The 11 things to do in Porquerolles

Do you want a corner of paradise on an island while staying in France? Discover the 11 essentials to visit Porquerolles!

The island of Porquerolles is the largest of the three golden islands. It is located in the Mediterranean, off the town of Hyères-les-Palmiers, in the Var department. Previously private, it now belongs to more than 80% of the State. The latter wished to acquire it in part in order to preserve it against development.

Today, it is part of the Port-Cros National Park. One of the eleven national centres for the protection of nature and biodiversity in France. Indeed, it is a true setting of nature in the middle of the Mediterranean. Its main activities are hiking, cycling, diving and visiting its paradise beaches.

This is why we offer you to visit Porquerolles through its 11 essentials. Follow the guide!

1. The lighthouse

When you visit Porquerolles, it is impossible to pass next to its historic lighthouse. Built in 1830, it is more than 84 m high above sea level.

It is an integral part of the island heritage that you must absolutely discover during your stay. It is one of the most powerful lighthouses in the Mediterranean with its geographical location. Although closed to the public, it is interesting to go there to observe the magnificent view of the great blue it offers.

2. The forts

Fort Sainte Agathe

Built under Francis 1st in the 16th century, it is part of the Additional Inventory of Historical Monuments . Visit him in bad weather. Admission is paid from 18 years old .

Note that visits can be free or guided according to your desire. This is where the Porquerolles Jazz Festival takes place every year.

Fort Alycastre

Built under the authority of Richelieu in the 17th century, its place is strategic to defend the coasts of the island. It is listed in the Historical Monuments. It is also a property of the conservatory of the coast since 2011.

It's closed to the public. The Bay of Alycastre is the cradle of the most famous Porquerollaise legend.

The Great Langoustier Fort

This historic tower was restored by a passionate individual. In fact, Dr. Paul Vuillard, in agreement with the Architect of the buildings of France and the National Navy, owner of the place, completely restored it. Its construction dates from the 17th century.

It is closed to the public, but exceptional visits take place during the European Heritage Days.

The Fort of Repentance

This fort is buried. It was thanks to this situation that it was a strong place for the defence of the island. Its construction was completed only in 1893. An Orthodox monastic community has been undergoing restorations since 1995. Since then, Father Seraphin has lived there in hermit. As a result, this fort is not accessible to the public.

Of course, this is a non-exhaustive list. You can also visit the high battery of the meds, the low battery of the meds, the fort of the lequin, the fort of repentance, the fort of Bon Renaud and the fort of the little Langoustier.

3. The church of Sainte-Anne

At the base, it was a military chapel. It was only in 1929 that she became the parish church of Sainte-Anne. It houses a special treasure. Indeed, a convalescence soldier at the Porquerolles Sanitary Refuge in 1869 engraved in solid walnut wood the fourteen stations on the Cross Road.

Thus, the church has been registered since 2019 to historical monuments. His access is totally free.

4. A boat ride

If you are passing to Porquerolles, it is a step that you should not miss under any pretext: boat rental . Whether you want to sail between the three islands of Gold and Hyères, visit Sanary-sur-Mer or discover the Fort de Brégançon, you will enjoy an exceptional Mediterranean setting.

You don't own the license? No panic, many online platforms allow you to rent a boat with skipper.

5. The mill of happiness

If you came to visit Porquerolles, don't miss by its famous mills!

Located close to Fort Sainte Agathe, it is a typical example of the windmills of Provence. We owe it to the Port-Cros National Park. It is possible to discover it on a guided tour from May to September. His entry is free for children under 18 .

6. The beaches

The beach of the courtade

It is the largest beach on the island, but also the easiest access. Located only 15 minutes walk from the village, or 5 minutes by bike, you will find here an alternation of sand and pebbles. Secondly, the beach is adorned with a eucalyptus forest that offers perfume and shade in the summer season.

La plage Notre-Dame

It is the treasure of the island. Indeed, she was elected more beautiful beach in Europe by the European organization for the promotion of culture and tourism in Europe. It is more than 3 km from the village, but it is clearly worth a visit. It takes about 45 min walk or 25 min bike from the village.

This blue hatch is located in a very appreciable wooded bay with high heat.

The beach of Langoustier

This is not the easiest beach on the island. Located on the west tip, it will take about an hour's walk or 45 min's bike to access it from the village.

Only the bravest will survey his blond sands. It should be noted that its situation is ideal, because it is sheltered by winds and swells.

