PORT-CROS ISLAND

The island of Port-Cros is part of the Iles d'Or archipelago, as well as Porquerolles. It is the smallest island of the archipelago with its 10 km2 and certainly the wildest of all. It owes its current name to the hollowed-out shape of its port. Formerly called the "Messé", the middle island, Port-Cros is only fifteen kilometers from the mainland, yet the change of scenery is well and truly assured! If today Port-Cros invites to calm and serenity, it was once the target of various attacks. It was Richelieu who decided, in the 17th century, to build a vast defense complex to protect the island from Spanish attacks. This complex includes the fort of Eminence, the fort of Estissac and the fort of Port Man. The historical interest of Port-Cros is therefore certain and is illustrated by these monuments, these stone vessels that mark its panorama. The fort of Eminence, destroyed by the English in 1793 and rebuilt at the end of the 18th century, cannot be visited. It is today managed by the Var teaching league. The fort of Estissac is, as for him, open to visits during the summer period. It dominates the north of the island and offers a beautiful view of the harbor of Hyères. The fort of Port-Man is located in the north-east of the island. It is a private individual who is responsible for its restoration after the State granted him the use of the site. Note that visits are organized during the Heritage Days. Finally, let's also mention the Fort du Moulin, whose first towers were built under François^I in the 16th century to counter the Saracens. Based on Roman fortifications, it is classified as a historical monument and is partly owned by a private individual, so it cannot be visited. If the interest of Port-Cros is historical, it is also cultural because throughout its history, the island has been visited by many personalities such as André Malraux, André Gide, Paul Valéry or Jean Paulhan. However, it is primarily for its natural beauty that we visit Port-Cros. Nature lovers will be pleased here because the island of Port-Cros is above all a national park, and as such, it is totally protected and preserved. Created in 1963, it is one of the first French national parks. Entirely covered by dense forest, Port-Cros has a mountainous relief. It is often considered that its highest point is Mount Vinaigre - 194 m - but it is actually the mountain of Fortin de la Vigie which culminates at 199 m. Although its rocky coastline is steep in some places, the island offers two large natural bays: the port and Port-man. As far as fauna is concerned, you will be amazed! In the spring, butterflies flutter around in colorful flocks and, in the water, fish that are not very shy (underwater fishing is strictly forbidden) come and brush against your legs without embarrassment. Sea birds such as gulls and crested cormorants offer the visitor a real aerial ballet. Rare species such as the booted eagle, the peregrine falcon or the Mediterranean shearwater are also counted. The terrestrial fauna is not to be outdone, as we find, among others, species such as the phyllodactyl (a nocturnal lizard) or the Sardinian discoglossus (a small toad). Located at the western tip of the Pelagos marine sanctuary, the reserve is also frequented by whales and dolphins. The Pelagos marine sanctuary is an area of 87,500 km2, in the heart of the Mediterranean, protected by an agreement between Italy, France and Monaco to preserve marine mammals. The Port-Cros National Park also features two cable car islands, Bagaud and La Gabinière. It is not possible to visit them, but you can admire their transparent waters populated by colorful fish, groupers or rays. If the fauna of the island of Port-Cros is impressive, the flora is just as impressive: the island is a real green lung! Pines, holm oaks, arbutus and other tree heathers grow here between scrubland and valleys. Among the other species particularly present: the bush with wild olive tree, the pistachio tree lentisque or the myrtle. On the coast, plants with poetic names such as the immortelle or the crithme perce-pierre are also listed.

Hiking is the best way to discover these treasures of biodiversity, there are 30 km of hiking trails on the island of Port-Cros - maps are available at the Park House. Before setting out to explore these nature trails, be sure to ask about them as some areas of the island may be closed and bring good shoes. One of the most popular hiking trails is the circuit des crêtes. It allows you to discover the south of the island in 3 hours of walking. The walk along the Vallon de la Solitude is also recommended, where you can discover sites that bear witness to the history of the island such as its manor house, its chapel, its communal wash house and its wells, its ruins of the pipe factory but also those of the windmill. To discover the sea bed, don't forget to put your mask and snorkel in your suitcase! If you prefer to stay dry, you can embark on the transparent hull of the aquascope boat, for 40 minutes. From mid-June to mid-September (from 10am to 5pm), a half-hour underwater trail will allow you to discover the incredible clarity of the water and the richness of this preserved aquatic ecosystem.