Looking for an island paradise in France? Discover the 11 must-see places to visit on Porquerolles!
Porquerolles is the largest of the three Golden Isles. It is located in the Mediterranean off the town of Hyères-les-Palmiers, in the Var department. Previously privately owned, over 80% of the island is now owned by the French state. The latter wished to acquire part of it in order to protect it from development.
Today, it is part of the Port-Cros National Park. One of France’s eleven national centers for the protection of nature and biodiversity. In fact, it’s a veritable showcase of nature in the middle of the Mediterranean. Its main activities are hiking, cycling, diving and visiting its heavenly beaches.
That’s why we’re offering you a tour of Porquerolles through its 11 must-sees. Follow the guide!
1. The lighthouse
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Eric Valenne Geostory
When you visit Porquerolles, you won’t want to miss its historic lighthouse. Built in 1830, it rises over 84 m above sea level.
It’s an integral part of the island’s heritage and a must-see during your stay. Its geographical location makes it one of the most powerful lighthouses in the Mediterranean. Although it’s closed to the public, it’s well worth a visit to enjoy the magnificent panorama of the deep blue sea it offers.
2. The forts
Photo credit: Shutterstock – M70
Fort Sainte Agathe
Built under François 1er in the 16th century, it is listed in theInventaire supplémentaire des monuments historiques. Visit it in bad weather. Admission is charged to 18-year-olds and over.
Tours can be self-guided or guided, as you wish. The Porquerolles Jazz Festival is held here every year.
Fort Alycastre
Built under the authority of Richelieu in the 17th century, it was strategically placed to defend the island’s coastline. It is listed as a Historic Monument. It has also been owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral since 2011.
It is closed to the public. Alycastre Bay is the birthplace of the most famous Porquerollais legend.
Grand Langoustier fort
This historic tower has been restored by a passionate private individual. Dr. Paul Vuillard, in agreement with the Architecte des Bâtiments de France and the French Navy, owner of the site, has completely restored it. Its construction dates back to the 17th century.
It is closed to the public, but special tours are organized during the European Heritage Days.
The fort of Repentance
This fort is buried. Thanks to its underground location, it was once a stronghold for the island’s defense. Construction was not completed until 1893. An Orthodox monastic community has been restoring it since 1995. Since then, Father Seraphim has lived there as a hermit. As a result, the fort cannot be visited by the public.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. You can also visit the batterie haute des mèdes, the batterie basse des mèdes, the fort du lequin, the fort de la repentance, the fort de Bon Renaud and the fort du petit Langoustier.
3. Sainte-Anne church
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marco Saracco
Originally, it was a military chapel. It was not until 1929 that it became the parish church of Sainte-Anne. It houses a special treasure. In 1869, a soldier convalescing at the Refuge Sanitaire de Porquerolles carved the fourteen stations of the Stations of the Cross into solid walnut wood.
The church has been listed as a historical monument since 2019. Access is completely free.
4. A boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Telly
If you’re visiting Porquerolles, there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss: renting a boat. Whether you’re sailing between the three îles d’Or and Hyères, visiting Sanary-sur-Mer or discovering the Fort de Brégançon, you’ll enjoy an exceptional Mediterranean setting.
Don’t have a license? Don’t panic, many online platforms allow you to hire a boat with a skipper.
5. The happiness mill
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nikiforov Alexander
If you’ve come to visit Porquerolles, don’t miss its famous windmills!
Located close to Fort Sainte Agathe, this is a typical example of the windmills of Provence. It was restored by the Parc national de Port-Cros. Guided tours are available from May to September. Admission is free for children under 18.
6. The beaches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Eleonora Scordo
La courtade beach
It’s the biggest beach on the island, but also the easiest to get to. Just a 15-minute walk from the village, or a 5-minute bike ride, you’ll find alternating sand and pebbles. Secondly, the beach is adorned by a forest of eucalyptus trees, offering fragrance and shade in the summer months.
Notre-Dame beach
It’s the island’s treasure. In fact, it was voted Europe’s most beautiful beach by the European organization for the promotion of culture and tourism in Europe. It’s over 3 km from the village, but well worth the detour. It’s about 45 min walk or 25 min bike ride from the village.
This blue jewel is set in a wooded bay that’s perfect for hot weather.
Langoustier beach
It’s not the easiest beach on the island to get to. Located on the western tip of the island, it can be reached from the village by foot in an hour or by bike in 45 minutes.
Only the most courageous will venture out to explore its blond sands. Its location is ideal, sheltered from the wind and swell.
