Things to do in Porquerolles? Hire a bike to reach the Notre-Dame, Argent and Courtade beaches, climb up to Fort Sainte-Agathe above the village, walk to the lighthouse and the cliffs of the south coast, visit the Fondation Carmignac and the botanical garden, then taste the island’s wines. Off Hyères, in the Var, Porquerolles is the largest of the Îles d’Or; most of its land lies in the core zone of Port-Cros National Park. For a very different side of protected Provence, between lagoons and flamingos, our guide to a stay in the Camargue explains the rules of the delta.
For good conditions on Porquerolles, aim for May, June and September: the sea is warm enough to swim, the tracks are pleasant by bike and the crowds thinner than in July and August. The national park itself advises avoiding July and August to enjoy the site. This guide brings together the highlights, the park’s official rules (dogs, bikes, wildfires, smoking), boat access, the budget and the month-by-month climate according to Météo-France. Similar park rules apply inland: our Verdon Gorge travel guide covers sites, access and guidelines.
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Porquerolles at a glance
- Municipality Hyères(Var), about 3 km (2 mi) off the Giens peninsula
- Status most of the island lies in the core zone of Port-Cros National Park
- Currency the euro (€) · currencies
- Time zone UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer: 1 hour ahead of London, 6 hours ahead of New YorkLocal time now: –:–
- Access by boat only, year-round shuttles from La Tour Fondue(Giens), a crossing of about 20 minutes
- Airports Toulon-Hyères (TLN), a few kilometres from Giens; Marseille Provence (MRS) and Nice (NCE) further away
- Cars not allowed for visitors on the islandGet around on foot or by bike
- Entry Schengen area: no visa for up to 90 days for US citizens (tourism or business) and UK citizens (in any 180-day period) · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
- Electricity check voltage and plug types before you go · plugs
- Budget see our budget section
When to go to Porquerolles
The best months are May, June and September. The island enjoys a very sunny Mediterranean climate: in Hyères, the average high exceeds 25 °C (77 °F) from June to September and July gets only 7.8 mm (0.3 in) of rain on average. Rain returns in autumn: October and November each exceed 100 mm (3.9 in), often in a few stormy episodes. Winter is mild (13 to 14 °C (55 to 57 °F) in the afternoon), but the mistral and easterly gales can disrupt the crossings.
When to go to Porquerolles: key points
- Best times: May, June and September
- Swimming: June to September
- Cycling and hiking: April to June, September-October
- Hottest month: August, average high of 29.0 °C (84 °F) in Hyères
- Wettest month: November, 108.6 mm (4.3 in) on average
- Summer constraint: wooded areas closed on red wildfire-risk days, from 8 June to 20 September (2026 dates)
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.6 °C (56 °F) | 4.9 °C (41 °F) | 73.7 mm (2.9 in) | Very low | Low | ⚠️ Very quiet island, many shops closed |
| February | 13.8 °C (57 °F) | 4.6 °C (40 °F) | 51.2 mm (2.0 in) | Very low | Low | ⚠️ Mild for walking, cold sea |
| March | 16.0 °C (61 °F) | 6.6 °C (44 °F) | 44.0 mm (1.7 in) | Low | Low | ✅ Walks and bike rides without crowds |
| April | 18.1 °C (65 °F) | 8.8 °C (48 °F) | 55.2 mm (2.2 in) | Medium (Easter) | Medium | ✅ Island in bloom, ideal by bike |
| May | 21.9 °C (71 °F) | 12.3 °C (54 °F) | 39.5 mm (1.6 in) | Medium (holiday weekends) | Medium | ✅ A very good compromise, first swims |
| June | 25.8 °C (78 °F) | 15.7 °C (60 °F) | 36.6 mm (1.4 in) | High | High | ✅ Pleasant sea, long days |
| July | 28.8 °C (84 °F) | 18.1 °C (65 °F) | 7.8 mm (0.3 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Ideal for swimming, crowds and possible closures of wooded areas |
| August | 29.0 °C (84 °F) | 18.3 °C (65 °F) | 14.4 mm (0.6 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Hot, busy shuttles, high wildfire risk |
| September | 25.4 °C (78 °F) | 15.5 °C (60 °F) | 57.9 mm (2.3 in) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Warm sea, fewer people |
| October | 21.4 °C (71 °F) | 12.8 °C (55 °F) | 105.1 mm (4.1 in) | Low | Medium to low | ⚠️ Mild, but autumn rain |
| November | 17.1 °C (63 °F) | 8.8 °C (48 °F) | 108.6 mm (4.3 in) | Very low | Low | ⚠️ The wettest month, island asleep |
| December | 14.3 °C (58 °F) | 5.9 °C (43 °F) | 74.8 mm (2.9 in) | Very low | Low | ⚠️ Quiet, possible wind during the crossing |
- Spring (March to May): the best season to tour the island by bike or on foot. Afternoons reach 16 to 22 °C (61 to 72 °F); the water stays cool until the end of May.
