Porquerolles Island
The largest of the Golden Isles. White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, an unspoilt Provençal village.
By car
YOUR DAY ON PORQUEROLLES FROM VILLA HIPPOCAMPE
Porquerolles can be reached from Villa Hippocampe in 40 minutes: a 30-minute drive to the port of La Tour Fondue in Hyères, then a 10-minute boat crossing. Departures are frequent all year round, every half hour in high season.
The island is 7.5 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide. Its northern side is home to the white-sand beaches that made its reputation, notably Notre-Dame beach, voted the most beautiful beach in Europe several times. The south of the island, made up of cliffs and wild coves, is the preserve of hikers.
JACQUES' TIPS
Jacques recommends an early start. You will reach the island before the midday crowds. Hire bikes and enjoy the almost deserted beaches in the morning. Don’t leave this island paradise without visiting the Carmignac Foundation and the Le Figuier botanical conservatory.
HOW TO GET TO PORQUEROLLES
Drive from Six-Fours-les-Plages to La Tour Fondue in Hyères-les-Palmiers. Allow 30 to 40 minutes.
Several paid car parks near the landing stage. On arrival on the island, mountain bikes can be hired at the harbour.
In high season, a few boats depart from Sanary-sur-Mer.
Frequently asked questions
CAN YOU MAKE THE ROUND TRIP IN A DAY FROM VILLA HIPPOCAMPE?
Yes, that is the usual plan. Leave Villa Hippocampe early (30 to 40 minutes’ drive to La Tour Fondue, 9:00 or 9:30 boat), spend the whole day on the island and return around 5–6 pm. You will be back at the villa around 7 pm for a sunset aperitif.
DO YOU NEED TO BOOK THE BOAT?
Out of season (April–June, September–October), booking is rarely necessary. In July and August, the 9–11 am and 4–6 pm boats can be full. Online booking is recommended at tlv-tvm.com, or buy at the ticket office thirty minutes before departure if you arrive early.
IS THE ISLAND SUITABLE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN?
Yes. Plage d’Argent (a fifteen-minute walk from the harbour) is perfect: shallow water, fine sand, pushchair-friendly. Baby bike seats and children’s trailers can be hired at the harbour. The underwater trail at La Courtade beach is suitable from age eight with supervision.
WHAT IF THE MISTRAL IS BLOWING?
A strong mistral means rough seas on the north side (Notre-Dame and Argent beaches). In that case, head for Le Langoustier beach on the west side, which is better sheltered, or opt for a hike on the ridge path — the view is spectacular in windy weather. Jacques can advise you depending on the day’s weather.
