The island of Porquerolles is a Mediterranean jewel. Located off the Var coast, it is the largest of the Golden Isles and part of the Port-Cros National Park. Like a garden set in the sea, it welcomes visitors to enjoy nature, hike or bike, take part in water sports and stop off at its sublime turquoise beaches. Porquerolles is also home to heritage sites, wineries, a garden and a museum. Accessible from the Presqu'île de Giens in Hyères, Le Lavandou or Toulon, here are the must-sees of this little paradise on the Côte d'Azur.
1. Visit Sainte-Anne church
Theparish church of Sainte-Anne was originally a military chapel. Listed as a Historic Monument, it houses the Stations of the Cross, carved out of solid walnut by a soldier convalescing at the Porquerolles Health Shelter. The church stands on a square where it's pleasant to stop for lunch in one of the surrounding restaurants, play a game of pétanque or eat an ice cream, in a typical Provencal atmosphere. The church is easily reached from the port. A stroll through the village is often the first thing you do when you arrive in Porquerolles.
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2. The most beautiful beaches in Porquerolles
The beaches of Porquerolles are a treasure trove. They make it one of the best destinations for beach vacations in France. A word of advice: prefer June to avoid the influx of visitors in July and August. Just a 25-minute walk from the village, Plage d'Argent boasts fine grey sand and a breathtaking turquoise sea. Further east, a 45-minute walk from the village, Plage Notre-Dame is a sight to behold, with a water color reminiscent of the world's most beautiful lagoons. Without a doubt one of the most beautiful spots on the Côte d' Azur! The most accessible beach is La Courtade, with its eucalyptus forest providing shade and coolness. Plage du Langoustier and Plage noire du Langoustier are other stretches of sand not to be missed. For those further afield, visitors can rent bicycles!
3. Getting to the foot of the lighthouse
The Porquerolles lighthouse is one of the most powerful in the Mediterranean, with a white light that has a range of 54 km. Dating from 1830, it rises 84 m above the sea and owes its survival to a former keeper, Joseph Pellegrino, who saved it from destruction in 1944. For his courage, he was awarded the Légion d'honneur cross. The Cap d'Arme lighthouse is not open to the public, but a visit to its esplanade offers a lovely panoramic view of the island and the sea. The Maures massif and Hyères harbor can also be seen in the distance.
4. What to do in Porquerolles Visit the Moulin du Bonheur
Perched on the heights of Porquerolles, the Moulin du Bonheur is one of the last remaining working mills in Provence. Dating back to the 18th century, it lay in ruins for 200 years before being restored under the supervision of the Parc National de Port-Cros. This jewel of the Var, located 200 m from Fort Sainte-Agathe, can be visited on a guided tour from June to September. Admission is free for under-18s. It is closed to the public out of season. The walk to the mill is very pleasant, taking you through the maquis.
5. Water sports
When you're looking for a destination for a family vacation and you're hooked on water sports, Porquerolles is one of the trendiest places in France. Several platforms enable you to hire a boat, with or without a skipper. A great opportunity to tour the island and escape to the nearby Isles d'Or. You can also hire a jet-ski to play the adventurer and take a dip in some of the island's most beautiful coves. From the beaches of La Courtade and Noire du Langoustier, other water sports activities are available, including paddle rentals, snorkeling with fins, mask and snorkel, and sailing and wing-foil lessons.
Discover Porquerolles as you've never seen it before by booking this boat trip to the island's magnificent coves!
6. Admire the forts, a Porquerolles must-see
On the island of Porquerolles, several forts bear witness to a tumultuous military past. Among them, Fort Sainte-Agathe dates back to the 16th century. You can visit the interior, and even access a terrace offering an exceptional view of the island and the Hyères roadstead. The pyramid-shaped Grand Langoustier fort owes its restoration to an enthusiast. Dating from the 17th century, its interior can be visited during the Heritage Days. Fort de l'Alycastre is a square tower surrounded by a star-shaped enclosure. Listed as a Monument Historique, it was built under the aegis of Richelieu. It can also be visited only during the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days). This event is also an opportunity to visit the Fort de la Repentance, a unique buried defense structure.
