Niel coastal path: a natural and tourist heritage enhanced
Closed since 2001, the Niel coastal path in Hyères has reopened to the public after over one million euros of safety works.
After a quarter of a century of waiting, hikers and lovers of the Var coast can once again use the section of the Niel coastal path, in Hyères.
Closed to the public since 2001 due to significant risks of landslides, this iconic route was the subject of a rehabilitation and safety operation managed by Toulon Provence Méditerranée (TPM), the site manager. In July, the inauguration marked the culmination of a complex project, both technical and financial.
The coastal path, often called the "sentier des douaniers", is an institution that allows visitors to discover the riches of the Mediterranean coast. This new segment offers unprecedented views of the turquoise waters, sheltered coves, and preserved vegetation that characterize the peninsula.
A project costing over one million euros
Its reopening required an investment exceeding €1.08 million. The main budget was dedicated to stabilizing the cliffs, a project that cost €405,113. The rehabilitation of the path itself represented a cost of €593,700. To these sums is added the project management, valued at €83,900.
This financial effort was essential to guarantee the safety of users in the face of the geotechnical issues that had closed the passage. The challenge of the project lay in consolidating the rock faces without denaturing this classified site.
The rehabilitation of the Niel section is part of a broader strategy to enhance the coastal heritage. The managed coastal path extends over a total of 52 kilometers. The reopening of this strategic section not only enriches the hiking offer for residents and tourists, but also strengthens the continuity and attractiveness of this entire major pedestrian network on the Var coast.
An inauguration in the presence of elected officials
The importance of this event was highlighted by the presence of Josée Massi, president of Toulon Provence Méditerranée, Véronique Bernardini, mayor of Hyères and vice-president of the metropolitan area, as well as Gilles Vincent, vice-president of TPM in charge of environmental enhancement, waste, and energy.
Article from the paper edition of La Gazette du Var