Cultural outings

Nature walk in Port-Cros with Vincent Blondel

Meeting point

Rade de Port-Cros
83400 Port-Cros
France

©Parc national de Port-Cros

Vincent Blondel

Port-Cros National Park

Nature walk in Port-Cros with Vincent Blondel

1 day

Medium

215 m

This one-day visit proposed by Vincent Blondel, naturalist guide, will take you to the heart of the Port-Cros Historical Park, refuge of wild and protected species, through a global approach of the site: fauna, flora, geology, ecology and the singular relationship between this preserved nature and man.

The route from the village takes you to the Fort de l'Estissac. Follow the plant trail to La Palud beach, where you can picnic and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. Then head for the Vallon de Notre-Dame, up to the Fort de la Vigie, with its magnificent view of the islet of La Gabinière, before descending through the Vallon de la Solitude. Each stage will provide an opportunity to observe and evoke the natural and cultural wealth of this exceptional area. You'll learn about the island's history, including the key role played by the Henry family, the writers who made it their home, and the creation of the National Park and its missions.

Those interested in plants will be delighted to discover their diversity and uses: medicinal and edible. Endemic species will reveal their secrets, such as sea germander, flax-leaved broom and the numerous orchid family. Your guide will introduce you to all the species of insects and arachnids, of which there are over 200 on the island. Along the way, you'll also observe birds such as the peregrine falcon, the fastest in the world, while at the seaside, you'll take time to observe marine species such as posidonia and the major role they play in balancing the marine ecosystem.

Take the shuttle bus from the port of Saint-Pierre in Hyères (45 min.) or the port of Le Lavandou (1 hr.).

Duration: 7 hours. Actual walking time: 3h30

Period: All year round

Public: families, adults, school groups only.

Bring your own picnic. Boat trip not included.

Prices

Price: €20 / person

À la rencontre de...

Vincent Blondel, a native of Var, has been living in France for the past 30 years. After studying mathematics and physics, he began his professional life as a computer scientist employed by the American government.

Passionate about nature since childhood, I have always traveled. It was after returning from a long trip that made me open my eyes to the beauty of the world that I made my decision: I had to work in nature.

At 33 years old, he trained for a year as a naturalist guide. He has been practicing this profession for 21 years.

From then on, I never stopped learning.

His latest studies to date: a one-year correspondence course at the Lyon School of Medicinal Plants and another at the Office for Entomological Information But the best training, he says, is in the field!" Vincent Blondel has created many discovery tours throughout the Var.

He gives lectures, leads workshops in schools, collaborates with the Toulon Natural History Museum, which he visits, works on trail signage, and, specialized in ethnobotany, leads training courses on medicinal and edible plants.

Very attached to the spirit of the naturalist guides "We work together and it is a strength", he also defends "and since always" the National Park and its brand.