Ile de Porquerolles, Côte d'Azur
The largest and most visited of the three Iles d'Or that's a joy to visit any time of year
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from the peninsula of Hyères will take you to the different world of the island of Porquerolles. Its popularity is due to the many ways it pleases its visitors.
Do you want to spend a leisurely day on a half-moon beach and swim in the blue water? Rent a bicycle and discover the fjord-like inlets on the southern shore? Walk through the pine forests and vineyards? Let yourself be pampered at the famous Mas du Langoustiers? Plan your trip and take the ferry (or a helicopter for Langoustiers).
The popularity of Porquerolles comes at a price. In the busy summer months the island is invaded by day trippers. The ferry boats from La Tour Fondue (near Hyères) sail back and forth. They operate on a first come, first served basis. There are other and longer ferry trips from Croix-Valmer or Lavandou. These you can book in advance, to be sure of a place. If you want to rent a bicycle in the busy times, it's advisable to book those in advance too. The contacts can be seen on the Porquerolles website (see below).
As with most of southern France, you would do best to visit the island in the off-season. Particularly in spring, Porquerolles presents itself at its best. The fern, rockrose and myrtle are in bloom. The scents will delight you on your bike ride or long walk.
Its climate in the off season is one of the best in France. Last May, when we visited the island, we left a rainy mainland behind and found a sun-filled Porquerolles. The sea temperature was inviting enough for a swim. The colour of the water was a bright turquoise. For a moment we thought we were in the Caribbean.
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History & Culture in Hyeres
The history of the island is as turbulent as that of many islands, certainly those as strategically located as Porquerolles. From Roman times until 1531 it was the domain of pirates. Then the French King stepped in and established an important garrison.
The fortress Saint Agathe is an imposing witness of those days. (It's worth while to visit the fortress, if only for the magnificent view of the island and the strait of Hyères.) During the French revolution the island was sold to private owners, the last one Monsieur François Fournier, who, on his honeymoon in Antibes in 1912, saw a notice of the island's auction. He bought it as a present for his bride. It was Fournier who planted the vines for the reputed wine of Porquerolles. In 1971 the government bought the island back and designated it as a protected place.
Sights & Attractions in Hyeres
The other two Iles d'Or, Ile du Levant and Ile de Port-Cros, have their unique appeal. Port-Cros is a national park. It draws nature lovers and hikers who prefer a very special and quiet environment. Le Levant is famous for its nudist colony, Héliopolis. And, the French navy has an important base on the island, a peculiar combination. Only in France!
Events in Hyeres
Events in Provence
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Jazz à Saint Rémy
This modern revival of the jazz festivals of the 70s and 80s is held under the stars in St Rémy.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
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Markets in Provence
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
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Fête de la Chataignes - Chestnut festival, Collobrières
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
Things to do in Hyeres
The island is 7km long and 2.5km wide. A typical day visit might include an early arrival, the purchase of picnic ingredients in the village square, a walk to the southern shore over the slightly hilly paths (the highest point is 140m), a lunch there and a leisurely stroll back to one of the beaches on the northern shore, for a swim and a sunbathe.
Cycling in Hyeres
Cycling Routes in Provence
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Aix-en-Provence to Aqueduc de Roquefavour
This half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
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La Veloroute du Calavon
Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
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Cycling the Ochre Region from Roussillon
This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
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Le Plateau de Sault, Mont Ventoux
This delightful ride takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area; vast Sault highlands, fields of lavender and golden crops. Along the way you can admire the magnificent views of Mont Ventoux and Montagne de Lure Mountain. You’ll pass through four charming old villages; each one crammed with ancient churches, crooked alleyways, splashing fountains and quaint little squares.
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From Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
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Les Gorges de la Nesque
Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.
Hiking in Hyeres
Walking Routes in Provence
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Troglodyte Hikes & Walks
An interesting site not to be missed whilst in Provence. The wonderful views of the Villecroze caves and impressive scenery will take your breath away.
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Montagne Sainte Victoire
Regarded as a 'classic' walk and from the summit cross you are rewarded with 360 degree views of the Luberon, Mount Ventoux, the Alps and Cap Canaille.
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The l'Imbut Trail, Gorges du Verdon
Regarded as one of the more difficult trails of the Verdon region, the l'Imbut trail is perfectly manageable for the competent hiker with the use of the fixed cables and ladders.
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GR2013
Explore some of the beautiful trails Provence has to offer with this 365km circuit.
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Terrain des Peintres
Located on the outskirts of Aix, not far from the Atelier Cezanne is the Terrain des Peintres.
Yachts & Sailing in Hyeres
Watersports in Hyeres
Watersports in Provence
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Sunforce Watersports, Ramatuelle
Sun Force is located on the famous Pampelonne beach. Its owner, Pierre Tourneq, has been running this business for over 30 years, surrounded by a fully qualified team.
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Cable Wakeboarding, Le Muy
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
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Aquadomia Scuba Diving, Marseille
No matter what your level is, Aquadomia offers you the chance to enhance your skills with quality diving courses... and to discover underwater splendors from the archipelago of Riou to the islands around the bay of Marseille.
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Lac de Saint Cassien Watersports, Fayence
A lovely natural lake surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Var. The lake is perfect for a pedaloe trip rather than an adrenaline filled water sport, but it means it is perfect for families!
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Lac de Sainte Croix, Gorges du Verdon
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
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Aventure et Nature Watersport, La Palude sur Verdon
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
Families in Hyeres
Villas in Hyeres
Villas in Provence
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Mahé Villa, La Mole
Luxurious villa for rent with 2 private pools in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
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La Ruine Villa, Grimaud
Located just outside charming Grimaud in the picturesque hamlet of Val de Gilly is la Ruine.
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Ella Villa, Grimaud
Villa for rent on the French Riviera, close to Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime and a few steps from the beaches, this high standing property enjoys a beautiful 4,800m² land planted with trees with an infinity pool and a basin.
Price: €7,180
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Serena Villa, Sainte-Maxime
The Villa Serena is a property accessible to people with reduced mobility and is composed of 6 air-conditioned rooms with a panoramic view on the sea and the bay of Saint-Tropez.
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Lou Villa, Grimaud
Beautiful villa with swimming pool for seasonal rental in Grimaud - Villa Lou
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Kalista Villa, Grimaud
Holiday rental with swimming pool in Grimaud - Villa Kalista
Campsites in Hyeres
How to get to Hyeres
Transfers for Provence
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.