08/08/2023
Activities
The island of Porquerolles is steeped in history, its natural beauty untouched over the centuries. You can make the crossing by boat from Giens peninsula throughout the year, and from the port of Le Lavandou from early April to late October. Porquerolles is an absolute delight for globe trotters looking for unspoilt landscapes, as well as for hiking and cycling enthusiasts, fans of water sports… or anyone dreaming of a romantic weekend far from the madding crowd. What is there to do on Porquerolles? Whether it’s on a day trip or for a longer break, give in to the charms of this little patch of paradise, a jewel on the Côte d’Azur.
As the “pearl” of the Iles d’Or, Porquerolles is the ideal spot for a relaxing day with your family or partner. Are you wondering what to do on Porquerolles once you get off the boat? Well, there’s no shortage of activities! Take a tour the island on foot or by bike (bicycles and mountain bikes can be hired directly on site), following the beautiful signposted trails across the national park and pristine beaches. In between hikes or mountain bike rides, enjoy a richly deserved break in one of the region’s top restaurants before further explorations in the Port Cros Porquerolles National Park. Gaze in awe at Sainte Agathe fort and visit the exhibition at the Fondation Carmignac before ending on a relaxing note: Porquerolles owes its fame to its wide expanses of fine sand and the turquoise waters of its heavenly beaches.
For a perfect day on Porquerolles, the best bet is to ask yourself the right questions so you can organise your visit properly. The island boasts a wealth of magnificent sites you can explore on walks or bike rides, but you may also decide to go around it by boat so you can enjoy the very different – but equally fascinating – views.
What can you do in a day on Porquerolles? Are you going to spend a weekend here? Or a holiday lasting several days? The best itineraries and activities all depend on much time you’ll spend on the island. And here’s some good news: if you book a room in our 4-star hotel on the waterfront, you can get to Porquerolles easily by boat from Giens peninsula, south of Hyères. The ferry operates in all seasons – and there are also departures from the port of Le Lavandou from early April to late October.
As your partner on your Mediterranean getaway in the Gulf of Saint Tropez, we’ve teamed up with the Vedettes Iles d’Or and Le Corsaire shuttle service so you can enjoy treasured outings over the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Your day will kick off with a trip by boat to the port of Porquerolles, where you can rent a bike and set off to explore the island.
You can buy your tickets for the crossing (departing from the port of Le Lavandou) directly at the reception in our hotel on the water’s edge. Here you can take advantage of our preferential rates for getting to Porquerolles as well as for other trips out to sea and novel ways of exploring the Côte d’Azur.
Once you’re on the island, you’ll get around mostly on foot and by bike on magnificent outings along the craggy cliffs and sandy beaches. You can hire your bicycle, mountain bike or electric bike directly on the spot… unless, that is, you’d prefer to travel around the island on a sailing boat so you can discover Porquerolles from an entirely different perspective. Take the opportunity to learn to dive and discover the unique underwater world of the Iles d’Or.
What can you do on Porquerolles when you want to unwind and savour local dishes in between visits or activities? Take a seat on the terrace of one of the finest restaurants on the island, of course!
L’Orangeraie is an excellent place to eat for fans of fresh, spontaneous, southern-style cooking. Il Pescatore in the port of Porquerolles, which boasts lovely views of Hyères bay, serves delightful homemade dishes. You can also try Les Ptits Plats, L’Olivier at the Mas du Langoustier or Coco Frio for great homemade ice cream.
If you’re looking for things to do in the Var for an activity-packed holiday, the “pearl” of the Iles d’Or won’t let you down. What can you do on Porquerolles? As well as the beaches, the port, the Church of Sainte Anne, the Fort Sainte Agathe, the famous Fondation Carmignac, the Moulin du Bonheur and all the other places to visit or enjoy a hike, it’s not always easy to know which are the best sites to include in your itinerary!
The Cap d’Arme lighthouse boasts incredible views. The Langoustier hills, the cliffs, the fort of Sainte Agathe, the bay of Hyères and the Massif des Maures on the horizon… It’s a hike that is well worth the effort, especially if you pass through the Calanque de l’Indienne. And here’s an interesting fact for you: the light in the Cap d’Arme lighthouse has a range of up to 54 kilometres!
Argent beach is not far from Cap d’Arme (15 minutes by bike), and it’s a glorious spot you really shouldn’t miss when you spend the day on Porquerolles. You can take part in your favourite water sports here, where the beautiful seabed is particularly good for snorkelling. But if your favourite moments are when you’re taking it easy and dipping your toes in the crystal-clear waters when it’s extra hot, you’ll enjoy the beauty of Argent beach just as much.
Fort du Grand Langoustier is a military structure (a classified historic monument) best admired from afar from the white sandy beach of Langoustier just below. Langoustier peninsula is a rewarding hike that is worth the effort if you’re used to steep paths.
The Fondation Carmignac is housed in a villa dedicated in its entirety to contemporary art. The mas – a traditional Provencal farmhouse – blends into the landscape with 2,000m² of exhibition space lit by a water ceiling and surrounded by a sculpture garden. If you’re wondering what to do on Porquerolles, this is clearly the number-one visit. Close-by you can also tour Fort Sainte Agathe and feast your eyes on the Moulin du Bonheur.
Water sports enthusiasts in Saint Tropez brook no argument: Notre Dame beach is a must-visit when you’re on Porquerolles. At the far end of the Circuit du Mistral, the beach is well worth including in your plans before you leave.
With departures from Le Lavandou, Cavalaire and La Croix-Valmer, the Vedettes Iles d’Or company organises excursions around the Iles d’Or and novel ways to explore the Gulf of Saint Tropez. Close to our hotel by the sea in the Var, you can enjoy magical walks investigating the coastline and its remarkable landscapes.
