France is well-known for its trendy cities but did you know France also has amazing islands? Discover 4 dream islands in France right below.
When you think about French islands, you usually have in mind Corsica, Guadeloupe or Martinique. But what you may not know is that France is home to dozens of islands. From tropical Mediterranean vibes to rugged Atlantic coasts, the French islands showcase the country’s varied climates and unique blend of cultures. Take a boat, land in a small cove … A few minutes from the metropolitan coast, I invite you to escape to these 4 Dream Islands in France.
Porquerolles Island is the largest of the three Golden Islands. It is located in the Mediterranean, off the city of Hyères-les-Palmiers, in the Var department. Previously private, it is now over 80% state-owned. The state wished to acquire it in part in order to preserve it against development. Today, it is part of the Port-Cros National Park. One of the eleven national centers for the protection of nature and biodiversity in France. Indeed, it is a true natural setting in the middle of the Mediterranean. Its main activities are hiking, cycling, diving and visiting its paradisiacal beaches. Let me suggest a few must-sees and other great activities to make the best of your stay on this beautiful island!
When you visit Porquerolles, it is impossible to miss its historic lighthouse. Built in 1830, it rises over 84 m above sea level. It is an integral part of the island’s heritage that you absolutely must discover during your stay. It is one of the most powerful lighthouses in the Mediterranean with its geographical location. Although closed to the public, it is interesting to go there to observe the magnificent panorama of the big blue it offers.
Built under François 1er in the 16th century, it is part of the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments. Note that the visits can be free or guided according to your desire. This is where the Porquerolles Jazz Festival takes place every year.
The courtade beach
It is the largest beach on the island, but also the easiest to access. Located just 15 minutes’ walk from the village, or 5 minutes by bike, you will find here an alternation of sand and pebbles. Second, the beach is adorned with a eucalyptus forest which provides fragrance and shade in the summer season.
Notre-Dame beach
It’s the island’s treasure. Indeed, it has been voted the most beautiful beach in Europe by the European organization promoting culture and tourism in Europe. This blue setting is located in a wooded bay that is very appreciable in high heat.
Langoustier beach
It is not the easiest beach to access on the island. Located at the western tip, it will take about an hour of walking or 45 minutes of cycling to reach it from the village. Only the bravest will walk its fair sands!
The silver beach
It is the favorite beach for people who come to visit Porquerolles. Its waters are translucent, but shallow. There is also, in the summer season, a lifeguard station and a beach restaurant.
In Porquerolles, the particular soil (composed of schist) associated with a maritime climate allows the production of wines of character synonymous with exception. The island is home to three renowned wine estates.
Domaine de la Courtade, bordered by the Mediterranean, this vineyard now produces Côtes de Provence available in 3 colors: white, red and rosé.
Domaine Perzinsky the soils of this vineyard constitute the secret of the aromas of this delicious wine.
The Domain of the island, it is an island vineyard protected by the status of National Park of the island of Porquerolles. It has been classified as a Côtes-de-Provence PDO and certified organic since 2015.
Located in the Var, 10 minutes by boat from Six-Fours-les-Plages, the Ile des Embiez is a little gem. We are far from mass tourism, the flora and fauna are very well preserved. Like the island of Bendor, it has belonged to Paul Ricard and his family since the 1950s.
The tour of the island is only 6 km, but it has plenty of surprises and secret coves that allow you to find yourself alone. Cars are prohibited there, which is a great advantage if you are looking for tranquility!
We strongly recommend that you do so to discover the potential of the island! It allows you to soak up the atmosphere that reigns in this place and spot small coves. You will absolutely have to go through the pine forest and the vines! Yes yes, there is also wine on the island of Embiez…
Once you’ve spotted your crush, take the time to enjoy the crystal-clear water that surrounds the island. We especially enjoyed the German Beach and its incredible water color. It’s not the most isolated, but it can be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot from the port. In our opinion, it is large enough to be rather quiet. For a wilder setting, head to the south-east of the Ile des Embiez!
The island of Embiez has a nautical base with many activities. We encourage you to test the paddle and the canoe, which are very good means to access the different coves. Yoga Paddle lessons are given several mornings a week. Ideal for relaxing on the water in absolute calm.
Do you like the ocean? Do you like museums? This is the place for you! Paul Ricard has always been very concerned about ecology and the protection of the environment, especially the marine environment. This is why an oceanographic institute and a team of researchers are present on the Embiez. To learn more about the biodiversity of the surroundings, take a short visit.
