Natural Crafts France

A few steps from Lille, this beautiful forest of almost 700 hectares is the ideal place to recharge, walking, horse or bicycle. Note that the Phalempin family Tour Tour proposed by the General Council of the North is simply delicious, and allows you to cross the forest from end to end and enjoy all its diversity. The unfortunate point of the place: the highway A 1 near the woods, causing a noise nuisance throughout the northern part of the forest… Hence the interest of crossing the paths to the south and getting into nature, to enjoy the tranquillity of this haven of peace.

It is one of the highest places on the coast, which offers a magnificent view of the surrounding coastline. Very uneven, the point of Bihit is formed of a very resistant and ancient rock, gneiss 2 billion years old, one of the oldest rocks in Europe. Grey and sharp, it differs completely from the young granite, pink and round, which forms the island Milliau, its neighbor. You can extend the walk towards the fine sandy beach of Pors Mabo, facing south. You will then pass in front of the Roche mignonne, planted in the water.

Ten minutes from the Motorway exit n°18 Manosque, on the Valensole and the road of Gorges du Verdon, the Angelvin family welcomes you for four generations on its farm of the lavender. It is possible, for individuals, visit the distillery during harvest. As for groups, visits are organised throughout the year on appointment from fifteen people. You will receive a remarkable video projection commented in several languages making the evolution in the way of collecting lavender since 1970 to today. In the shop open all year that offers the possibility of mail order selling, you will discover essential oils, flowers, soaps and other local products are carefully selected. A warm and professional enthusiasts with meetings and exchanges with the producer. Enjoy the exceptional view that is offered on a sea lavender as far as the eye can see.

Lampaul is the village of the island, but also the rallying point after the landing, to discuss the modalities of discovering the island (cycling, hiking) and the place to meet for lunch or a drink before the boat leaves. Here, you can find almost everything: supermarket, bars, restaurants, bakery, pharmacy, school. You can also rent bicycles to go around the island, get information from the tourist office and, if your heart is in it, visit the church (remember that its bell tower was built thanks to donations from the British crown after the sinking of Drummond Castle). Going down, you can access the port of Lampaul, where the sailing school, the diving club and the lifeboat are located. At the southwestern end, the view of Lampaul Bay is magnificent. Note: it is in Lampaul that most of the festivities of the International Island Book Fair take place at the end of August.

The square and crenellated tower (of Saracen inspiration) which surmounts this rocky islet was built between 1910 and 1913 (in red stone from Estérel), at the request of its owner, Doctor Auguste Lutaud, self-proclaimed Auguste^1st. Private property, it cannot be visited. According to a local legend, the Golden Island would have inspired Hergé for his album "The Black Island". But "Tintinophiles" are unanimous in refuting this idea: the illustrator, who never came to Saint-Raphaël, was inspired by Scottish castles for the castle of Ben More.

The naturist and gay area, north of the beach, is accessible from Calvi or L'Ile-Rousse by the N 197. After crossing the railway, we dredge in the rocks and bushes before going down the beach.