Ile du Levant
Ferries all year round from Lavandou (35mn) or Hyeres (1h15).
Discover the stunning Levant island in the Var
Almost the same size as Porquerolles, when viewed from the air, Levant island appears as a long, rocky ridge stretching 8 km in length and only 2 km in width, but only one-tenth of the island is open to the public.
Levant island is a destination like no other. Lost off the coast of Hyères in the Var region, this Mediterranean island attracts thousands of visitors every summer seeking something found nowhere else: a peaceful atmosphere, unspoiled natural beauty, and a rare sense of freedom.
It is the first naturist resort in Europe. The Héliopolis naturist resort, founded in 1931, is its beating heart. But the Levant also offers the Mediterranean Sea in its purest form, wild hiking trails, Galère Beach, Grottes Beach, and unspoiled nature far from the hustle and bustle of Saint-Tropez.
You don’t have to be a naturist to enjoy a wonderful stay here. Naturism is permitted everywhere except in public areas, at the port, and in the village square. Whether you’re French or a foreigner, you’re welcome. What matters here is the spirit: harmony with nature, tranquility, sunshine, and a complete break from everyday life.
No cars, no neon signs, no streetlights at night. Le Levant enjoys a microclimate; it gets quite hot in the summer, and the sea is a very pleasant temperature. In July, as in the height of summer, the island lives to the rhythm of the sun and the sea.
Boat and shuttle crossings to Le Levant:
To reach the Île du Levant, there is a shuttle boat departing from Hyères with TLV-TVM. Very convenient!
No cars on the island. Leave your car at the port parking lot before boarding. There are no ATMs on the island: make arrangements before departure, and bring cash, as card payments often require a minimum amount at local shops. A paid shuttle awaits you upon arrival to take you to the village if you have luggage.
The Port of Ayguade and the Village of Héliopolis
From the boat before disembarking at the small port of Ayguade, you’ll see the rugged terrain surrounding the island as well as the homes facing the sea that stand out amidst the vegetation.
From the port, a shuttle will be waiting for you on the pier to take you to your accommodation. If you aren’t carrying too much luggage, you can walk up to the village of Heliopolis via a long staircase (to the left of the port) that leads to a slope charmingly called “La Perspective.”
The walk is steep and takes about 20 minutes to reach Heliopolis, but it’s a real delight: you’ll discover the islanders’ beautiful gardens, where arbutus trees, cacti, palm trees, flowering plants, wildflowers, and giant succulents come together in a masterful blend of colors.
With every step, you’ll want to turn around to admire the panoramic view of the sea; hedges of jasmine, which perfume the entire island, will guide you to the village, while the songs of a few cheerful southern birds will accompany you and already give you the impression of having arrived on an extraordinary island, worthy of tropical paradises.
Once you arrive in the small village of Heliopolis, you’ll discover a small square featuring two superb and comfortable café terraces facing each other, a bakery, a grocery store, and a little further on, the town hall, the post office, the school, and a few meters higher up, the church. Other shops are available on the island.
The Arbousiers Nature Reserve
North of the village, the Arbousiers Nature Reserve rises to the island’s highest point at 130 m. You can enjoy wonderful walks (or jogs) along the marked “nature trail” through the wooded, rolling scrubland that descends toward the rocky coast and discover many rare species of coastal flora and fauna.
You’ll enjoy fabulous views and magnificent landscapes perfumed by the scents of Mediterranean plants.
A paradise island
The conditions on Île du Levant are ideal: a mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year, lush nature, crystal-clear waters, fine sandy beaches, and, of course, exceptional air quality. It should be noted that very few private cars circulate on the island... only the song of the cicadas might occasionally disturb the laid-back lifestyle that reigns on the island.
The island can be visited year-round, but the best time is from April to June (lots of flowers, lush greenery, few tourists, and the beach practically all to yourself for your first sunbathing sessions). In July and August, you can enjoy the cool sea breeze that helps you cope with the heat, and the nightlife will also be livelier (nightclubs, piano bars, concerts...).
The sea will be warm, but the beach will be more crowded and the island’s vegetation will be drier. From September through mid-October, you can still enjoy beautiful sunny days and rediscover the island’s peaceful tranquility. Hotels are generally open from April to October, but you can rent furnished accommodations year-round (even in winter, it rarely gets very cold).
A Naturist Paradise
In this idyllic setting where nature is respected and protected, it was only natural that naturism began on the island in 1931. Gradually gaining international recognition and appreciation, Île du Levant has become an island where naturism is freely practiced. It is neither a camp nor a nudist ghetto, everyone does as they please!
