Gaou Island
A natural sanctuary of sea and greeneryLe Gaou, a jewel box for lovers of authenticity
At the tip of Six-Fours-les-Plages, the Pointe du Gaou is divided into two parts: “Le petit Gaou”, where the statue of Venus is located, and “Le grand Gaou”, a peninsula surrounded by the sea, accessible to pedestrians via a wooden footbridge a few meters long. Walks in Le Gaou guarantee a change of scenery that appeals to young and old alike. After a walk to discover the flora and fauna, a picnic in the coves or on the beach, or a break on the rocks in search of periwinkles, enjoy a refreshing break on the terrace, facing the lagoon, for absolute pleasure.
5 good reasons to take a stroll on the Gaou peninsula
- Recharge your batteries with the elements
- Lounging in the wild coves off the Ile des Embiez
- Enjoy the original shape of anemomorphic pines
- Picnic in the shade of the pines
- Join a guided family tour to learn more about biodiversity
Full of nature
Surrounded by the Brusc lagoon, Ile des Embiez and the Cap Sicié massif, and facing out to sea, the Gaou peninsula is a land of contrasting landscapes. Signs along the trails tell you all about the flora that thrives in this sanctuary. You can choose to relax in the intimacy of the wild creeks facing out to sea or the Ile des Embiez, or enjoy the calm of the lagoon and its hilly backdrop at Le Brusc.
Our advice
By bus, to reach Le Gaou from the center of Six-Fours-les-Plages or La Seyne-sur-Mer, take line 87 to the “Le Brusc” terminus.
By bike, you can enjoy the scenery between the port of Le Brusc and the lagoon.
By car, on-site parking is free from May 1 to September 30.
A gift from nature
The Gaou peninsula is framed by natural wonders. On one side, the lagoon of Le Brusc and its colorful pointus, on the other the imposing massif of Cap Sicié, and, on the horizon, the island of Les Embiez.
Un air d’ailleurs
Its black basalt rock, unusual in Provence, and wild coastline give it a Caribbean or Brittany feel, depending on the weather. The statue of “La Venus sortant des flots” (Venus rising from the waves), sculpted by Robert Forrer on the Petit Gaou in 1961, keeps watch over the site and acts as a link between land and sea.
Terrace facing the sea
Take a seat on the terrace of one of the restaurants located at the entrance to the Pointe du Gaou, and enjoy a breathtaking view over the lagoon or the Cap Sicié massif and the open sea. Savor Provencal specialties at lunch, share a sunset dinner or enjoy an aperitif with a concert at “La Lagune” or “Le Vénus du Gaou”.
At the end of the road, the Gaou
By car, after the port of Le Brusc, drive along the lagoon to reach the parking lots on the corniche des îles. On Thursday mornings, market day in Le Brusc, a detour is set up to bypass the pedestrian port. Follow the detour signs.
By bus, take line 87 of the Mistral network to its terminus.
From Bonnegrâce beach, walk for around 2 hours along the yellow coastal path.