A stone’s throw from the fishing port of Paimpol, in the Côtes-d´Armor, the beautiful Bréhat is revealed. A string of 86 rocky shards, islets and reefs form one of the most beautiful archipelagos in France, surrounding the main gem, nicknamed “the island of flowers”.
In the mixed scents of hydrangeas, mimosas, eucalyptus, agapanthus and other geraniums, the island can be explored exclusively on foot or by bike, in a relaxing calm, on perfectly accessible paths. 3.5 km long and 1.5 km wide, it is easily visited during a day trip, or more if you like. Shuttles unload visitors there all year round, by boat, from the Pointe de l’Arcouest in Ploubazlanec.
On July 13, 1907, it was officially the first listed natural site in France. Even today, more than half of the territory of the archipelago is classified as a remarkable area, and a protected area for its ecological, faunistic and floristic interest. Apart from a few rare exceptions (such as fire brigade vehicles), cars do not circulate in Bréhat. As a result, we take full advantage of the songs of birds and the sea, in an atmosphere of softness and nature. Here, the bicycle becomes king, so much so that some narrow lanes of the island are reserved for pedestrians, and others for bicycles, to avoid collisions…
Let’s continue the exploration!
Located in the most westerly part of the island, it was built by the Duke of Penthièvre in the 1630s. Operating thanks to the tides, it produced flour until the 1920s. Its high door allowed wheat and flour transshipment vessels directly.
On a mound, in the center of the island, 33 meters above sea level, culminates the chapel built in 1852. Beyond the religious interest of the site, its promontory offers a place of choice to enjoy of some of the most beautiful panoramas of the island. The opportunity to sit down and admire the scenery.
Impossible to miss it, it is the only real beach of the island, located in the extreme south. Very popular in summer, it offers swimmers its magnificent circular arc of pink sand, lined with granite rocks, plunging into limpid water.
From the 8 shape of the island, contrasting atmospheres emerge, between its north and its south. To the south, the flowery softness of second homes, to the north, dreamlike walks on a pink granite coast. The Peacock Lighthouse stands at the northern tip. Built in 1853, it was destroyed by the Germans in 1944, then rebuilt from 1947 to 1949
If you are interested in knowing more about Brittany, I recommend you to read our previous articles on the GR34 in Brittany and how to make the perfect Kouign Amann.
Out of these 4 dream islands in France, the Ile de Ré is the largest one in mainland France. Nicknamed “Ré la blanche” because of the color of its houses, this part of the Charente archipelago is a heavenly haven that attracts for its heritage, its ecosystem and its local products. Its historic center, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, has several works signed by Vauban.
Over the seasons, the face of the island changes. In spring and summer, travelers delight in the beach, the cool breeze from the sea and bike rides along the coastline. In the fall and winter, photography and sunset beach walks are in full swing.
Populated only by 18,000 inhabitants, the Île de Ré has been linked to France by its gigantic bridge since 1988. It continues to seduce tourists and attract attention thanks to the Fort Boyard program and its proximity to La Rochelle.
Between swimming, boat trips or donkey rides, here are some activities that will help you visit Île de Ré!
The Île de Ré is also known for its network of salt marshes, carved out by natural clay. Most of these narrow veins of water are accessible to the public. Thus, an exploration of the peninsula of Loix and its salt cellars is possible by canoe. Change of scenery, calm, original, many adjectives can be used to describe this superb trip.
A symbol of the Île de Ré, donkeys in breeches are part of a tradition belonging to the winegrowers and salt workers of the region. Indeed, these colorful clothes are used to protect the animal from thorny insects and other nuisances during harvest. At Parc de la Barbette, you can get to know them and explore the surroundings on a fun race of about 400m, to the delight of your children.
Want to see the iconic Fort Boyard with your own eyes? Embark on a cruise ship and discover the island of Aix and its flagship attraction! Equipped with a solarium and fully furnished, you will be comfortably installed during your visit. The excursion will be fully commented to provide you with as much information as possible about the island and the mythical building.
Cycling on the Île de Ré is a true art of living! Here, the car is strongly discouraged for getting around. To preserve its ecosystem as much as possible, the Islanders mostly use mountain bikes, an ecological and practical solution!
With the diversity of the environment present on the island, a bike ride will take you on a journey through varied and unusual settings, such as the Chemin des Marais, where white gold is cultivated; the Lizay forest or a gourmet circuit to taste local specialties.
After reading this article, I hope you want to discover dream islands in France! So, are you tempted by a little stroll between land and sea?
Whether you’re looking to explore a new region or simply escape city life for a bit, it’s hard to find a better respite than France’s gorgeous islands. Do not hesitate to contact us to discover these gems of France in the best possible way.