- Summer (June to August): 26 to 29 °C (79 to 84 °F), almost no rain, a warm sea. It is also the time of full shuttles and days when access to the wooded areas is banned because of red or extreme red wildfire risk.
- Autumn (September to November): September still feels like summer and is much quieter. October and November are the wettest months, but fine days remain frequent.
- Winter (December to February): 13 to 14 °C (55 to 57 °F) in the afternoon, an almost deserted island, and some hotels and restaurants close. The crossing can be cancelled in rough weather.
To compare with other late-summer destinations, see our selection of where to go in September.
Things to do in Porquerolles: the highlights
The village and the Place d’Armes
The shuttles dock at the harbour, a short walk from the village. Around the tree-lined Place d’Armes are the church of Sainte-Anne, the bike hire shops, cafés and shops. This is where you will find drinking water: the park points out that there are no water points outside the villages. In the evening, after the last boats leave, the village becomes quiet again.
The north-coast beaches: Notre-Dame, Argent and Courtade
The north coast concentrates the sandy beaches lined with pines. Courtade beach is the closest to the village, about a fifteen-minute walk. Plage d’Argent, to the west, is the easiest to reach with a family. Plage Notre-Dame, to the east, often cited as one of the most beautiful in France, is reached by bike along a track and then a short path. Dogs are banned there, as on all the island’s beaches.
Fort Sainte-Agathe and the fortifications
Fort Sainte-Agathe overlooks the village and the harbour: its tower offers a view of the island, the Hyères roadstead and the Giens peninsula. The national park offers a « circuit des forts » bike route of about 9 km (6 mi) and one hour, linking Fort Sainte-Agathe, the Lequin battery and Fort de l’Alycastre, with a downloadable route. Some forts can only be seen from the outside.
The lighthouse and the south coast
South of the village, a track leads to the Porquerolles lighthouse, on the edge of the cliffs. It cannot be visited, but the site offers a view of the rocky, wild south coast, very different from the northern beaches. Coves such as the Calanque de l’Indienne, popular for snorkelling, are easier to reach by boat than on foot.
Le Langoustier and the Plage Noire
At the western tip, the Grand Langoustier peninsula, its fort and the Plage Noire du Langoustier make the longest bike outing. The park’s official leaflet states that from 15 June to 30 September, landing, mooring and disembarking from the sea are banned on part of this peninsula: on land, stay on the marked paths.
The Fondation Carmignac
Housed in a villa in the heart of the island, the Fondation Carmignac presents a contemporary art exhibition each season, partly in a sculpture garden. Admission is charged and entries are limited: book your time slot online, especially in summer.
The botanical conservatory and the Emmanuel Lopez garden
Near the village, the Emmanuel Lopez garden and the orchards of the Mediterranean National Botanical Conservatory display collections of Mediterranean plants and old fruit trees. The Moulin du Bonheur windmill, on a nearby hill, completes the walk. The neighbouring Maison du Parc provides information on regulations and trails.
The wine estates
The island has three wine estates producing Côtes de Provence wines. Several offer tastings and sales on site: check the opening times, which vary by season. If you are cycling, think about the ride back.
National park rules on Porquerolles
The rules below are those published by Port-Cros National Park on its website and in its official 2026 documents. As the park’s website was under maintenance when we checked, we read them on the archived versions of its pages (June 2026); confirm them before your visit with the Maison du Parc on Porquerolles (+33 4 94 58 07 24).
| Rule | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Wildfire risk (8 June – 20 September in 2026) | A map is published every day at 6 pm for the following day on the website of the State services in the Var. At red or extreme red risk, access to wooded areas is banned and only a few tracks remain open. « Hyères-Risques » app. |
| Smoking and fire | No fires or cigarettes outside the village; smoking is banned on beaches and trails (fine of €135 to €1,500 according to the park’s information sheet). |
| Dogs | Kept on a lead on tracks and trails, banned on beaches. |
| Traffic | No motor vehicles (except service vehicles or with authorisation); explore the island by bike and on foot, following the cycling rules in the park core. |
| Camping, drones, picking | No camping or bivouacking, no drone flights, no picking or collecting anything, no noise or disturbance. |
| At sea | Speed limited to 5 knots within 300 m of the shore; jet skis and towed devices banned within 600 m of the marine core zone; scuba diving subject to authorisation (CaPeL registration); recreational fishing strictly regulated. |
| Visitor numbers | In 2021, the town of Hyères, the metropolitan authority and the park agreed with the boat companies on an overall cap of 6,000 visitors a day in summer. |
Checklist before a day on Porquerolles
- Check the Var wildfire-risk map the evening before after 6 pm (from 8 June to 20 September)
- Book the shuttle in high season and note the time of the last return boat
- Carry 1.5 to 2 litres (50 to 70 fl oz) of water per person: no water points outside the village
- Hat, sunscreen and closed shoes for the tracks
- Leave your dog at home if you are going to the beach
- Book the Fondation Carmignac in advance
- Take all your rubbish back and do not smoke outside the village
Itineraries on Porquerolles
One day on Porquerolles by bike
- Morning: first shuttle from La Tour Fondue, bike hire in the village, climb to Fort Sainte-Agathe
- Late morning: track to Plage Notre-Dame, swim
- Lunch: picnic in the shade of the pines or lunch in the village
- Afternoon: the lighthouse and the south coast, or Plage d’Argent and the Fondation Carmignac (booking required)
- Late afternoon: a last drink on the Place d’Armes before the return shuttle
2 days, sleeping on the island
- Day 1: the village, the Emmanuel Lopez garden, the botanical conservatory, Courtade beach, sunset at the harbour once the day visitors have gone
- Day 2: early in the morning, the forts circuit by bike, Plage Notre-Dame, then Le Langoustier and the Plage Noire, and a tasting at a wine estate
Porquerolles combines well with Hyères, the Giens peninsula and the Var coast: see our page on visiting the French Riviera, or to the west our guide to visiting Cassis and its calanques.
