What does the closure of fire-risk massifs mean?
Summer protection measuresFire prevention
Drought, high temperatures, wind: in summer, the risk of fire in the forests of the Var is heightened.
To avoid any risk to the population and local flora and fauna, the Var Prefecture publishes a daily map from mid-June to mid-September indicating the risk levels for the various massifs. This may result in access restrictions. It’s important to find out what you need to know before you go out so as not to put yourself in danger.
Very severe or extreme risk
– No smoking
– No lighting of fires
– No wilderness camping
– Collecting plants and animals prohibited
– Garbage disposal prohibited
– No throwing of flammable objects
– Walking in the massifs prohibited
– No traffic on lanes marked with a BO sign
– Use of shredders, brushcutters, chain saws and work on metal prohibited
Mount Faron fire hazard
In case of “very severe red risk” or “extreme red risk” :
– The massif is closed to the public for reasons of extreme risk, and all entry is forbidden,
– The cable car and all shops on site are closed to the public,
– Gondola lifts close early at 5:30 p.m., but you can still get back down until closing time,
– The road is closed to traffic from 7pm to 8am on the evening the map is published by the Prefecture, and on the following day (i.e. 2 evenings and 1 day). Vehicles on the summit have to come back down.
A warning siren has been installed at Faron.
If the latter is triggered, please return to your assembly points and await instructions from the relevant authorities.
Fire hazard on the Hyeres islands
For everyone’s safety, forest areas on the islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant may be closed to the public. Apart from the danger and risk, these closures can have a major impact on your visit to the islands. On Port-Cros, for example, most of the hiking trails are closed on days when the risk is very severe or extreme. You’ll have to stay around the village. So don’t forget to consult the fire prevention maps in real time, and take note of the trails that will be closed during these exceptional summer days.
Traffic, whether on foot or by bike, is only allowed on the access roads to the beaches of Porquerolles. As for the island of Port-Cros, most of the hiking trails will be inaccessible under very severe and extreme risk conditions.
A word of advice? If the wind is strong, postpone your day on the Hyères islands if possible.
Special feature on Port-Cros island: if the risk is red, only one path is open (towards the south beach). If the risk is red-extreme, all trails on the island are closed.
ForIle du Levant, the Domaine des Arbousiers nature reserve is off-limits due to very severe and extreme risks. The five trail entrances (three via the corniche, one via Les Moines and one via La Galère) are off-limits.
Map of accessible trails on the islands
Below you’ll find maps of trails accessible on Porquerolles and Port-Cros in the event of a high, very severe or extreme fire hazard.
Frequently asked questions?
Is island access possible during a fire hazard?
Yes, ferries cross, except in exceptional wind conditions. However, some trails and massifs are closed. Don’t forget to check the map updated the evening before
Is it possible to visit the Giens peninsula even during a severe alert?
Yes, you can go to the peninsula. Certain sections may be closed for severe or extreme risk. In-situ signs will be installed.
If I see a fire starting, who should I contact?
Immediately call the fire department on 18 or 112, giving as much precise information as possible (location, time, etc.).