Porquerolles
Do you dream of an escape to an island paradise, where nature is unspoilt, the beaches are pristine and the sun shines every day of the year? Porquerolles awaits you! This island is the largest and most famous of the Hyères islands, located off the coast of Hyères, in the Varin region PACA.
Porquerolles doesn't just offer breathtaking scenery; it's also rich in history, culture and charm. You'll be captivated by its diversity of landscapes, wide range of activities and friendly atmosphere. We've designed this ultimate guide to help you explore Porquerolles in great detail, revealing its best-kept secrets, key attractions and practical tips for your visit.
Ready to embark on this adventure? Follow the guide!
Plan your trip to Porquerolles
Porquerolles is a paradise for nature, sea and sun lovers. For an unforgettable adventure, good preparation is essential.
Discover our practical tips for organizing a memorable stay on this magnificent island.
How to get there: shuttles and transport tips
To get to Porquerolles, take a shuttle bus from the mainland. Numerous departures are available from La Londe, Toulon, La Seyne-sur-Mer or Saint-Mandrier, with companies offering regular connections.
Prices vary according to season, length of trip and type of boat. Although you can buy tickets online or on site, it is advisable to book in advance, especially during the high season. Bicycles may be transported for an additional charge.
On the island, car traffic is restricted to residents and professionals. You can get around on foot, by bike or by electric bus, which links the port, the village and certain beaches from May to September, at an affordable cost.
Bicycle hire is available on the island, allowing you to explore the cycle paths, although some can be rocky and steep.
When to visit: ideal climate and seasons
Porquerolles enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average annual temperature is 19°C, sometimes reaching 28°C in August and dropping to 12°C in January.
Annual rainfall is around 999 mm, with July the driest month at 14 mm and November the wettest at 178 mm.
The ideal time to visit Porquerolles is from April to November, with its pleasant climate and verdant landscapes. The months of June to September are particularly recommended for enjoying the sun, the warm sea and the many activities available.
We recommend avoiding the months of January to March and October to December, which are colder, rainier and windier.
Where to stay: accommodation to suit all budgets
Porquerolles offers a variety of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets, including hotels, residences, inns, vacation rentals and even boats. Prices vary according to season, category, location and services offered.
It's wise to book your accommodation online or by phone as early as possible, as the island is very popular, especially in summer.
Here are some accommodation options in Porquerolles:
- L'Arche de Porquerolles: a charming hotel 50 meters from the port, with terrace, bar and free Wi-Fi.
- L'Oustaou De Porquerolles: family-run hotel on the village square, with restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi.
- Hôtel Le Porquerollais: comfortable, close to the port, with terrace, restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi.
- Hotel Residence Les Medes: upscale residence near La Courtade beach, with outdoor pool, garden and free Wi-Fi.
- Auberge des Glycines: located in a Provencal house in the village, offering a patio, restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi.
- Quayside accommodation: enjoy the unique experience of a stay on a boat moored in the harbor, with lounge, kitchenette and private bathroom.
Don't miss Porquerolles
Porquerolles, an island paradise, offers a wide range of activities to suit all tastes: relaxation, nature, culture and gastronomy. Discover the must-sees of this dream destination.
Explore our suggestions for an unforgettable Porquerolles experience.
Must-see beaches and safety tips
Recognized as one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, the beaches of Porquerolles are a true delight. Plage Notre-Dame, voted Europe's most beautiful beach, offers an idyllic setting with its fine sand and crystal-clear waters. Plage d'Argent, perfect for families, offers shallow waters and a nearby restaurant. The wild-looking Courtade beach and the Brégançonnet and Galère creeks will delight nature lovers.
Be sure to follow a few safety tips: check the weather and bathing conditions, follow safety instructions and protect yourself from the sun with a suitable sunscreen, especially during the hottest hours.
Hikes and itineraries to discover the island on foot or by bike
Porquerolles is a hiker's paradise, offering trails to explore on foot or by bike through varied landscapes. The Langoustier circuit, the Mistral circuit, offering panoramic views, and the Levant circuit, leading to the island's mighty lighthouse, are among the recommended itineraries.
Prepare yourself with comfortable shoes, a hat, water and a picnic, and respect nature by not leaving any garbage behind. Follow the rules of the Port-Cros National Park to protect this exceptional natural heritage.
Cultural attractions: Fondation Carmignac and museums
Porquerolles isn't just about natural beauty; it's also rich in culture. The Fondation Carmignac boasts an impressive collection of contemporary art and a sculpture garden. It features works by Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and other famous artists, as well as temporary exhibitions.
The island also boasts several captivating museums, including the Parc national de Port-Cros museum, which illustrates the history of environmental conservation, and the Maison du Parc museum, which depicts the daily life of the island's inhabitants. The Conservatoire Botanique National Méditerranéen museum highlights the island's rich flora.
Local wine tasting and Mediterranean cuisine
Lovers of fine food will be seduced by Porquerolles, thanks to its exceptional wine-growing terroir and Mediterranean cuisine. The Courtade, Oustaou and Perzinsky estates offer quality wines under the Côtes de Provence appellation, with tours and tastings available.
The island's gastronomy features seafood and local produce, such as bouillabaisse, aïoli and tarte tropézienne. Discover these local specialties in the island's restaurants, from friendly bistros to gourmet eateries.
