🏝️ Porquerolles, the Island of a Thousand Reflections
Just a few minutes by boat from La Tour Fondue, Porquerolles feels like another world. With its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, eucalyptus-lined trails, and sun-kissed vineyards, the island strikes a perfect balance between wild nature and Mediterranean charm.
Whether by bike, on foot, or paddleboard, every turn reveals a hidden cove, an ancient fort, or a breathtaking viewpoint. As part of the Port-Cros National Park, Porquerolles is a must-see during your stay on the Giens Peninsula.
✨ Tip: Head out early in the morning to enjoy the soft light, cooler air… and the peacefulness of the first boats.
Whether by bike, on foot, or paddleboard, every turn reveals a hidden cove, an ancient fort, or a breathtaking viewpoint. As part of the Port-Cros National Park, Porquerolles is a must-see during your stay on the Giens Peninsula.
✨ Tip: Head out early in the morning to enjoy the soft light, cooler air… and the peacefulness of the first boats.
Notre-Dame: Voted the most beautiful beach in Europe, it offers a dreamlike setting with turquoise waters and a backdrop of pine forest.
La Courtade: The closest beach to the port — perfect for a first swim upon arrival.
Plage d’Argent: Easy to reach, with white sand and a nearby restaurant — ideal for a seaside lunch break.
La Courtade: The closest beach to the port — perfect for a first swim upon arrival.
Plage d’Argent: Easy to reach, with white sand and a nearby restaurant — ideal for a seaside lunch break.
🚲 By Bike As soon as you arrive, rent a bike in the village (booking recommended during high season). A gentle loop of around 10–15 km lets you explore the island’s interior, historic forts (Fort Sainte-Agathe, Fort de l’Alycastre), and sun-drenched vineyards.
🥾 For Hikers Take the trail leading to the Porquerolles Lighthouse at the island’s southern tip — the views over the cliffs and sea are breathtaking. For an easier walk, follow the coastal path to Notre-Dame beach.
🥾 For Hikers Take the trail leading to the Porquerolles Lighthouse at the island’s southern tip — the views over the cliffs and sea are breathtaking. For an easier walk, follow the coastal path to Notre-Dame beach.
📌 Suggested Day Itinerary: 🚤 Early morning boat ride from La Tour Fondue (crossing: ~15 min)☕ Coffee at the port, then rent bikes🌳 Bike ride to Notre-Dame Beach or Plage d’Argent🍽️ Picnic or lunch at a seaside restaurant🏰 Return via the historic forts or through the vineyards, depending on your timing🍦 Ice cream break in the village before catching the return boat
the Carmignac Foundation
🎨 Carmignac Foundation – Art & Nature on Porquerolles A unique experience in the heart of the island
Tucked away in lush greenery on Porquerolles Island, the Carmignac Foundation is more than just a museum — it’s a sensory journey blending contemporary art, nature, and architecture.
🌟 Highlights not to miss:
A former farmhouse transformed into a minimalist art villa, designed by Rudy Ricciotti
A barefoot visit — for a deeper connection with the space and the works
A prestigious collection featuring Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Gerhard Richter, Basquiat…
Seasonal temporary exhibitions, renewed each year
A 15-hectare sculpture garden, beautifully integrated into the Mediterranean landscape
Tucked away in lush greenery on Porquerolles Island, the Carmignac Foundation is more than just a museum — it’s a sensory journey blending contemporary art, nature, and architecture.
🌟 Highlights not to miss:
A former farmhouse transformed into a minimalist art villa, designed by Rudy Ricciotti
A barefoot visit — for a deeper connection with the space and the works
A prestigious collection featuring Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Gerhard Richter, Basquiat…
Seasonal temporary exhibitions, renewed each year
A 15-hectare sculpture garden, beautifully integrated into the Mediterranean landscape
🎒 Practical Tips:
Ferries: Frequent departures in high season — don’t forget to check return times
Wear comfortable shoes (sand and trails ahead!)
Bring water, sunscreen, and a picnic if you're heading beyond the main beaches
Respect nature: Porquerolles is part of a national park (no fires, no picking plants, no camping)
⛵ A Must-Do Escape During Your Stay
Staying on the Giens Peninsula puts you in the perfect spot to visit Porquerolles. It’s the ideal day trip — a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, culture, and breathtaking scenery. An experience not to be missed!
Ferries: Frequent departures in high season — don’t forget to check return times
Wear comfortable shoes (sand and trails ahead!)
