Going to Île du Levant with your dog
Are you planning a trip to Île du Levant, off the coast of Hyères, with your dog? This island in the Var region, largely a naturist resort, still offers some lovely discoveries for dogs! I won't say any more and will let you discover how to get there and what to see on Île du Levant with your canine companion.
For a holiday with your dog in the Var region, Île du Levant is one of the most unique destinations. Located off the coast of Hyères, this island, known for its naturist atmosphere, is particularly appealing for its wild landscapes, its pedestrian village of Héliopolis, and its much calmer ambiance compared to the mainland. But before planning your dog-friendly trip, it's best to be aware of the local rules, as some activities and coastal areas remain off-limits to dogs.
In this article, I explain how to reach Île du Levant with your dog, which walks are accessible and what you need to know before planning your activities on this island which is not quite like the others.
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Practical Memo
Where to stay near Île du Levant with my dog? Here are 6 of the best QUALIDOG-certified accommodations for your holiday with your dog!
Didn't find what you were looking for in our selection? Here are a few websites where you can find dog-friendly accommodations. They are not QUALIDOG-certified partners, so I don't know their standards of hospitality.
- The island of Levant is particularly exposed to the sun, and temperatures can rise quickly. To ensure your pet's comfort and help it regulate its temperature, consider investing in... Essential equipment to keep your dog cool.
- The island's Mediterranean climate hides a formidable enemy in summer: the heatwave. To avoid disaster during your walks under the blazing sun, learn to recognize the signs and discover How to react to heatstroke in dogs.
- Remain vigilant when exploring the island's vegetation: you may cross wooded areas and therefore encounter processionary caterpillars (especially in spring). If your dog has come into contact with these small insects, consult our article on emergency procedures to adopt.
How to get to Île du Levant with your dog?
- From Hyères, the TLV-TVM company shuttles depart from Port Saint-Pierre and they accept dogs on board free of charge. No additional ticket is required for your pet.
- From Le Lavandou, the Vedettes Îles d'Or company also accepts dogs free of charge on its regular crossings to the island.
Throughout the crossing, your dog must remain on a leash. Category 1 and 2 dogs must also wear a muzzle and be accompanied by an adult.
Once you arrive on the island, you will discover a much calmer and more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere than on the mainland, which makes walks very pleasant with a dog.
Before planning your swims, however, you need to know which areas are actually accessible to dogs.
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What to do with your dog on Île du Levant?
The Île du Levant is especially good for enjoying dog-friendly walks in the heart of Héliopolis and in accessible natural areas like the Arbousiers reserve. A visit to the Île du Levant is easily done in a day!
Héliopolis is a village unlike any other in the Hyères Islands. A historic naturist haven in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, the island cultivates a very relaxed atmosphere, focused on nature and tranquility. Here, almost everything is within walking distance, and this lack of traffic makes walks with a dog particularly pleasant. The noise of cars quickly fades into the background, replaced by the sound of cicadas, the scents of the maquis shrubland, and views of the Mediterranean. Nudity is completely free and accepted, so you're likely to encounter other people in the nude during your strolls through the village and along the trails. If you wish to spend several days on the island, you can even find naturist accommodations that accept dogs.
With your dog, you can easily explore the pedestrian alleyways, staircases, and dirt paths that crisscross the village. The charm of the place also stems from its Mediterranean gardens filled with bougainvillea, cacti, and oleanders, giving the island a distinctly bohemian feel. Even away from the beaches, naturism is part of everyday life on Île du Levant and contributes to the relaxed, timeless atmosphere that makes this destination so special.
By taking certain authorized inland trails, particularly through the Arbousiers nature reserve , you can reach the heights of the Calanques de la Galère . The views of the cliffs and turquoise waters are magnificent, especially early in the morning.
The Corniche path, in its accessible upper sections, also allows you to enjoy the scenery without descending to the coastline where dogs are prohibited. It's a wonderful alternative for taking in the typical panoramas of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur without breaking local regulations.
The Arbousiers reserve remains one of the best areas for walking your dog on Île du Levant. Unlike the beaches and the coastal nature trail, dogs are allowed there provided they are kept on a leash.
This rule is essential to protect the wildlife present on the island, including several species of birds, reptiles and the very rare Sardinian discoglossus, a small protected amphibian.
The trails wind through a well-preserved Mediterranean scrubland of strawberry trees, pines, and tree heaths. Even in the height of summer, some sections remain shaded, making it ideal for walking with your dog.
As everywhere on the island, collecting dog waste remains essential to preserve these fragile natural spaces and maintain the dog-friendly aspect of the destination.
👉 If you would like to know about other activities to do in the Var with your dog, feel free to consult our article What to do in the Var with your dog?
Are dogs allowed on the beaches of Île du Levant?
On Île du Levant, dogs are prohibited on all beaches and along the entire coastline.
The famous Grottes beach, known for its naturist atmosphere, clearly prohibits dogs. The historic gate leading to the beach even displays the rule: "Naturist beach, nudity required, dogs prohibited".
The coastal nature trail also prohibits dogs in order to protect local flora and fauna. The same rule applies to Rioufred beach.
In reality, this regulation applies to the entire coastline of Île du Levant. It stems from a municipal decree of the city of Hyères as well as the rules of the Héliopolis Trade Union Association.
👉 However, your dog is allowed on certain beaches along the Var coast! Discover our Top 5 dog-friendly beaches in the Var.
The Île du Levant therefore remains a pleasant destination with a dog if you are mainly looking for calm walks, Mediterranean landscapes and an atypical atmosphere on the French Riviera, especially if you like to practice naturism with your dog.
On the other hand, it's not the ideal place if your pet loves spending their holidays with their paws in the water.
To fully enjoy your stay on Île du Levant with your dog, consider the QUALIDOG-certified accommodations mentioned earlier in this article. These dog-friendly establishments are perfect for exploring the Îles d'Hyères with your companion in optimal conditions.
Have you ever visited Île du Levant with your dog? Tell me about your experience and share your tips in the comments! 👇
