Porquerolles Island

Address: Île de Porquerolles (Porquerolles), 83400 Hyères, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France

Hours: Island open 24 hours

Admission: No admission fee for the island; ferry from Hyères or Le Lavandou (fare applies)

Porquerolles is the largest of the Îles d’Hyères, an island off the Var coast of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in southern France. It is known for beaches, Mediterranean vegetation, vineyards and a small village that serves as the island’s hub.

Beaches with fine sand, coastal trails and low-lying vineyards are principal attractions; the island has a calm, car-free environment and is much visited for day trips and short stays. Cycling and walking are the primary ways to explore, with several marked tracks linking beaches, viewpoints and historical sites.

The island has a history of agricultural use, fortified positions and 20th-century development for tourism; more recent conservation efforts protect coastal habitats and the island’s rural character. Portions of Porquerolles fall under protected-area regulations to manage tourism and safeguard natural landscapes.

Porquerolles lies off the coast of Hyères in the Mediterranean, administratively part of the Var department; regular ferries operate from Hyères and the Giens peninsula to the island’s harbour.

• Access and transport: Ferry services connect the island to Hyères and the Giens peninsula; private vehicles are restricted on the island, making cycling the main way to get around.
• Best ways to explore: Many trails and coastal paths are suitable for cycling and short walks; spring and early summer bring wildflower displays and quieter conditions than peak summer.

What to See#

• Village centre: The main village is clustered around narrow streets with shops, restaurants and the small harbour where ferries arrive from the mainland.
• Main beaches: Plage Notre-Dame and Plage de la Courtade are two of the island’s principal beaches, both sandy and accessible by short bike or foot rides from the village.
• Historic fort and vineyards: Fortifications and farmed landscapes include a 17th-century fort and vineyard plots that illustrate the island’s long agricultural use.

Porquerolles is an island accessible only by boat. Regular passenger ferries depart from the port of Hyères (Hyères-Le Port) to Porquerolles; the crossing is typically about 15-30 minutes depending on service. If driving, Hyères is the mainland hub (Toulon is roughly 20-30 km to the west); park in Hyères and board the scheduled ferry - once ashore most points of interest on Porquerolles are reached on foot or by bike (cars are largely restricted on the island).

• Take one of the first ferries from Hyères or nearby ports to arrive before the main day-tripper crowds and make the most of quieter beaches and trails.
• Disembark at the village quay and rent a bike there: the island is car-free and cycling lets you reach the popular beaches (Courtade, Notre-Dame) and the western headlands faster than walking.
• Avoid mid‑July to August if you want quieter trails and beaches; late spring or early autumn give pleasant temperatures, fewer people and better light for photography.
• If you're driving to the mainland ferry, arrive early - mainland parking fills up quickly on good-weather days, and later sailings can be standing-room only.