Bring water, sunscreen, and a picnic if you're heading beyond the main beaches
Respect nature: Porquerolles is part of a national park (no fires, no picking plants, no camping)
⛵ A Must-Do Escape During Your Stay
Staying on the Giens Peninsula puts you in the perfect spot to visit Porquerolles. It’s the ideal day trip — a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, culture, and breathtaking scenery. An experience not to be missed!
🌿 Port-Cros – A Wild Island at the Heart of the National Park
Quieter than Porquerolles, Port-Cros is the most authentic and best-preserved of the Golden Islands. Designated a National Park since 1963, it’s a true natural sanctuary where time seems to stand still. Accessible by boat from La Tour Fondue (direct connections in season) or via Porquerolles, the island is best explored on foot, at your own pace — along forest trails, past crystal-clear coves, and through breathtaking viewpoints.
🌊 An Island with No Cars, No Roads… Just Life
Here, there are no bikes, no vehicles — Port-Cros is 100% pedestrian. This island is a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and snorkeling enthusiasts. Its protected waters are teeming with fish, and the lush vegetation creates a truly wild and vibrant landscape.
🥾 Things to See and Do:
La Palud Underwater TrailJust a 30-minute walk from the port, this beach features a marked snorkeling trail with floating information buoys. With just a mask and snorkel, you can observe groupers, sea bream, dorado, and seagrass meadows — like swimming in a giant natural aquarium.
Fort de l’Estissac Perched on the island’s heights, this restored fort hosts exhibitions on the local wildlife, flora, and history of Port-Cros. The views from the top are breathtaking.
Crête Trail Loop For experienced hikers: a 3- to 4-hour loop through forest paths, hidden coves, and scenic viewpoints, offering incredible vistas of the sea and nearby islets (Bagaud, Gabinière).
Here, there are no bikes, no vehicles — Port-Cros is 100% pedestrian. This island is a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and snorkeling enthusiasts. Its protected waters are teeming with fish, and the lush vegetation creates a truly wild and vibrant landscape.
🥾 Things to See and Do:
La Palud Underwater TrailJust a 30-minute walk from the port, this beach features a marked snorkeling trail with floating information buoys. With just a mask and snorkel, you can observe groupers, sea bream, dorado, and seagrass meadows — like swimming in a giant natural aquarium.
Fort de l’Estissac Perched on the island’s heights, this restored fort hosts exhibitions on the local wildlife, flora, and history of Port-Cros. The views from the top are breathtaking.
Crête Trail Loop For experienced hikers: a 3- to 4-hour loop through forest paths, hidden coves, and scenic viewpoints, offering incredible vistas of the sea and nearby islets (Bagaud, Gabinière).
📌 Suggested Day Itinerary:
🚤 Boat departure from La Tour Fondue (direct service depending on the season)⚓ Arrival at the charming, one-of-a-kind Port-Cros harbor🌴 Hike to La Palud beach, swimming and snorkeling🧺 Picnic in the shade of the pines or lunch at a harbor-side restaurant🏰 Climb to Fort de l’Estissac or hike along the ridge trail🍹 Relaxing walk back to the port, then ferry return
🎒 Practical Tips:
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sneakers are essential
Mask and snorkel highly recommended to enjoy the crystal-clear waters
Bring water and a snack if you're hiking far from the port
The island is protected: stay on marked trails, don’t feed the fish, and don’t pick plants
Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash — the area is under strict conservation rules
🧭 A World Away, Just Minutes from Your Accommodation
From the Giens Peninsula, you’re just steps from one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning natural gems. Port-Cros is the perfect day trip for travelers seeking authenticity, peace, and a deep connection with nature.
🚤 Boat departure from La Tour Fondue (direct service depending on the season)⚓ Arrival at the charming, one-of-a-kind Port-Cros harbor🌴 Hike to La Palud beach, swimming and snorkeling🧺 Picnic in the shade of the pines or lunch at a harbor-side restaurant🏰 Climb to Fort de l’Estissac or hike along the ridge trail🍹 Relaxing walk back to the port, then ferry return
🎒 Practical Tips:
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sneakers are essential
Mask and snorkel highly recommended to enjoy the crystal-clear waters
Bring water and a snack if you're hiking far from the port
The island is protected: stay on marked trails, don’t feed the fish, and don’t pick plants
Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash — the area is under strict conservation rules
🧭 A World Away, Just Minutes from Your Accommodation
From the Giens Peninsula, you’re just steps from one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning natural gems. Port-Cros is the perfect day trip for travelers seeking authenticity, peace, and a deep connection with nature.