After enjoying your guided hybrid boat tour, are you wondering what to do in Porquerolles to make the most of your stopover? Discover the must-see attractions of this paradise island. From fine-sand beaches to shaded trails and exploring the village, a multitude of activities await you. Whether you’re a hiking or biking enthusiast or simply looking to relax by the turquoise waters, your day in Porquerolles unforgettable.
Porquerolles the largest and most densely populated of the three Hyères islands. Porquerolles permanently protected as a national park since 2012.
Commonly known as the Pearl of the Golden Isles, this island—which is 7 km long and 3 km wide—hasmany different sides:
- To the south, a steep coastline dominated by cliffs, where a few secluded coves are hidden—and well worth the effort to reach.
- In the north, enjoy a Caribbean atmosphere with fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
- In the centerlie cultivated plainsdotted withvineyardsand the plant collections ofthe NationalBotanical Conservatory.
The Village of Porquerolles
At the end of the pier, you’ll arrive right in the island’s village. Take advantage of your stopover in Porquerolles explore this small village: it’s the heart of the island, with about 300 year-round residents. The village of Porquerolles built around a large town square, the Place d’Armes, and its church, “Sainte-Anne.” Stroll through its narrow streets lined with colorful houses, and enjoy its many restaurants, cafés, and shops. At the entrance to the village, just past the harbor, you’ll also find the Tourist Office.
Then go explore the island!
There are several hiking trails across the island, offering spectacular views of nature and the Mediterranean Sea. To make the most of your stopover in Porquerolles, we recommend getting around on foot or by bike. The island is easily accessible on foot from the port, and you’ll find many bike rental shops near the landing stage. Since cars aren’t allowed on the island, it’s an ideal place to get around by bike and explore the many hiking trails.
Are you lucky enough to be stopping over in Porquerolles
Discover everything this paradise island has to offer during a full day! So, what is there to do in Porquerolles Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture buff, or simply enjoy beautiful scenery, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on the island of Porquerolles a day trip. Here are a few suggestions:
The Forts
While the island of Porquerolles today Porquerolles nature lovers and those seeking relaxation with its beauty, this has not always been the case. In fact,the island has had a turbulent history, traces of which can still be seen today. To defend against various invaders, several forts were built:
- Fort Saint Agathe
- The Lequin and Alycastre Forts
- The Fort of Repentance
- The Forts of Langoustiers
The Lighthouse
The Porquerolles Lighthouseis one of the most powerful lighthouses in the Mediterranean!
Built in 1830, it stands 84 meters tall and its white light has a range of 54 km. In addition, the lighthouse is currently the only inhabited lighthouse in the Mediterranean. It takes45 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by biketo get there.
You'll enjoy a view of the island's rugged southern coast!
The Mill of Happiness
Just 200 meters from Fort Sainte Agathe, you'll also find theMoulin du Bonheur, a typical Provençal windmill built in the early 18th century and recently restored.
Perched above a magnificent olive grove, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the village of Porquerolles the bay of Hyères!
Make the most of your day in Porquerolles to visit:
Whether open to the public or by reservation, Porquerolles other places to visit on Porquerolles . You can choose from nature, culture, or history!
Fort Sainte Agathe
Fort Saint-Agathe is a former military fortification built in the 17th century to protect the village of Porquerolles invasions by Barbary pirates.
After half an hour's walk, you'll be blown away by the panoramic views of the island and the Mediterranean Sea from Fort Sainte Agathe!
The Emmanuel Lopez Garden
Open year-round and free to the public, it features plants typical of the Mediterranean region, as well as exotic flora (cacti, agaves, and aloes) adapted to the island’s climate.
Before your visit, feel free to stop by the National Park visitor center at the garden entrance, where—depending on the season—you can see the bat house installed above it, with footage shown on a screen.
The Carmignac Foundation
Located in the heart of the Domaine de la Courtade, Villa Carmignac is a museum of contemporary art. It is a place of discovery and contemplation that harmoniously blends art and nature.
Visitors can admire the works of art inside the villa, as well as in the gardens and outdoor areas, which offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Website: www.fondationcarmignac.com/
The Botanical Conservatory
Founded in 1979, the Porquerolles National Mediterranean Botanical Conservatory Porquerolles designated a “national botanical conservatory” in 1990.
Located on the Porquerolles Plain, with free and open access, the site features seeds and cultivars of endangered wild plants from the Mediterranean basin, helping to combat the loss of genetic diversity.
Wineries
The island of Porquerolles two wineries, Domaine de la Courtade and Domaine de l’île, where visitors can taste local wines and learn more about winemaking.
Courtade Estate
Located behind La Courtade Beach, this 35-hectare estate produces AOC Côtes de Provence wines in all three varieties using organic farming methods.
Website: lacourtade.com/
Domaine de l’Île
A historic estate on Porquerolles now owned by CHANEL. The estate produces certified organic rosé and white wines on the island. It is committed to preserving biodiversity.
Website: www.domainedelile.com/
The Beaches
Porquerolles famous for its beautiful beaches with fine sand and turquoise waters. Among the most popular are:
Argent Beach
Located just under 2 km west of the village, this is a beautiful white-sand beach with turquoise waters that’s well sheltered from the mistral. It’sa 45-minute walk or a 15-minute bike ride.
With abeautiful pine forest behind it, this is the only beach on the island with abar-restaurantand alifeguard stationopen during the summer. That also makes it one of the most popular beaches!
Notre Dame Beach
Voted Europe's most beautiful beach in 2015 (European Best Destinations), it's a beautiful beach of fine sand, lined with pine and oak trees, which create an intimate backdrop.
It’s one of the island’s largest beaches, but also one of the farthest from the village. It takes about1 hour on foot or 25 minutes by biketo cover the 3 km that separate it from the village.
La Courtade Beach
It’sthe closest beach, about 800 meters east of the village of Porquerolles. But it’s also the island’s largest beach. It takes15 minutes on foot and 5 minutes by biketo get there.
Its sand isn't the finest, but its shallow waters and the shade provided by the pine and eucalyptus trees make itthe most family-friendly beach.
The Langoustier Beaches
Located at the westernmost tip of the island and spread out on either side of the isthmus, these two small beaches are very different.
- TheWhite Beachto the north, with its white sand, is sheltered from the east wind but offers no shade.
- The black beach, to the south, whose red/black sand adds a touch of originality around a beautiful pine forest and offers a little shade.
Both are 4.4 km away, after a more difficult 1.5-hour walk or 45-minute bike ride, not recommended for children.
These sites are just a few of the many treasures Porquerolles has to offer. Don't hesitate to ask our crew what to do on Porquerolles, and explore the island at your leisure to discover all its hidden wonders! There's plenty to see and do during your day's stopover on the island of Porquerolles. Enough to satisfy the interests of all visitors!
Regulations
- No camping or bivouacking.
- No motorized vehicles except service or authorized vehicles.
(including electric scooters, hoverboards, gyropods and single-wheelers). - Pleasepick up your trash: trash cans are available along the paths leading to the beaches
- Animals are not allowed on thebeaches, even if they are on a leash.
- Picking and Harvesting Prohibited
- There is a water shortage on the island.There are no water sources outside the village. Be prepared.
- Noopen fires orcigarettesoutside the village
In addition, the forests on the island of Porquerolles may be closed to the public. Traffic, whether on foot or by bike, is then only authorized on beach access paths. The information map for access to forest areas at risk of forest fires is published every day at 7 p.m. for the following day on the https://www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/var/ website .