Island designated as protected reserve

The island of Bagaud, part of the Port-Cros National Park in France’s Hyères Islands, has been closed to the public since 2007. It is classified as an integral reserve, meaning no one can land, dock, or enter the island, preserving it as a space untouched by humans.

Island has no permanent residents

Bagaud, which is about 59 hectares in size—equivalent to 80 football fields—has been uninhabited since 1985. This makes it a unique area where nature and ecosystems can develop without human influence, often described as a place "frozen in time."

Local legend about dangerous rats

A local legend claims that aggressive black rats live on the island, which is said to keep people away. However, this has never been officially confirmed as a real danger to humans. The story may have helped reinforce the ban by creating a sense of risk around the island.

Scientific reasons for the reserve

The primary reason for the reserve status is ecological research. Scientists use Bagaud to study how ecosystems change over time without human interference. Since 2010, efforts have focused on removing invasive species, such as black rats and the South African plant called witch's claw, to better understand the island’s natural environment.

Other protected areas nearby

Two other locations in the Hyères Islands, Gabinière and the Rascas rock, were also declared integral reserves in 2007. Access to Bagaud is limited to researchers and those involved in ecological restoration, and only after approval from the Scientific Council of the Port-Cros National Park.