The silver beach
This is the favorite beach for visitors to Porquerolles. In fact, it’s ideal for everyone, as it’s only a 25-minute walk from the village or a 10-minute bike ride. Its waters are translucent but shallow. During the summer season, there’s also a lifeguard post and a beach restaurant.
The black beach of Le Langoustier
This is the least well-known of all. It’s south-facing, which makes it ideally sheltered from the mistral and easterly winds. That’s why it’s one of the most pleasant beaches to visit in summer.
7. Wineries
Photo credit: Facebook – Infinivin
Porquerolles is home to three renowned wineries:
- Domaine de la Courtade: bordering the Mediterranean, this vineyard produces Côtes de Provence in 3 colors: white, red and rosé. At Porquerolles, the special soil (composed of schist) combined with a maritime climate enables the production of wines of character synonymous with exception.
- Domaine Perzinsky: the soils of this vineyard are the secret to the aromas of this delicious wine. Indeed, the schist soils enable the farmers to produce an exceptional wine. Today, Domaine Perzinsky covers 10 hectares and features a variety of Mediterranean grape varieties.
- Domaine de l’ île: an island vineyard protected by the National Park status of the island of Porquerolles. It is classified as a Côtes-de-Provence PDO and has been certified organic since 2015. The estate produces whites and rosés with hints of sea spray. Here, 34 hectares of terraced land are planted with classic Mediterranean grape varieties. Chanel has bought the estate and intends to produce exceptional wines here.
8. Emmanuel Lopez garden
Photo credit: Facebook – Porquerolles
This garden is open all year round. It features numerous plant species adapted to the Mediterranean climate, as well as a wide variety of palm trees. It’s also a great place to observe other species from Florida,South Africa andAustralia. Admission is free.
9. The Carmignac Foundation
Photo credit: Facebook – Fondation Carmignac
If you’re wondering what to do if you visit Porquerolles apart from the beaches, head to the Fondation Carmignac. This special museum can be visited barefoot. This former farmhouse surrounded by vineyards is home to works by Botticelli and Warhol.
It’s a very worthwhile cultural experience. It’s also a good idea to book your ticket online in advance. The museum can only accommodate 50 people at a time. This choice was made to preserve the quality of the visit and to enjoy this privileged moment in a protected site.
The Fondation Carmignac is open from May to October, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.
10. Hiking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Samuel Borges Photography
The Mediterranean island paradise abounds in trails. In fact, there are four main hiking circuits:
- The forts circuit;
- The crest circuit(see itinerary) ;
- The water hike(see itinerary) ;
- The landscape trail(see route).
The map to follow each itinerary is available on the website or at the tourist office on arrival at the pier.
11. The botanical conservatory
Photo credit: Facebook – Conservatoire botanique national méditerranéen de Porquerolles
Built in 1979, this conservatory was approved as a National Botanical Conservatory in 1990. Its mission is to carry out field inventories of flora and natural and semi-natural habitats. It is also responsible for the conservation of Mediterranean plant species.
Visits to the island’s collectible orchards are free. It is possible to visit Porquerolles and its conservatory with a local guide, booking in advance.
How to get to Porquerolles
By plane from France
If you’d like to spend a holiday on this beautiful Mediterranean island, there are several ways to get there. Either you’re further north in France, in which case flying is the quickest option. Consult the Ulysse flight comparator to find a ticket that suits your vacation dates. Your destination airport should be Toulon Hyères. It’s the one closest to the island. Alternatively, you can fly toMarseille international airport, more than an hour and a half’s drive from Porquerolles.
By train
Another way to visit Porquerolles is by train to the Hyères or Toulon SNCF stations. Once you’re there, you’ll need to get to the island by boat.
By sea shuttle
The only way to reach the island is by boat. Several shipping companies offer shuttle services from various departure points. The main ones are :
- Crossing from the Tour Fondue in Giens, operated all year round by the TLV-TVM company;
- From Toulon, Saint Mandrier, Les Sablettes with the companies Les Bateliers de la rade and Les Bateliers de la Côte d’Azur.
On foot or by bike
Vehicles are not allowed on the island. That’s why the best ways to discover the coastline are either on foot or by renting bicycles on site. There are over 54 km of cycle paths, and you can also take your own bikes on the shuttle bus.
Where to stay in Porquerolles?
It’s possible to stay on the island of Porquerolles in a variety of accommodation styles. You can stay in one of the island’s hotels, gites, Airbnb or even docked boats. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a campsite in Porquerolles, you’ll need to stay at one of the campsites in Hyères and on the Giens peninsula.
To help you find what you’re looking for when visiting Porquerolles, use a hotel comparator. You’ll find the best accommodation offers on the island.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Porquerolles