Îles d'Hyères Islands
Group of Mediterranean islands off Hyères, scenic beaches
Off the Var coast, the Îles d'Hyères group includes Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Levant, each with sandy coves, clear water and walking tracks. Visitors arrive for snorkeling, cycling and protected marine reserves.
Îles d'Hyères at a Glance#
Address: Off the coast of Hyères, Var department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
About Îles d'Hyères#
The Îles d’Hyères are an archipelago off the coast of Hyères in southeastern France, composed principally of Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Île du Levant. The group is valued for its coastal scenery, beaches and marine habitats.
Visitors go for coastal walking, snorkeling and beach recreation; Port-Cros is notable for protected parkland and marine reserves, while Porquerolles has the largest beaches and a small village with tourist services. The islands have a mix of car-free zones, walking and cycling paths, and diving sites close to shore.
Historically the islands have been used for fishing, small-scale agriculture and military purposes at different times; in recent decades conservation and tourism management have increased, with Port-Cros receiving protected status to preserve terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
The islands lie off the Var coast of the French Riviera, opposite the town of Hyères. They are separated from the mainland by short ferry crossings and are characterised by low, rocky terrain, sheltered bays and Mediterranean vegetation.
- Main islands: The archipelago comprises three principal islands and numerous smaller islets lying just off the coast of Hyères in the Mediterranean.
- Access and seasonality: Regular ferries and private boats run from Hyères and nearby ports; summer is the busiest season with limited vehicle access on the islands.
What to See#
- Porquerolles: The largest of the group, featuring sandy beaches, vineyards and a small village; it is the main base for visitors staying on the islands.
- Port-Cros: A protected national park island with strict conservation rules and marked coastal paths; marine reserve waters around the island are important for biodiversity.
- Île du Levant: A privately administered island with restricted access in parts and known for its residential community and naturist areas on the eastern side.
How to Get to Îles d'Hyères#
Regular ferries depart from the port of Hyères (Tour Fondue or Giens peninsula) to Porquerolles and Port-Cros; seasonal schedules expand in summer. Porquerolles is the most frequent service and the village is a short walk from the landing point.
Tips for Visiting Îles d'Hyères#
- Take the short ferry from Hyères to the islands (Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Levant) - schedules vary seasonally and Porquerolles has regular services in summer.
- Port-Cros is a national park (marine and terrestrial) with strict conservation rules - bring snorkel gear for protected marine reserves and respect no-take zones.
- Porquerolles' main village is car-free; rent a bicycle on arrival for the best way to explore.
Best Time to Visit Îles d'Hyères#
Best visited in late spring through early autumn. Port-Cros is more conservation-focused and quieter; Porquerolles attracts more beachgoers.
Weather & Climate near Îles d'Hyères#
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 6°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (735 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 7° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 7° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 6.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| March | Good | 7° - 14° | 11° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 6.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 9° - 15° | 12° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.3h |
| May | Very Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 5.1 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.5h |
| June | Excellent | 16° - 22° | 19° | 32 mm | some cloud | 71% | 5.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Ideal | 18° - 25° | 21° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 67% | 4.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.9h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 25° | 22° | 32 mm | mostly sunny | 68% | 4.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Excellent | 17° - 23° | 20° | 56 mm | some cloud | 72% | 5.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | 14° - 19° | 17° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 5.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| December | Good | 8° - 14° | 11° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.8h |
