What to do on the island of Porquerolles

The island of Porquerolles is a little corner of paradise that can be reached from the town of Hyères in the Var department. So if you’re planning a holiday in this département, it would be a real shame not to visit the Île d’Or, where nature and biodiversity are bound to amaze you.

Here are 10 not-to-be-missed things to do on the Ile de Porquerolles.

1 – The lighthouse

Built in 1830, it’s impossible to miss with its 84-metre height! You can admire its architecture from the outside only, as well as the exceptional view it offers of the deep blue sea.

2 – The forts

• Built in the 16th century at the request of François 1st, Fort Sainte-Agathe once housed a garrison whose mission was to protect the people of Provence from invasion or brigandage. An impressive citadel with 4 m thick walls, its terrace offers a superb view of the island and Hyères harbour.

• Built in the 17th century at the request of Richelieu, Fort Alycastre is a square tower encircled by an 8-pointed star, listed as a Historic Monument. Closed to the public, it is owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral.

• Built in the 17th century, the Grand Langoustier fort was restored by a private individual, Dr Paul Vuillard. This pyramid-shaped tower, encircled by a solid wall, can only be visited on Heritage Days.

• Fort de la Repentance is an underground defensive structure built in the 19th century. Restoration work has been carried out by an Orthodox monastic community since 1995. The fort is closed to the public.

Other monuments linked to military activities include the Mèdes batteries, the Lequin fort and the Bon Renaud fort.

3 – Sainte-Anne church

This former 19th-century military chapel holds a highly symbolic treasure: a Stations of the Cross made by a soldier convalescing at the island’s refuge in 1869.

He carved it with a knife on solid walnut wood. This Way of the Cross is listed as a Historic Monument. Access is free.

4 – The Happiness Mill

This recently restored mill is a perfect example of the old windmills of Provence. Roused from its 200-year slumber, it can be visited from June to September.

5 – The beaches of Porquerolles

At the height of the Provencal heat, you’ll be more than happy to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the island of Porquerolles, with 5 beaches within easy reach:

La Courtade beach

The largest of the 5 beaches and the easiest to get to. A beach of sand and pebbles where you’ll find a little shade under the delightfully fragrant eucalyptus forest…

Notre-Dame beach

This beach, excuse the pun, is none other than THE most beautiful beach in Europe according to the European organisation…. This little gem has to be earned, as the beach is 3 km from the village, which is about a 45-minute walk.

But you won’t be disappointed: the exceptional environment of this beach is well worth the effort! You’ll enjoy the blue water and the wooded bay that shelters you from the baking southern sun.

Langoustier beach

This beach is even more difficult to get to. Located to the west, it takes no less than 1 hour to walk to. But the reward is at the end of the road: golden sand and a beach sheltered from the wind and swell.

The silver beach

This beach is a firm favourite with yachtsmen, and its location is certainly a factor! The beach is just a 25-minute walk from the village of Porquerolles.

That’s a big advantage when you have to walk with children who can’t wait to take a dip! What’s more, the waters are shallow, another advantage for families. A beach restaurant and lifeguard post are also open in summer.

The Langoustier black beach

This little-known beach, located to the south of the island of Porquerolles, is sheltered from the wind and less crowded, an advantage for those wishing to avoid the crowds.

6 – The wine estates

Lovers of fine wines will not be left out, thanks to the 3 estates located on the island of Porquerolles:

Domaine de la Courtade

This estate produces white, red and rosé Côtes de Provence.

Domaine Perzinsky

This 10-hectare estate offers a range of Mediterranean grape varieties.

Domaine de l’île

This estate, classified as a Côtes-de-Provence PDO and certified organic, produces white and rosé wines grown on almost 34 hectares of terraced land.

7 – The Emmanuel Lopez garden

Stroll among the palm trees and a wide variety of plant species from Australia, South Africa and Florida. Free admission.

8 – The Carmignac Foundation

This museum offers a highly original tour, with visitors walking barefoot among works by Botticelli or Andy Warhol on this protected site. It’s best to book online and in advance, as only 50 visitors are accepted for each session.

9 – Hiking trails in Porquerolles

• The forts trail, 9.5 km,

• The lookout trail, 4 km,

• The langoustier trail, 11.5 km…

The itineraries are available at the pier and at the tourist office, and the full map can be ordered from the Hyères tourist office website for €3. There are also hiking trails for mountain bikes.

10 – The botanical conservatory

The aim of the botanical conservatory is to catalogue the flora and natural habitats of the island of Porquerolles, as well as conserving Mediterranean plant species. Visits are free.

How do I get to the Iles de Porquerolles?

You need to take a boat from the Giens peninsula in Hyères. In summer, the cost is €24 per adult, €21 for 4-26 year-olds and free for children under 4 (return). There are several shuttles a day from 6.45am to 7.00pm.

Which is the most beautiful beach in Porquerolles?

As we mentioned earlier, it’s the Plage Notre-Dame (see above for details).