Harbour

Port du Niel

4.2Hyères, FranceVar

Maximum length: 39 ft
VHF channel: 9
Maximum draught: 11 ft

Small harbour of 106 berths on the east side of the Giens peninsula, in the commune of Hyères, Var.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the Rade d'Hyeres with the Giens peninsula to port. The entrance faces east and is sheltered from the mistral by the peninsula, but exposed to easterly winds and swell that make it restless, and boats on the outer pier side lie quieter. The entrance and turning room are tight, with about 1.3 m at the pontoon ends, so it suits boats up to around 10 m and 2 m draught; longer or twin-ruddered boats may have to turn outside. Maximum draught 3.5 m. VHF 9.

Practical

106 berths, mostly local with limited visitor space, so book ahead by email; without a booking there may be no water or electricity, and power reaches only some berths, the pontoons taking boats up to 12 m when there is room. The harbour master helps visitors moor. No showers, the WC dated but clean, with a refit planned. No WiFi and poor mobile coverage. Reckon on around 41 euros for a boat under 9 m. Water on the quay. La Madrague de Giens lies 0.8 NM to the west and Port Auguier 1 NM to the southeast.

Ashore

Coastal path of the Giens peninsula passes directly above the harbour, linking the salt pans of Les Pesquiers to the north and the cliffs of the Badine to the south. A food truck on the quay draws locals and visitors, with a free cafe-theatre evening on Sundays and the Goldfish restaurant nearby, and fishermen sell their catch on the quay in the morning. A Spar and a bakery are a 15 minute walk uphill in Giens village, with a shuttle bus to the village. Beach of La Badine at 1.2 km. Departure for the Porquerolles ferry at La Tour Fondue, 1.5 km by road.