The silver beach

This is the favorite beach of people who come to visit Porquerolles. Indeed, it is ideal for all, because located only 25 minutes walk from the village or 10 minutes by bike. Its waters are translucent, but shallow. In the summer season there is also a monitoring station and a beach restaurant.

The black beach of Langoustier

This is the least known of all. It is located on the south side, making it an ideal location to be sheltered from the mistral and east wind. This is why it is one of the most pleasant beaches to be enjoyed in the summer.

7. Wine fields

Porquerolles houses three renowned wineries:

• The estate of the Courtade : bordered by the Mediterranean, this vineyard now produces Côtes de Provence in the 3 colours: white, red and rosé. In Porquerolles, the particular soil (shaist compound) associated with a maritime climate allows the production of wines of exceptional character.
• Domaine Perzinsky : the soils of this vineyard are the secret of the aromas of this delicious wine. Indeed, the soil composed of shale allows farmers to vinify an exceptional wine. Today the Perzinsky estate covers 10 hectares and has different Mediterranean grape varieties.
• The domain of the island: it is an island vineyard protected by the status of Porquerolles Island National Park. It has been classified as a provincially certified AOP since 2015. The estate produces whites and roses with notes of seafarers. Here it is 34 hectares on the terrace with classic Mediterranean grape varieties. The Chanel house bought the estate and plans to produce exceptional wines.

8. The garden Emmanuel Lopez

This garden is open all year round. It has many plant species adapted to the Mediterranean climate and a wide variety of palm trees. It is also a privileged place to observe other species coming from Florida, South Africa or even Australia . The entrance is free.

9. The Carmignac Foundation

If you are wondering if you are visiting Porquerolles apart from the beaches, go to the Carmignac Foundation. This particular museum visits naked feet. This ancient farmhouse surrounded by vineyards houses works by Botticelli or Warhol.

It is very interesting to make this extraordinary cultural visit. In addition, it is recommended to book your ticket upstream. Indeed, the museum does not welcome 50 people at a time . This choice was made to preserve the quality of the visit and to take advantage of this privileged moment as part of a protected site.

The Carmignac Foundation is open from May to October, from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

10. Hiking

The paradisiacal island of the Mediterranean is full of multiple paths. There are four main hiking trails:

• The circuit of the forts ;
• The ridge circuit ;
• Water hiking ;
• The path of landscapes.

The map to follow each route is available on the site or at the tourist office as soon as you arrive at the boat.

11. The Botanical Conservatory

Built in 1979, this conservatory was approved Conservatoire Botanique National in 1990. The mission of this place is to carry out the inventory of flora and natural and semi-natural habitats on the ground. It is also responsible for the conservation of Mediterranean plant species.

The visit of the orchards of the island’s collection is free. It is possible to visit Porquerolles and its conservatory with a guide of the place by booking in advance.

How to get to Porquerolles?

By plane from France

If you want to spend a stay on this beautiful Mediterranean island, you can go there in different ways. Either you are further north in France, in this case the plane will be the fastest. Check the flight comparison Ulysses to find a ticket suitable for your leave dates. The destination airport must be Toulon Hyères Airport. It is the one that is closest to the island. Otherwise, it will be Marseille International Airport more than 1 h 30 from Porquerolles Road.

By train

Another way to visit Porquerolles is to go first by train to SNCF Hyères or Toulon train station. Once on site, you will have to go to the island by boat.

Marine shuttle

The only solution to reach the island is to take the boat. Marine shuttles that cross from different departure points are provided by several shipping companies. The main ones are:

• Crossing since the Tour Fondue located in Giens that is done all year round by TLV-TVM;
• From Toulon, Saint Mandrier, Les Sablettes with the companies Les Bateliers de la rade and Les Bateliers de la Côte d’Azur.

On foot or by bike

Vehicles are prohibited on the island. This is why the best way to discover the coastline is to either walk or rent bicycles on site. There are more than 54 km of bike paths! Besides this, you can also take your own bikes on the shuttle.

Where to stay in Porquerolles?

It is possible to stay on the island of Porquerolles in different accommodation styles. So live your stay in one of the hotels, lodgings, Airbnb or even a dock boat on the island. However, if you are looking for a campsite in Porquerolles, you will have to stay in one of the campsites in Hyères and the peninsula of Giens.

To help you find your happiness to visit Porquerolles, use a Compare hotels . You will find the best accommodation offers on the island.