The Giens peninsula

Beautiful hike around the Giens peninsula by the beach path.

Technical sheet

55834
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.09 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 359 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 362 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 92 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Find Madrague, a town in Hyères on the Giens peninsula. Head past the port of Madrague, continue, and park in a car park on the left, at number 335 Avenue René de Knyff front of Le Mas Redouna (1).

Back to the wall, head up Avenue René de Knyff to the left from the car park. At Allée Asphodel, which is on your right, head left by the gate and follow the path down to the sea to find the beach path.
Turn left on the beach path, it will be marked in yellow all along the walk. At each signboard, follow the direction of "Plage des Darboussières".
Once the path reaches a junction (2) there is a choice between the more challenging route (straight ahead) passing over the peak of Rabat, or one that goes left and avoids the peak of Rabat (both routes will later join back together). Head onwards to this junction: it would be a shame to miss the view from the peak of Rabat, knowing that this path is not that difficult.
After joining up with the ‘shortcut’ route, continue on the path to reach the beach of Escampo-Barriou. Cross the beach, ignore the path that climbs to the left, and head onwards to climb on the rocks. Be aware that here markings are harder to spot, but small yellow lines reappear further on to confirm that this is the right path.
Once on the Darboussières beach, head in the direction of "Pic du Niel", and once at the sign for "of the Pic du Niel", turn right where the trail heads downhill and leads to a road among the houses (3).
Follow the path, even when it seems to pass through a car park because part of the path leads between two houses, one of which is called "Penelope".
Continue downhill following the signs, leading to the small harbour of Niel. Once on the road to the Niel harbour (4) turn right to head to the harbour and back.
Retrace your steps and continue to go up, with markings showing a yellow cross because it is no longer the beach path.
Pass by the next road that goes left ( "Montée des Hauts du Niel”, a dead end), and continue on for a few metres to join a path to the left at house number 504 (5). Take the path that will soon lead to a new route.
At the sign that reads “Lotissement du Puits Neuf”, embark on the road down to the left (Chemin des Barques) which will later join "La Route de la Madrague" (6). Take this road to the left that will arrive at Madrague, pass in front of the harbour, and return to the car park at the starting point (1).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 10 m - Car park at 335 Avenue René de Knyff
  2. 1 : km 0.32 - alt. 9 m - To the left on the Sentier du Littoral
  3. 2 : km 4.13 - alt. 52 m - Sports itinerary
  4. 3 : km 4.55 - alt. 17 m - Crossroads with the sports route
  5. 4 : km 6.02 - alt. 8 m - Darboussières beach
  6. 5 : km 7.56 - alt. 47 m - Ascent to Haut du Niel
  7. 6 : km 7.97 - alt. 9 m - Route du Port du Niel
  8. 7 : km 8.39 - alt. 25 m - Left on the path
  9. 8 : km 8.9 - alt. 6 m - Left Route de la Madrague
  10. S/E : km 10.09 - alt. 10 m - Car park at 335 Avenue René de Knyff

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 277 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
alainmaccabi
alainmaccabi

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful coastal hike, but best done in September or spring.

Automatically translated

VIKING5083
VIKING5083

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Magnificent circuit! Having already done this hike several times, I chose the trail mode this time because the terrain is ideal for it. A small variation and a minor "mistake" increased the elevation gain to 430 D+, but the directions in the guidebook are accurate. However, it's important to note that even in hiking mode, the terrain is quite rough and requires a minimum level of fitness and good footwear... Flip-flops and trainers are not recommended!
To avoid crowds, choose a weekday if possible.

Automatically translated

bocricri71
bocricri71

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : May 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

The circuit is relatively good except for the end of the route which is too much tarmac.
The end of the course should be avoided.

Automatically translated

Dafnée
Dafnée

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A demanding circuit without training, which was my case, but the scenery is so beautiful that you forget how difficult it is. I recommend it

Automatically translated

Marpy
Marpy

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The path is really well maintained (thanks to those who take care of it!!), and the hike allows you to discover places of great beauty. While it's true that the very last section is less attractive, we have to admit that it's just to get back to the start!
We did this walk on a fine day, with no wind, and we met a few people, but it wasn't at all inconvenient. There are sometimes more "challenging" sections than others, but nothing complicated for "classic" hikers. We took the "sporty route" version to see the Pointe de Rabat.
However, you'll need to be careful if you're with young children, as there are some sheer drops that can be surprising if you let them go off on their own...
I had downloaded the GPX trail, which was useful at times in places where the yellow marks were less visible.

Automatically translated

Jerombb
Jerombb
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : Yes

Very good as far as Darboussiere beach. At this point, it would be better to cut across to get back to the starting point. There's no point in continuing as far as Port du Niel. From there it's hard to follow the route, and you have to walk in traffic, which really isn't recommended with children, as the cliffs are less dangerous....The return to the road in the town spoils the end and the final pleasure.

Automatically translated

LSG1955
LSG1955

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Beautiful views, no difficulties

Automatically translated

RGIULIAN
RGIULIAN

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Magnificent hike, very well signposted, a delight

Automatically translated

bernard coulomb
bernard coulomb

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

One of the most challenging walks not to be missed if you're staying in the region. But blue skies and sunshine are essential if you want to enjoy views worthy of the most beautiful postcards of the Mediterranean coastline.
Follow the coastline as closely as possible and you'll be amazed!

Automatically translated

overdrive38
overdrive38
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

This part of the island is nicer than the eastern part, although both are well worth the effort.
There are no difficulties. Of course, you'll need to be well shod. The signposts are easy to follow and there's no difficulty in controlling them with the app. The scenery is magnificent and has nothing to envy Porquerolles.
Some parts are steep but there are no real difficulties. I can confirm that the end of the walk with the roadside return to the port isn't exactly the most pleasant, but you have to get back to where you started.
There was no wind that day, but I'd advise you to be careful when approaching the cliffs.

Automatically translated

Titine83260
Titine83260

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

The scenery is magnificent. We were very lucky to see dolphins.
As for the route, we just avoided the sporting part.
Do it again.

Automatically translated

Françoisb04
Françoisb04

We do not recommend hiking in strong winds

Automatically translated

Joubarbe
Joubarbe

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very nice route

Automatically translated

Françoisb04
Françoisb04

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

fairly sporty hike not to be done in strong winds

Automatically translated

Babu83
Babu83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Beautiful views, some tricky sections for people with reduced mobility.

Automatically translated

Other walks in the area

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of the author. Do not copy them without permission.