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Porquerolles Island

Île de Porquerolles, Hyères, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Île de Porquerolles is located 2.6km offshore of the Giens Peninsula, next to the town of Hyères and the city of Toulon. It has an area 12,54 km2 (roughly 7km x 3km) and is the largest of the three islands comprising the îles d'Hyères (the other two being Port-Cros and the Île du Levant). The south coast is lined with cliffs whereas the northern one, facing the mainland, holds the village and the main beaches of La Courtade, Notre Dame and Plage d'Argent. Much of the Island is owned by the state and part of the Port-Cros National Park. It is popular for its beaches, hiking, snorkelling/scuba diving and sailing.

Access & Transport

The closest and main access route is by ferry from the Tour Fondue located at the end of the Giens Peninsula (at the end of the D197, 12km from the centre of Hyères). It is also possible to leave from Toulon. Once on the island, walking and bike riding are the easiest ways to get around. Note that tourists cannot bring their car on the island and that the fare for bringing a bike on the ferry is around 17 €

Instructions & Recommendations

Make sure to check the ferry timing ahead of time, especially between October and March. In peak season, you may want to book your tickets sufficiently in advance. In the summer, don't forget to bring your beach wear, towels, bio sunblock, sunglasses and carry some water.

Meta review

The trio of Islands is well known within French borders and has good coverage in travel blogs and magazines. Porquerolles is the easiest of the three to get to and gets excellent online comments for its beaches, clear water and the agreeable atmosphere of the village. The only drawback is that it can be quite busy in July & August, that the prices are slightly high and the water a bit too cold for some reviewers.

Environmental & Social

The island is part of a national park so development is limited, which is environmentally positive. Only the ferry crossing has a carbon footprint. Tourism helps the small local economy and enables locals to make a living on the island.

Conclusion

Porquerolles is a rewarding day trip (or, why not, an overnight stay) from the Hyeres-Toulon area. If you can avoid the busy summer months, you'll get to enjoy beautiful uncrowded beaches and casual hikes with virtually no car traffic around you.

Key positive

Superb beaches and clear waters

Some beautiful coastline in the south

Key negative

Busy in high season

The ferry crossing is quite a budget for a family

Suitability

Suitable for all ages. Visitors with reduced mobility can get on the island and many areas have road access but not all (trails)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Above shows first departure time and est. arrival time of last service from Tour Fondue (Giens)

av. transport time:0h 45m

est. visit time:6h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY07:30 - 19:00

TUESDAY07:30 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY07:30 - 19:00

THURSDAY07:30 - 19:00

FRIDAY07:30 - 19:00

SATURDAY07:30 - 19:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 19:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY07:30 - 14:30

TUESDAY07:30 - 14:30

WEDNESDAY07:30 - 14:30

THURSDAY07:30 - 14:30

FRIDAY07:30 - 14:30

SATURDAY07:30 - 14:30

SUNDAY09:00 - 14:30

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€21
Adult
26 - 64
€24
Teen & Young
12 - 25
€21
Child
4 - 11
€21
Infant
0 - 3
€0
Return fare from Tour Fondue (Giens). One way is 14 €. Prices are a little cheaper out of season

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