Embiez Island
Mediterranean island near Toulon with marine research centre
Île des Embiez near Six‑Fours in Provence serves day‑trippers with small beaches, coastal walks, seafood restaurants and boat excursions from the mainland.
Embiez at a Glance#
About Embiez#
Embiez (Les Embiez) is a small island archipelago off the Var coast in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France, near the town of Six-Fours-les-Plages. The main island is known for beaches, a marina and a marine research presence.
Day-trippers use the regular short ferry from the mainland to reach sandy coves, walking trails and a small port with moorings for visiting boats. The islands are also notable for the on-site oceanographic institute and small exhibition areas that link tourism with marine science.
The principal island was purchased and developed in the mid 20th century by the industrialist Paul Ricard, who established marine research and conservation activities there. Since then the island has combined recreational facilities with scientific and educational programs.
The archipelago lies off the coast of Six-Fours-les-Plages near Toulon in the Var department of southern France, accessible by boat from the nearby seaside towns.
- Ferry access: The islands are served by a short ferry from Six-Fours-les-Plages on the mainland, making them a day-trip destination from Toulon.
- Paul Ricard involvement: Purchased and developed in the mid 20th century by Paul Ricard, the main island hosts a long-standing oceanographic research and education presence.
What to See#
- Île des Embiez: Main inhabited island in the group with a small port, beaches and walking paths; hosts visitor facilities and moorings for private boats.
- Oceanographic Institute (Fondation Paul Ricard): A private marine research and conservation center established by an industrialist in the mid 20th century focused on Mediterranean marine science and outreach.
How to Get to Embiez#
Regular boat services and private charters run from mainland ports such as Sanary-sur-Mer and Bandol to Embiez. The island is also reachable by a short causeway from the mainland for certain accesses.
Tips for Visiting Embiez#
- Take the free coastal path from Six-Fours-les-Plages to reach the island causeway and enjoy different coastal views.
- Bring a sun hat - the Provençal sun is sharp even off-season.
- The island has a small restaurant and beaches; check seasonal opening hours before arriving.
Best Time to Visit Embiez#
Summer is best for bathing and full services, while spring and autumn offer quieter, pleasant visits.
Weather & Climate near Embiez#
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (617 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 6° - 13° | 6° | 74 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 6.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Good | 6° - 13° | 6° | 53 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 6.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| March | Good | 7° - 15° | 11° | 42 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 6.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 9° - 16° | 13° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 6.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.3h |
| May | Very Good | 13° - 20° | 16° | 40 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.5h |
| June | Ideal | 16° - 24° | 20° | 27 mm | mostly sunny | 75% | 5.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Ideal | 18° - 27° | 23° | 7 mm | mostly sunny | 72% | 5.4 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.9h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 27° | 23° | 27 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 5.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Excellent | 16° - 24° | 20° | 53 mm | some cloud | 74% | 5.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | 13° - 20° | 17° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 5.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Very Good | 9° - 16° | 12° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 6.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| December | Good | 7° - 14° | 10° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 5.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.8h |