7. Wine tasting at the wineries
Porquerolles is home to several wine estates. It's the perfect opportunity to taste the local produce. Domaine de l'île is classified as an AOP Côtes-de-Provence, and produces organic whites and rosés with a hint of the sea. The estate is now in the hands of the Wertheimer brothers, owners of Maison Chanel. Domaine de la Courtade, whose vines also benefit from an exceptional maritime climate, produces excellent white, rosé and red wines that are structured, balanced and complex.
8. Hiking and biking in Porquerolles
Before cooling off in the translucent waters of the Var paradise of Porquerolles, hiking is a must, whether you're a walker or a cyclist. There are several routes, including the circuit des forts, the circuit des crêtes and the randonnée de l'eau. Strolls on the island allow you to enjoy the coastline, explore the maquis, arrive at the foot of monuments or plunge into fragrant forests. A great moment of communion with unspoilt nature. For information on itineraries, don't hesitate to contact the Porquerolles Tourist Office.
9. Stop off at the Fondation Carmignac
Between a hike and a swim at the beach in spring, when the island is still far from the hustle and bustle of summer during one of the May bridges, for example, visitors to Porquerolles can take the opportunity to spend a lovely moment at the Fondation Carmignac. This exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art houses a collection of over 300 works, featuring artists such as Andy Warhol, Keith Harring, Alexander Calder and Sandro Botticelli. The villa is sublime, and the visit is completed by a stroll through the sculpture garden. The Fondation Carmignac hosts temporary exhibitions and also offers workshops for families and children.
10. Stroll through the Jardin Emmanuel Lopez
The Emmanuel Lopez garden is just a stone's throw from the village. Covering almost a hectare, this haven of peace is home to a wide variety of plant species adapted to the dry Mediterranean climate. There are some twenty species of palm from all over the world, as well as wisteria, prickly pear and yucca. Sculptures also decorate the walkways. It's the perfect place to stroll and relax on a bench in the shade of a tree. Not to be missed if you're looking for serenity, especially at the height of the season.
11. Visit the Conservatoire Botanique
The Conservatoire Botanique National Méditerranéen de Porquerolles evaluates the wild flora and natural habitats of the French Mediterranean regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence-Côte d'Azur. Its role is also to raise public awareness of issues relating to the preservation of flora. The orchards are open to the public. You'll discover an incredible diversity of fruit trees. Guided group tours are also available on reservation.
Where to stay in Porquerolles?
Many people who spend a day on Porquerolles, one of our favorite destinations, stay on the mainland, in Hyères or Le Lavandou. They make the crossing to the island by boat. But Porquerolles also boasts a number of hotels where you can enjoy its idyllic setting over several days.
- Le Mas du Langoustier, Provencal elegance
This hotel is a magnificent mas with a patio planted with trees. Rooms can accommodate couples or families. Some have a terrace. They perfectly combine modern and rustic touches. The estate boasts a private swimming pool, shaded tennis courts, two restaurants, a bar and a range of on-site treatments. The hotel is just a stone's throw from Baie du Langoustier.
- L'Auberge des Glycines, next to the village
L'Auberge des Glycines offers rooms in typical Provencal colors and features. All have walk-in showers. Its location, just a stone's throw from the village, offers easy access to the shops and a central location for renting bicycles and exploring the island of Porquerolles. A restaurant serves delicious recipes based on local produce. Click here to book your stay!
- Les Mèdes, with marine accents
This hotel-residence , whichyou can book right here, offers rooms and apartments with a marine decor. The nearest beach is 400 m away. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the garden, surrounded by beautiful vegetation. The establishment also invites guests to sit down at the table in its restaurant to sample its warm, bistronomic cuisine. Located in the village, guests are close to the port.
What to do in Porquerolles in winter?
After the hustle and bustle of summer, Porquerolles is one of the most beautiful places to visit in France in winter, when it's at its quietest. For visitors who like peace and quiet, it's the perfect time to hop on a bike and head off to the four corners of the island. Particularly to the south, with its more rugged coastline. It's also very pleasant to sit for a few moments on the deserted beaches, always bordered by turquoise waters. You can also visit a fort, such as Sainte-Agathe. Or visit the wineries to taste the local wines. The advantage in winter is that the atmosphere is more conducive to exchanges with the 250 inhabitants who live on the island all year round.
Once you've had your fill of Porquerolles, it's time to discover the must-sees of Hyères, the must-sees of the Var and, for an even bigger picture, the most beautiful places in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region!
Book in advance below for the hottest activities to enjoy during your stay in the area:
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