A paradise island just a stone’s throw from Sanary-Sur-Mer
The island of Embiez, one of the Paul Ricard Islands (bought in 1950), is a must-see destination for all holidaymakers looking for a heavenly getaway by the sea! This white sand paradise is located on the French Riviera in the Var, just 1 km from Six Fours and facing Sanary sur mer.
With a total area of 95 hectares, it is a real gem with everything to please:
sandy beaches with crystal clear waters,
preserved flora and fauna,
many outdoor water activities,
a museum and aquarium,
a charming marina,
restaurants,
nature hikes,
a tour of the island by small train,
bike and boat rentals (catamaran, sailboat)…
It is a natural site of rare beauty and contains 90% of the Mediterranean plant biodiversity. A real haven for birds too, according to the League for the Protection of Birds.
With more than 300 floral and fruiting species, wild and fragrant vegetation, as well as creeks and creeks sculpted by the waves, the 95 hectares of this island are nestled in the heart of a site of the European Natura 2000 network, bringing together more than 1700 French terrestrial and marine sites, recognized for the rarity and fragility of their ecosystems.
This natural sanctuary preserves its uniqueness by voluntarily limiting construction and reducing car traffic as much as possible.
Water activities on the island of Embiez
The island of Embiez, in the heart of the Mediterranean, offers an incredible variety of water activities throughout the year.
Its unspoilt coves offer an ideal place to practice board sports:
- surfing,
- the sand yacht,
- kitesurfing,
- Stand up paddle,
- kayaking,
- water skiing (jet-skiing),
- Wing-foiling…
- Divers and scuba diving enthusiasts (snorkeling) can even explore the turquoise waters around the island and discover the richness and beauty of the underwater world in the region!
Where to swim on the island of Embiez?
In addition to its water activities, the island of Embiez is also the ideal place to enjoy a lazy activity on the beach by the sea and especially swimming!
You will find beaches all around the island, so you can sunbathe in a different way every day! Thus, among the most famous beaches on the island of Embiez, you will find:
The Plage des Salins, located in the north of the island, is a sandy beach with shallow water. Nearby, you will find two catering establishments to eat: sweet and savory,
the beach of the Germans, to the west, is the best known on the island. Facing the island of Grand Rouveau, it is made up of a multitude of beaches and coves,
The Rix beach, located to the west, is nestled between two cliffs. It is more difficult to access on foot (but easily by kayak), does not have a large sandy expanse but is well sheltered and its clear water is a delight for the eyes,
The beaches of Coucoussa, in the south-east of the island, are located opposite the Gaou peninsula. They are protected in the event of a mistral, a wind coming from the north. Bring good shoes to get down, but it’s worth it!
The opportunity to swim in peace and contemplate the sunset near the creeks, on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Visit the aquarium and the Paul Ricard Museum of the Oceanographic Institute
Fort Saint-Pierre is home to the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute, which studies marine biodiversity and undertakes research in aquaculture and the effects of marine pollution.
Founded in 1966, it aims to preserve marine biodiversity from climate change and the ecological restoration of the coastline. Within it, about a hundred animal and plant species coexist.
Currently under construction, it is home to hundreds of species, all more shimmering than the others:
- Groupers
- sars,
- oblades,
- Mules
- wrasses,
- seahorses,
- Morays
- Anemones
- Sea urchins
- sponges
- crustaceans such as lobsters, lobsters.
All these species, representative of the coastal depths of the Mediterranean, evolve within several ecosystems reconstituted in such a way as to offer a small “window on the sea”!
A museum enriches visitors’ knowledge with collections dedicated to Mediterranean marine organisms, their habitats, as well as some archaeological artefacts from shipwrecks listed near Les Embiez (such as the Medals Wreck).
Getting to the island of Embiez: shuttle from the port of Sanary-sur-mer
From 1 July to 17 September, a seasonal maritime link is organised from the port of Sanary (opposite the town hall) to the island of Embiez.
The journey is made on board the Frédéric Mistral, a shuttle boat, and takes only 20 minutes. For parking, the port car park is ideally located a few minutes’ walk from the pier, offering plenty of parking spaces.
To get there: 19 Boulevard d’Estienne d’Orves, 83110 Sanary-sur-Mer.
A few steps from the pier for the Ile des Embiez on the Port of Sanary, our H&W Hotel in Sanary sur mer warmly welcomes you!
Ideal for a weekend or a family holiday, discover our wide choice of accommodation with our different types of rooms. Come and rest in our modern, fully equipped rooms, with Provençal charm in the heart of the Var coast.
Are you a professional looking for a seminar venue? You can also organise a seminar in the Var by booking a room in our hotel!