Practical tips for an unforgettable stay
Porquerolles is an enchanting destination, promising memorable moments to those who prepare their trip carefully and follow a few simple recommendations. Discover some useful tips to make the most of your visit to this island paradise.
Getting around the island: bike rentals and pedestrian zones
The absence of cars on Porquerolles makes it a haven of peace. To explore the island, opt for walking or cycling. Walking lets you enjoy the beauty of the landscape at your own pace, thanks to the marked trails. Cycling, on the other hand, offers the possibility of covering greater distances, with cycle paths accessible to all.
Bikes are available for hire near the port and village, including classic models, electrics, tandems and children's trailers. Prices vary, but expect to pay around €15 a day for a classic bike and €45 for an electric one. It's wise to book in advance, especially in high season.
Whether you choose to walk or cycle, it's important to respect certain rules of safety and civility: find out about the weather, follow the signs, avoid prohibited areas and don't hinder other users.
Respecting the environment: ecological tips for visitors
Porquerolles is part of the Port-Cros National Park, a sanctuary of biodiversity. To preserve it, adopt environmentally-friendly behavior.
- Don't leave any garbage behind.
- Avoid fires, barbecues and cigarettes, as there is a risk of fire.
- Don't pick the local flora, as some species are rare or endemic.
- Don't feed wild animals to avoid disturbing their diet.
- Observe wildlife from a distance and without noise.
- Don't collect shells, coral or sand, which are essential to the marine ecosystem.
- Respect authorized bathing areas and follow National Park instructions.
Family activities and entertainment options
Porquerolles offers a wide range of activities for everyone, combining relaxation, sport, culture and leisure.
- Enjoy the crystal-clear beaches, ideal for swimming.
- Explore the seabed by snorkeling or diving.
- Try your hand at paddling, kayaking, catamaran sailing, jet-skiing or motorboating.
- Discover the island's varied landscapes by bike or on foot.
- Visit historical and cultural sites such as the forts, the lighthouse and the Moulin du Bonheur.
- Explore the Fondation Carmignac and other museums for cultural enrichment.
- Sample local specialities in the island's restaurants.
- Admire breathtaking sunsets from exceptional vantage points.
- Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the port and village, with its bars, stores and entertainment.
Conclusion
Porquerolles is an exceptional destination which promises a memorable experience, harmoniously combining nature, culture and culinary delights. It's the perfect place for an escape, a moment of rejuvenation or entertainment.
Whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, with family or friends, Porquerolles has something for everyone. However, to make your stay truly unforgettable, good preparation is essential. It's important to plan your trip, take care of the island's environment and heed our practical recommendations. So don't wait any longer, make your reservations for Porquerolles and let yourself be charmed by the beauty of this enchanting island!
FAQ
What to do in Porquerolles in a day?
Visit some things to do in Porquerolles in a day:
- Visit the beaches: Porquerolles is renowned for its magnificent beaches. Plage de Notre-Dame, Plage d'Argent and Plage de la Courtade are among the most popular.
- Hiking Numerous footpaths criss-cross the island, offering exceptional panoramic views of the sea and vegetation. The coastal path is particularly popular.
- Rent a bike: Rent a bike to discover the island at your own pace and get to the most remote places.
- Enjoy water sports: Scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing... Porquerolles has something for everyone.
What to do in Porquerolles
In addition to the beaches, hiking, biking and water sports described above, here is a list of some of the most popular activities. some things to do in Porquerolles:
- Visit the Carmignac Foundation: This museum of contemporary art houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary artworks.
- Visit the forts: The island boasts several forts, remnants of Porquerolles' military past. Fort Sainte-Agathe is one of the most emblematic.
- Admire moulin du bonheur: This restored windmill offers a panoramic view of the island.
- Stroll through the village: Stroll through the narrow streets of the village of Porquerolles and discover its little stores and restaurants.
- Taste the wines of Porquerolles: Taste the island's wines, produced at local wineries.
- Local produce: Enjoy fresh produce from the sea and land for tasty meals.
How to get to the Îles de Porquerolles?
To reach the Porquerolles Islands, you need to travel by sea. Several companies offer crossings from the mainland, departing from ports such as La Tour Fondue, Hyères, Saint-Mandrier and Les Sablettes. Depending on your point of departure, journey times can vary, generally ranging from twenty to fifty minutes.
Where to take the boat to Porquerolles?
There are many options for setting sail for the Porquerolles Islands, depending on your departure point and the time of year. The most common departure is from the Tour Fondue in Hyères, with year-round shuttles operated by the TLV-TVM company. Departures from Toulon, La Seyne-sur-Mer, Les Sablettes and La Londe-les-Maures are also possible with other maritime operators, mainly from April to October.
How to visit Porquerolles island?
Once you've arrived in Porquerolles by boat from the Giens or Toulon peninsulas, the best way to explore the island is by bike or on foot, following its many footpaths. The island is home to must-see sites such as the lighthouse, historic forts, idyllic beaches, vineyards, the Emmanuel Lopez garden and the Fondation Carmignac.
What day is the best to visit Porquerolles?
We advise you to avoid July and August when visiting Porquerolles, as this period is particularly busy and the island is subject to water shortages. The months of May, June, September and October are ideal for taking full advantage of the island's pleasant climate and less crowded beaches.
