Tour Fondue - Giens

You’re probably already familiar with Plage de la Tour Fondue beach and the Tour Fondue snorkelling trail and you know that the boat leaves from here to whisk you away to Porquerolles, the beautiful pearl of the Golden Islands located just a half-hour drive from your favourite campsite!

So let’s talk about the Tour Fondue tower itself today.

Erected in the 17th century, this little fort is also referred to as “La Batterie du Pradeau”. It is a defensive structure, perched on the southern tip of Giens peninsula, which was used to locate Porquerolles port and protect the channel.

Its nickname, La Tour Fondue (from the Provençal tour foundudo meaning demolished), refers to a medieval tower that formerly stood on the same site.

REHABILITATION

Closed to the public for around 40 years, the fort underwent restoration work by Port-Cros National Park in 1991 and finally reopened in 2022. You can now admire and photograph it from all angles if you’re visiting Giens Peninsula and the neighbouring beach. And of course, you can also swim round it with your snorkelling gear or simply enjoy a tour!

WHY VISIT THE TOWER?

• This ancient military fort is also a listed monument. Part of the Var area’s ancient defence system, it is of major historic and cultural interest.
• It is set amid a wealth of flora, fauna and geology, offering a fascinating immersion in local biodiversity.
• Its views over the Golden Islands and surrounding hills are quite simply exceptional!
• The permanent exhibition (“Making the Invisible Visible”) on show at the Interpretation Centre offers a delightful and educational family experience suitable for all ages, featuring fun, immersive and digital material.
• Not forgetting… The sunsets here are one of the wonders of the Côte d’Azur!

PRACTICAL INFO

• The Pradeau battery is located at the tip of Giens Peninsula, just next to the Tour Fondue boat bus jetty.
• Accessible on foot via the coastal footpath or by bus or car (paying car parks nearby).
• Open Tuesday to Sunday in July and August (prior booking recommended) and from Wednesday to Sunday from April to June and September to October.
• Amenities: accessible to PRM visitors, shop, toilets, wifi, etc. (animals not admitted except guide dogs).

IN SHORT

A delightful little historic and cultural attraction you can enjoy visiting before or after a walk or snorkelling adventure (or both!). An ideal holiday activity.