The 12 most beautiful French islands

Want a natural getaway? From Brittany to Polynesia, discover a selection of the most beautiful French islands!

The French coastline has many natural wonders to discover! Shocked coasts of the islands Brittany , small fishing hamlets on the Atlantic facade, turquoise water coves in the Mediterranean... The diversity of the landscapes of our Hexagone is also on the islands! Thanks to its Overseas, France also offers many exotic island destinations. In fact, every summer, the French islands see their drastic increase thanks to tourists.

For a weekend, a stay or a holiday, we will take you to meet some of the most beautiful French islands!

1. Bréhat

This island of the Channel, also called Enez Vriad in Breton, forms a magnificent archipelago accessible from Arcouest, in the department of Côtes-d’Armor. Its landscapes of landes and pink granite alternate with green and flowery plains. This rural setting is a call to contemplation and calm. The cars are forbidden, which makes Bréhat a haven of peace that will delight nature lovers and hikes.

2. Interesting

Still in Brittany but more to the west, Ouessant is the most western of the metropolitan French islands! The two strips of land that form the island territory are located off the Finistère, near Brest. Within the Regional Natural Park of Armorique, Ouessant is distinguished by its shredded cliffs, its coves, its lighthouses and small chapels.

With strong winds and currents, it releases a wild atmosphere. Ornithological reserve, it also houses colonies of seals, while sheep gently pave in the meadows. In terms of activities, she promises beautiful walks, by boat or by horse. The sportiest will have the opportunity to practice water sports, such as diving, sea kayaking or sailing. The tour of the lighthouses is also a must!

3. Port-Cros

In the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Port-Cros stands out from its neighbor Porquerolles by its calm and ultra-reserved nature. Less tourist, you get by boat from the cities of Hyères or Lavandou.

Port-Cros is also a national park, only walking distance. Fishing, picking and camping are forbidden and marked trails allow you to explore its treasures. Test the discovery of the island by boat with aquascope! This excursion is ideal to observe the marine environment from the portholes! Port, beaches and diving spots complete the attractions of the island.

4. Belle-Île-en-Mer

Direction south of Brittany, in the Atlantic Ocean. Off Quiberon in Morbihan, visit the famous French island of Belle-Île-en-Mer, sung by Laurent Voulzy . Its charming ports and its wild appearance have seduced many artists, and we easily understand why.

In addition to its nature with steep cliffs and golden beaches, the island has many treasures to visit. Citadel built on the plans of Vauban, Kervilahouen lighthouse, house of Sarah Bernhardt, hands of Port Coton... Around these must-see places, you will also find numerous events, exhibitions and festivals, especially in the summer season.

To get to Belle-Île-en-Mer, board from Quiberon, Vannes, Port-Navalo, La Turballe or Le Croisic.

5. Chausey

The Norman archipelago of the Chausey Islands extends over 5,000 sea ha and 365 low tide islets! So much to say that this is a destination of choice for fishing and sailing enthusiasts.

A classified nature reserve, island territory is conducive to the observation of seabirds. Did you know that it was the granite stones of the Chausey Islands that were used to build the Mont-Saint-Michel , Saint-Malo and some Paris and London sidewalks?

Scope of the navy painter and browser Marin Marie , the largest island of Chausey is home to its home, the first one we see when we land. In addition to this house, the lighthouses and the semaphore to visit, you will be able to admire the beaches of white sand and the preserved nature of this French island. With a little luck, you will probably see dolphins during the crossing from Granville to Normandy!

6. Corse

Indisputable star of the French islands of the Mediterranean, Corsica seduces many French and foreign tourists. It must be said that the island is large and diversified. Paradise beaches, shredded summits, maquis, perched villages, local cuisine... Corsica is also suitable for two-way trips and family stays!

On the programme: farniente on the beaches of the Gulf of Ajaccio , hiking near the Bavella pass, tasting of cheese and charcuterie specialities... A few hours of boat Marseille , Nice or Toulon , you will dive with delight in Corsican culture and its preserved nature.

7. Porquerolles

Porquerolles is the best known in the islands of Hyères but also one of the most popular French islands. Renowned for its heavenly beaches, it makes the happiness of scuba diving and snorkeling practitioners. Nearly 180 species of fish live in its marine park.

Randonneu·rses also enjoy the many marked trails of Port-Cros National Park. Vineyards and flowery natural areas complete the landscape of this island, accessible in just twenty minutes from the peninsula of Giens in the Var.

8. Island of Sein

In the Iroise Sea, in the Atlantic Ocean, this two-kilometre long island is five kilometres from the Raz Point in Brittany. Legend wants the mythical city of kingdom of Ys is located here, engulfed in the bay of Audierne.

We walk here, between port, small beaches, coves and lighthouses... Two menhirs are to be seen, near the moors and fields surrounded by murtes. The wind sweeps the earth and the tides rhythm the possibilities of walks. Don’t forget to check the tide schedules so you don’t get trapped!

9. Island of Yeu

Long 10 km, Yeu Island offers beautiful landscapes of dunes, grass and rock off the coast of Vendée. Among the things to see and to do on the island, the visit of the Grand Phare and the Vieux-Château is a must. The fortress stands on a rock surrounded by the sea, plunging the visitor into a wild and shredded atmosphere.

Small churches and chapels, markets and fishing ports are also available on foot or by bike. Water activities are varied, ranging from diving to sailing to kayaking, fishing, surfing or paddle.

10. Island of Huahine – French Polynesia

Cap sur la Polynésie française, dans l’archipel de la Société, pour découvrir l’une des plus belles Îles françaises... et du monde !

If the names Bora-Bora , Tahiti, or Moorea make you dream, you will be more than conquered by Huahine. Less tourist than its neighbours, it is part of the islands Sous-le-Vent and is 175 kilometers from Tahiti. It is actually two islands connected by one point.

Turquoise bays and lagoons are home to exceptional seabeds. His archaeological remains will teach you many things about the history of Tahiti and the Polynesian archipelago. The island lives vanilla, tropical fruits and fishing. Take the time to savour its specialties by talking with the loca·ux·les inhabitants.

11. The Holy - Guadeloupe

A few minutes away from Guadeloupe, the archipelago of Saintes will make you instantly forget about stress and pollution. Its two small islands, Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, and its seven uninhabited islands make up a beautiful and unspoiling natural landscape.

Colorful fishermen's houses, towns that live at the rhythm of ambient heat, beautiful Creole villas on floors... No doubt, you are here in the heart of the Antilles and close to the sea. Put on mask and tuba palms and admire the incredible underwater fauna. Then rest on one of the dream beaches, like that of Pompière.

Fort Napoleon also deserves your visit. Finally, walks in the villages and hiking in the middle of nature have what to enjoy on one of the most beautiful French islands.

12. Pin Island – New Caledonia

On the other end of the world, one of the most beautiful French islands of overseas France is the Island of Pins. Located south of New Caledonia, it is emblematic of this wonderful Pacific archipelago. Turquoise lagoon lined with white sand beaches, it owes its name to the colonary pines erected along its coastline.

Here, the flagship activity is to observe the multicolored fish that evolve in numbers around the coral rocks. Degustrating a dish of lobsters the feet in the sand or sailing as a boat boat are also part of the unforgettable experiences of this postcard destination.

You now know the most beautiful French! Have you ever visited one of them? Tell us a comment!