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Ile de Porquerolles, Côte d'Azur
The largest and most visited of the three Iles d'Or
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from the peninsula of Hyères will take you to the different world of the island of Porquerolles. Its popularity is due to the many ways it pleases its visitors.
Do you want to spend a leisurely day on a half-moon beach and swim in the blue water? Rent a bicycle and discover the fjord-like inlets on the southern shore? Walk through the pine forests and vineyards? Let yourself be pampered at the famous Mas du Langoustiers? Plan your trip and take the ferry (or a helicopter for Langoustiers).
The popularity of Porquerolles comes at a price. In the busy summer months the island is invaded by day trippers. The ferry boats from La Tour Fondue (near Hyères) sail back and forth. They operate on a first come, first served basis. There are other and longer ferry trips from Croix-Valmer or Lavandou. These you can book in advance, to be sure of a place. If you want to rent a bicycle in the busy times, it's advisable to book those in advance too. The contacts can be seen on the Porquerolles website (see below).
As with most of southern France, you would do best to visit the island in the off-season. Particularly in spring, Porquerolles presents itself at its best. The fern, rockrose and myrtle are in bloom. The scents will delight you on your bike ride or long walk.
Its climate in the off season is one of the best in France. Last May, when we visited the island, we left a rainy mainland behind and found a sun-filled Porquerolles. The sea temperature was inviting enough for a swim. The colour of the water was a bright turquoise. For a moment we thought we were in the Caribbean.
History & Culture in [locality]
The history of the island is as turbulent as that of many islands, certainly those as strategically located as Porquerolles. From Roman times until 1531 it was the domain of pirates. Then the French King stepped in and established an important garrison.
The fortress Saint Agathe is an imposing witness of those days. (It's worth while to visit the fortress, if only for the magnificent view of the island and the strait of Hyères.) During the French revolution the island was sold to private owners, the last one Monsieur François Fournier, who, on his honeymoon in Antibes in 1912, saw a notice of the island's auction. He bought it as a present for his bride. It was Fournier who planted the vines for the reputed wine of Porquerolles. In 1971 the government bought the island back and designated it as a protected place.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The other two Iles d'Or, Ile du Levant and Ile de Port-Cros, have their unique appeal. Port-Cros is a national park. It draws nature lovers and hikers who prefer a very special and quiet environment. Le Levant is famous for its nudist colony, Héliopolis. And, the French navy has an important base on the island, a peculiar combination. Only in France!
Things to do in [locality]
The island is 7km long and 2.5km wide. A typical day visit might include an early arrival, the purchase of picnic ingredients in the village square, a walk to the southern shore over the slightly hilly paths (the highest point is 140m), a lunch there and a leisurely stroll back to one of the beaches on the northern shore, for a swim and a sunbathe.
