Home - Travel Destinations - Experience Paradise in Vibrant Porquerolles
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Home - Travel Destinations - Experience Paradise in Vibrant Porquerolles
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Porquerolles, a small island (12.54 km2; 4.84 sq mi) in France, is one of my favorite islands. You can find paradise in Porquerolles with all the things to do, restaurants to try, beaches to enjoy… the list is endless, but let me give it a bash from our visit to the island.
Much of the island is a national park and nature conservation area. This is thanks to the state having bought 80% of the island (in 1971) to preserve the landscape from development.
Since June 2018 you can view contemporary artworks at the Villa Carmignac opened its doors to the public in June 2018 in the beautiful surroundings of a national park, along with temporary exhibitions, a sculpture garden, and a rich program of cultural events.
The church (built 1849 – 1851) was listed on October 19th, 2019 as a “Monument Historique”.
On display, you will find the Stations of the Cross (1869) done by Joseph Wargnier, who was a soldier in recovery at the sanitary facility of Porquerolles.
Like most coastal forts the Alycastre squared pyramidal tower with an eight-pointed star enclosure and drawbridge gate entrance was built (between 1633 and 1637) to defend the coast and prevent entrance on the nearby beaches. It was closed to the public at the time of our visit, but still, a beautiful picture coming into Porquerolles by boat.
The Provence-style windmill is 200 m from Fort Sainte Agathe. In other words, when you visit the one, you might as well visit the other! It has been restored by the National Park of Port-Cros and guided tours are available in season.
The Sainte-Agathe fort (1531) has an old canon tower redeveloped over the centuries. The fort houses an exhibition tracing the history of Porquerolles and the actions of the National Park of Port-Cros. I loved the passages and how well maintained the fort is. The view from the outside terrace is a photo opportunity of note!
The lighthouse (1830) rises 84m above the sea. Although this powerful lighthouse is closed to the public, it’s worth a mention because its white light has a range of 54 km!
Emmanuel Lopez garden (one hectare of spectacular plants) is at the exit of the village. Here you will find plants from all over the world (South Africa, Australia, South America, South Asia, and Florida) adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Such as olive trees, laurels, cacti, and a high diversity of palm trees.
Access was free.
In closing, at sunset one fully understands that it’s a paradise in Porquerolles island. It is well worth a visit!
The island (established in 1820) is in the Mediterranean Sea in the Îles d’Hyères, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. You have the most beautiful cliffs on the south coast, whereas on the north coast, you have the port and the beaches of Notre Dame, La Courtade, and Plage d’Argent.
Getting to Porquerolles
Porquerolles is accessible year‑round from the port of Hyères. Ferries from other nearby coastal towns operate only during the high season.
Hyères is served by Toulon–Hyères Airport and is located in the Var department of the Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur region, within the Toulon district.
Where to stay
Stay on the island, or stay in medieval/historic Hyères, the point from where you depart for the island.
Suggested Read: Must-See Delights: Unmissable Destinations Across France!