Nature area of Plan de La Garde
130 hectares of sensitive natural areaNature trails
In the heart of Provence Méditerranée, bordered by the Toulon mountains to the north and the hills of Hyères and Colle Noire to the south, the – very! – he vast departmental nature reserve of Le Plan lives under the protection of the La Garde rock, of which the castle and the ancient church of Notre-Dame, perched 70 meters high, are the emblems. In this unusual setting, close to the main roads leading to the surrounding towns and villages, nature blossoms serenely. Whatever the season, the Plan de La Garde offers you the chance to immerse yourself in nature, to observe or exercise.
5 good reasons to stroll around Plan de La Garde
- A protected natural area a stone’s throw from the city
- A place to run, play, cycle, picnic, observe…or meditate
- Walking trails galore
- A site for observing migratory and endemic birds
- A nature observation centre in the heart of the Plan
Nature walks
Between La Garde and Le Pradet, the departmental nature area of Le Plan is one of Provence Méditerranée’s most popular walking destinations. This 130-hectare park offers you the chance to explore a whole new world. Children’s games, horseback riding, shared gardens, sculptures – these are just a few of the paths away from the world. A focal point for observation: the Maison de la Nature faces a reed-lined pond home to migratory birds and endemic species. From the wooden footbridges along the way, you’ll find an immersive vantage point from which to contemplate them.
The Nature House
To discover the different species that inhabit the park, take the time to visit the Nature House. Raised 3.5 meters above the ground, it overlooks the pond and blends harmoniously into its natural surroundings. In this 350-square-meter space, you’ll visit themed and temporary exhibition halls, projection rooms, and areas dedicated to educational workshops. Raising awareness of the need to preserve our environment is at the heart of the Maison de la Nature’s objectives.
Activities for the whole family
The park offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages. Sports enthusiasts benefit from outdoor fitness equipment such as the elliptical trainer, pull-up bar, double walker, squat machine and stretching bench, all of which are freely available. Garden enthusiasts can wander the paths between the themed and educational gardens. All year round, guided tours, exhibitions, lectures and nature workshops are organized to help you better understand and preserve the environment.
How to get to Plan de La Garde
By car: you can park easily and free of charge in the La Bouilla and La Foux parking lots (east and west entrances).
By train: Plan de La Garde is right next to the TER SNCF train station(La Garde stop). From Toulon or Hyères, it’s just a few minutes by train to the heart of the metropolitan area’s green lung.