The 2 islands, Porquerolles and Port Cros, are a really enjoyable “must see” day out for visiting, swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing and lunch in one of their amazing island restaurants or on your private day boat.
Porquerolles The largest of the 3 islands (Iles d’Hyeres) and is 7KM long by 3Km wide. It has a charming port with one lovely village nearby with a large square, a beautiful church and a few shops and several restaurants and cafes. It is only accessible by boat. There are small shuttle boats from Toulon, Le Lavandou and Cavalaire or we can rent you a private day boat with a Captain.
The houses are all surrounded by lush vegetation and apart from the famous Hotel / Restaurant on the Langoustier peninsular – The Mas de Langoustier - it is a beautifully protected island with a mosaic of Vineyards, Olive, Eucalytus, Pine and Oak trees as well as lemon, orange and mandarin fruit trees. Everywhere you go you will be greeted with the noise of chirping cicadas.
There are no cars and the best way to explore the island is either by foot or to rent a bicycle which you can do in the village.
On the North of the Island there are 3 superb beaches with beautiful sandy beaches sloping into the clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The South side is more of a wild and majestic landscape with vertical cliffs rising out of the sea and loads of Calanques, rocky points, gorges, headlands and hills.
From the lighthouse one gets 360 degree views and one can really appreciate the breath taking beauty of this fabulous, jewel of an Island.
Port Cros
Located between Levant Island and Porquerolles and is 1Km long and 3 Km wide. It is France’s oldest National Park which extends 600 meters out to sea around the island. As a result it is surrounded by unbelievably clear waters ideal for snorkelling and taking in the incredible range of underwater flora, fauna and varieties of fish.
It is only accessible by sea. There are small shuttle boats from Toulon, Le Lavandou and Cavalaire or we can rent you a private day boat with a Captain.
The port is absolutely charming with a few shops, hotels and a couple of really good restauarants.
The island is a hikers’ paradise as there are no cars or bicycles but several walking trails from the port leading one through this beautiful wild nature reserve and to the various beautiful beaches and coves. A real Robinson Crusoe experience with amazing views and taking in the absolute calm and beauty of this island and the surrounding turquoise sea.
