| Pottering along the island’s rough unpaved trails on foot or by bicycle, breaking with a picnic lunch on the beach and a dip in crystal-clear turquoise water, is heavenly. The southern edge of the island is the most dramatic and uncluttered, but the inland vineyards and olive groves have a magic of their own, as do the gorgeous beaches of the northern coast. |
1. If you don’t have your own boat !
| How To Get There : First, make your way to the town of Hyères where ferries travel to Porquerolles year-round. Boats leave from the harbour, La Tour Fondue, with the company TLV. Cars are not allowed on Porquerolles, so park up in the small car park or there is free parking just above—get there early in the morning to find a space. In winter, boats can sometimes be cancelled due to high winds.
Alternatively, ferries leave from Toulon, La Londe-les-Maures or La Seyne-sur-Mer with the company Bateliers de la Côte D’Azur from April to September. Bikes are the best way to travel since cars are not allowed. You can hire them at the port when you arrive and cycle into the village or around the island to the beautiful beaches. |
2. What to see in Porquerolles
FORT STE-AGATHE
| This 16th-century fortification contains historical and natural-history exhibits, and its tower has lovely island views. Much of the building dates from 1812 to 1814, when Napoléon had it rebuilt after the British destroyed it in 1793. From place d’Armes, walk uphill along chemin Ste-Agathe (between Villa Ste-Anne and Auberge des Glycines) to reach the fort. Admission is only with timed, guided national-park tours. There are also tours of nearby windmill Moulin du Bonheur ( a mill of happiness). |
EMANUEL LOPEZ GARDEN & CONSERVATORY
| This wonderful ornamental garden is planted with palms, cypresses, vanilla and grenadier trees, cactus and bamboo, sweetly scented jasmine, and every herb known to grow under the Provençal sun. It’s also home to the Port-Cros Maison du Parc National Parc. |
ARMS PLACE
| A eucalypt-shaded petanque pitch dominates central arms place, which, as its name suggests, was once a parade ground. Music concerts fill St Anne’s Church on its southern side in summer. Day in, day out, this hub of Porquerollais life buzzes with outdoor cafes, ice-cream stands, and cyclists pedalling. |
A GREAT BIKE RIDE IN PORQUEROLLES
| The complete island loop is around 26 km, but there are many shorter tours. |
BEACHES
| The pearl of the Port-Cros National Parc, the island of Porquerolles offers unspoilt nature and magnificent beaches, such as Courtarde Beach and Argent Beach. |
Does Porquerolles make you want to visit France? Don’t hesitate to request a quote on Trip My France website. Our travel designers will be delighted to meet your expectations until the unexpected.
