It is even compulsory on the naturist beach and along the seafront, by municipal decree.

However, no one’s going to stop you disembarking in the Levant and strolling around clothed outside the zones where nudity is the rule. But when the weather’s fine, you’ll have to accept the nudity of others. In the off-season, no one will reproach you for coming clothed.