Those who wish to explore the island without wanting to be naked can rest assured; they will feel perfectly at ease. They will encounter both clothed and naked people, all in a spirit of goodwill, mutual respect, and tolerance.
People are fully clothed or wear a simple sarong in shops, restaurants, and public places. To avoid any mutual discomfort, only Bain de Diane (a rocky beach) and Plage des Grottes are reserved for naturists (the island’s only sandy beach; coming from the village, take the path to the left over the rocks).
Plage des Grottes
But once you discover Plage des Grottes, even the most modest among you will want to enjoy this true gem, nestled in a small, stunning cove.
Deliciously shaded by a few trees, the beach is protected by rocks covered in Mediterranean plants worthy of the most beautiful landscaped rock gardens... fine sand, crystal-clear water, and sunbathing... you’ll enjoy this little slice of paradise, wishing only that you’d discovered it sooner!
In this wild, unspoiled, and authentic setting, you can enjoy an idyllic naturist lifestyle and vacation in perfect harmony with nature!
What to see
Fort Napoleon (1813).
Things to do
Walking, "sentier Nature" trails.
Underwater diving. Sailing. Wind surfing. Canoing.
Night-club. Summer events.
Bed and breakfast
A very charming bed-and-breakfast near the harbor. Beautiful pool and terrace, sea view, a very welcoming host, and a hearty breakfast! Perfect for any stay on Levant Island. You’re going to love it!
Accommodation
Hotels.
Vacation rentals.
Bed and breakfasts.
Your questions about Levant island
After we published this article, you sent us several questions about Levant island. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Can you visit Île du Levant without being a naturist?
Naturism is permitted anywhere on the island, except in public places, at the port, and in the village square. However, it is mandatory on the naturist beach and along the seashore, by municipal ordinance.
In practice, you can arrive on Île du Levant fully clothed, walk around the village, eat at a restaurant, and go shopping—without any issues. All we ask is that you accept others’ nudity without taking offense. That’s the basic rule, and it applies to everyone. Whether clothed or unclothed, all visitors are welcome, as long as they are tolerant. Every summer, the island welcomes curious visitors, divers, and hikers—whether naturists or not. No one will ask you for an explanation.
What accommodations are available on Île du Levant?
When it comes to charming studio rentals, there’s no shortage of options. In 2026, expect to pay between €80 and €105 per night for a studio depending on the season, with a surcharge for short stays. You’ll find our accommodation recommendations a little further up on this page.
What activities are there to do on Île du Levant?
The sea is a spectacle in itself. For those who enjoy swimming in the open water, the coves along the Naturists’ Trail offer crystal-clear waters accessible by swim. Hiking is the island’s other major activity. The Arbousiers Nature Reserve features 20 hectares of marked trails with 14 themed stations to explore the coastal flora and fauna. Unspoiled nature, no cars, no noise—just the scent of the maquis and the sun.
How to visit Île du Levant?
For the best experience, arrive early in the day. Grottes Beach is the only sandy beach open to the public, sheltered from the east wind, with a view of Port-Cros Island. Port-Cros National Park is right across the way—Île du Levant is a signatory to the park’s charter, and diving takes place within the national park. Bring a flashlight for evening outings: there is no street lighting on the island.
What are the must-see places on Île du Levant?
Grottes Beach is known for hosting the annual Miss Levant pageant. It’s one of the island’s main hubs in the summer. When it comes to dining, La Pomme d’Adam remains the historic spot, La Fourmi offers a lovely terrace with ocean views, and Le Gambaro, near the harbor, specializes in fresh seafood. A lively, quiet, no-frills village—exactly what people come here for.
What is the climate like on Île du Levant?
The entire island is part of the Natura 2000 network. Across 20 hectares, the flora is protected—you can smell the rosemary, thyme, savory, rockrose, and myrtle with its honeyed scent. The scents of the Mediterranean scrub are as much a part of the experience as the sun and the sea. Off-season, the island empties out and returns to absolute calm—ideal for those who prefer to avoid the July crowds.
How do I get to Île du Levant?
Leave your car in the port parking lot before boarding. There are no ATMs on the island: make arrangements before departure, and bring cash, as merchants often require a minimum amount for card payments. A paid shuttle will be waiting for you upon arrival to take you to the village if you have luggage.
What are the reviews of Île du Levant?
A special mention goes to the UCPA, whose reviews highlight the quality of the diving in Port-Cros National Park, even if the accommodations are more basic. The island’s policy—no advertising, no signs, no streetlights—is part of its charm, according to the vast majority of visitors.
