This Mediterranean island ignored by tourists in spring is a small natural paradise

This little-known island on the Mediterranean rim offers an ideal setting in spring for nature lovers.

The sunny days are coming and with them, a desire to recharge your batteries by the Mediterranean Sea. But that's it, the idea of ​​finding yourself on a beach where The tourists lined up in rows doesn't make you want it at all, and we understand! What if we told you that even in the most popular Mediterranean national park in France, stormed by tourists ; In the summer, there is a protected site where you can picnic à the shade of the pine trees and relax in small coves, hike in peace in "a forest in the open sea" while enjoying a sunny day ? As long as you go there now, in spring!

Entirely covered with Aleppo pines, it is the only truly wooded area in the Calanques National Park ;and the entire coastline of the Bouches-du-Rhône department. This strip of land with an area of ​​13 hectares separated from the 400 meters from our continent will delight nature lovers. It has become the refuge of seagulls and is home to many odorous plants and small mammals. Every year, many scuba diving enthusiasts come to discover its seabed, home to numerous fish. shallow depth that it is possible to fish: scorpionfish, murres, sea bream, red mullet, wrasses…

And yet, the name of this true garden of Eden is not very well known… It is of the Green Island, integrated into the classified site; of Cap Canaille. Its enchanting coastline is dottedé of secret coves that hikers will discover as they explore. an easy path that allows you to go around the island in an hour, with panoramic views of the Bec de l'Aigle, the shipyards of La Ciotat and the blue hills of Provence. Swimming enthusiasts can enjoy its three intimate beaches: Saint-Pierre beach & proximity from the landing stage, Seynerolles beach in the south-east of the island and Plageolle, a small pebble beach with translucent and protected waters East of the Winds, located to the north of the island. At the highest point of the island located in the heart of the city. At 49 meters above sea level, the walker discovers the ruins of Fort Saint-Pierre and the remains of blockhouses, testimonies of the past. of Green Island as a military site during the Napoleonic Wars and the Second World War.

Motivated to spend a beautiful day on Ile Verte ? From La Ciotat, the crossing only takes 15 minutes. On site, à proximity from the landing stage, a small restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, the only one on the island, awaits you for a gourmet break on the terrace with a breathtaking view of the sea. From April & September, the Aquilade shuttle provides the connection between the Port Vieux de La Ciotat and l'& ;Icirc;le Verte, offering a return every hour and a quarter between 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and between 2:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. The round-trip fare is €100 per person. 14 euros for an adult and à 9 euros for a child under 10 years old.