Linked to the town of Hyères by two strips of sand or “tombolos”, the peninsula, 6 km long and 1.5 km wide, offers, thanks to its unique geographical layout, a natural setting, very lovely properties and splendid vistas of the Mediterranean.

Marked by the presence of the Greeks then the Romans, the site accommodates the village and the ruins of a castle at its centre. To the south, an area covered by forests, ones finds the harbour of Le Niel, where fishermen still sell their catch at auction. The Bassin de la Madrague lies to the west of the cape, leading to the Pointe des Chevaliers and the cliffs of Escampobariou. From the western sector of La Tour Fondue, one can reach the Iles d’Or. The famous beaches of L’Almanarre and Le Robinson are also to be discovered on the Giens peninsula, a favourite destination for windsurfers, hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts.
“While the peninsula blessed by the gods is characterized by expensive properties, prices do not exceed those of Port Saint-Pierre,” comments Louis Laury of Action Immobilier. Based in the east, specialists in holiday homes rub shoulders with the more confidential sector of La Madrague, known for its fishermen’s houses. Benefitting from its own beach and harbour, the gated and guarded estate of La Polynésie consists of houses of 150-200 m2 built in the 1970’s with grounds of 1,000 to 2,000 m2. With a sea view and restoration on the agenda, they can command 900,000 to 1 million euros, 1.7 to 2 million euros and beyond once renovated. Costing 4,500-5,500 €/m2 when facing the sea, apartments are more like pied-à-terre than practical family homes. For houses, the average transaction ranges from 600,000 to 700,000 €. This budget, usually concerning local buyers, brings living space of 100 m2 with a garden of 400 m2. They make a return by renting them out in summer. As for the famous “water’s edge” properties, they consist of old fishermen’s warehouses, ie. 2-roomed apartments of 40 m2 costing 450,000 to 500,000 €, and villas starting at 2 million euros. All accommodation combined, holiday homes form the majority. The eastern area, composed of La Bergerie and La Capte and comprising less than 10 % of the peninsula, has to deal with the specific nature of the “bail emphytéotique” or long lease. 70 years ago, the local authorities adopted this system - placing land at a client’s disposal for long-term use in exchange for a modest sum - to enable the less well-off to benefit from a home. Some of these leases are now due to expire, and occupants are being invited to pay the price estimated by the owners, fully aware that any improvements such as a building erected on the land rightfully belongs to the lessor. Other tenants are enlarging their homes, after obtaining an extension of the lease. The problem becomes really thorny in the case of apartment buildings. Buyers with an interest in the area would be well-advised to seek advice from a specialist.
“Building land is rare and urbanization often subject to the approval of the “Bâtiments de France”,” says Carole Verdino of Verdino Immobilier. On the other hand, purchasers, one-third locals and two-thirds occasional residents, are guaranteed a protected environment. Quiet and luxuriant, the site has very few buildings, and is only 15 minutes from the centre except in peak periods. After a slowdown in late 2008 and early 2009, business picked up in the spring. Seniors wanting to be closer to town centres sometimes sell their homes : together with inherited properties, this nevertheless gives a very limited stock. Among recent sales, Carole Verdino mentions a house that was sold in its future state of completion, with living space of 100 m2 and a garden of 500 m2, for 550,000 € ; a villa of 160 m2 in grounds of 1,800 m2 facing the Med for 1.2 million euros ; and an apartment of 40 m2 in a gated residence with pool, for 180,000 €.