Cycle tour: Salins des Pesquiers via the Vieux Salins d'Hyères (old saltmarshes)
A delightful cycling loop between La Londe, the Vieux Salins (old saltmarshes) and Giens
This loop is ideal for holidaymakers seeking a varied cycle tour without any major difficulties and with views over the Med throughout. Starting out from our campsite Les Jardins de La Pascalinette®, it combines seaside and iconic natural areas, and the route mainly consists of bike lanes and cycle paths.
The first portion rapidly takes you to Plage de Pansard beach, where the cycle path forks off to the west. This section is flat, open and well-separated from the traffic, for an easy-going warm up!
The seaside route then heads alongside the Vieux Salins d’Hyères (old saltmarshes – 12 mins). The road is largely secure here, with dedicated bike lanes or cycle paths depending on the sections. The atmosphere changes completely as you approach the Vieux Salins, with wide open spaces, marshes and many migratory birds. The road running alongside the lagoons is easy to follow and an ideal spot for stopping off to enjoy the peace while observing the site’s typical pink hues.
The seaside to Salins des Pesquiers
After the Vieux Salins, the route continues to Hyères then heads along the coast towards Giens peninsula. Combining shared lanes and a cycle path, the seaside road offers several panoramic viewpoints over the Golden Islands, as well as handy stop-offs complete with benches, shaded areas and direct beach access. Traffic can be denser here in summer, but cycle paths and lanes are available for most of the way.
Salins des Pesquiers (40 mins approx) is a protected site poised between sea and lagoons, forming an exceptional natural corridor – a double isthmus leading to Giens peninsula. Here, you will cycle along a narrow dyke with stunning views spanning the old saltmarshes on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other.
This site is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, in particular the pink flamingos and waders often observed in the lagoons. Access to the site is easy by bike, for a serene, panoramic experience.
Added extra: plan your excursion so that you can admire the sun setting over the saltmarshes, for the promise of an unforgettable holiday memory swathed in beauty and light. Don’t worry, you’ll still be home before nightfall!
Return to the campsite via the east
(45 mins approx)
For the return trip, the route leaves Salins des Pesquiers and goes back through Hyères, forking off to the east of the Vieux Salins this time. This variation is quieter than the outward journey and offers a succession of small, flat roads lined with vegetation and secondary marshes. Various viewpoints allow you to admire the different colours on show and spot a few more birds depending on the season.
As you continue eastwards, the route joins the cycle path connecting Hyères and La Londe. The ride home to the campsite is easy and direct.
In short
Lasting approximately 2 hours, this cycling loop combines practicality, varied scenery and a relaxed pace – ideal for an active holiday excursion in the delicious climate of the Côte d’Azur!