Budget for visiting Porquerolles
| Item (per person per day) | Low budget (day trip) | Comfort (staying on the island) |
|---|---|---|
| Return shuttle | roughly €20 to €30 | roughly €20 to €30 |
| Accommodation (sharing a double room) | — (night on the mainland, roughly €40 to €70) | roughly €120 to €230 |
| Meals | roughly €15 to €30 (picnic) | roughly €50 to €80 |
| Bike and activities | roughly €15 to €20 | roughly €20 to €40 |
| Total | roughly €70 to €110 (with a night on the mainland) | roughly €200 to €350 |
Getting there and getting around Porquerolles
- Shuttles from La Tour Fondue: at the tip of the Giens peninsula, the TLV-TVM company runs crossings all year round (about 20 minutes), according to its official site (checked 14 October 2026). In July and August, a departure is also offered from the port of Hyères. The La Tour Fondue car park is paying and fills up early in summer.
- Other departures in season: boat operators run services from other ports in the Var (Toulon, La Londe-les-Maures, Le Lavandou depending on the year); check the year’s timetables.
- Train and bus: TGV to Toulon or Hyères, then a bus on the Mistral network from Hyères centre to La Tour Fondue. See our tips for travelling cheaply by train.
- By air: Toulon-Hyères airport is a few kilometres from Giens.
- On the island: on foot or by bike (many hire shops in the village, e-bikes available). The tracks are stony in places and some climbs are steep.
Where to stay on Porquerolles
The island has few hotels and rooms, almost all in the village, often closed in winter and in high demand from May to September. Sleeping on the island lets you enjoy the calm of the morning and evening, after the day visitors have left. On a tighter budget, stay in Hyères, Giens or La Londe-les-Maures and take the first shuttle. Camping and bivouacking are banned on the island.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in the Schengen area, including France, for tourism or business; your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your stay, and you may be asked for proof of funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before arrival and be valid at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area. Under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fingerprints and a photo may be taken at your first entry (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026).
- Health: UK travellers need a GHIC or valid EHIC for state healthcare; everyone should have travel insurance covering medical costs. Emergency numbers: 15 (medical), 17 (police), 18 (fire), 112 (European emergency number) (GOV.UK, travel.state.gov).
- Heat: the tracks have little shade in places; set off early and carry water.
- Wildfires: strictly respect the closures of wooded areas and the smoking ban; the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026) notes that causing a wildfire in France is illegal, even by accident.
- Cycling: ride carefully, the tracks are shared with walkers; a helmet is recommended, especially for children.
- Sea: check which beaches have lifeguards; be careful jumping from the rocks on the south coast.
For diving, kayaking or boat hire, check what your travel insurance covers.
Practical tips for Porquerolles
- Arrive early: take one of the first shuttles in summer to park at La Tour Fondue and find a bike.
- Return: note the time of the last boat; there is no other way back.
- Money: carry some cash in addition to your card.
- Respect the park: stay on the tracks and trails, pick nothing, leave no rubbish.
- Internet: check your home carrier’s roaming charges before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
What to do on Porquerolles in one day?
Hire a bike in the village, climb to Fort Sainte-Agathe, swim at Plage Notre-Dame or Plage d’Argent, then head to the lighthouse or the Fondation Carmignac (booking required) before the return shuttle.
How do you get to Porquerolles?
By boat only. The TLV-TVM company runs shuttles all year round from La Tour Fondue, on the Giens peninsula (about 20 minutes), with an extra departure from the port of Hyères in July and August. Seasonal services leave from other ports in the Var.
Are dogs allowed on Porquerolles?
Yes, but according to Port-Cros National Park they must be kept on a lead on tracks and trails and are banned from the beaches.
What is the best time to visit Porquerolles?
May, June and September: 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F) in the afternoon according to Météo-France 1991-2020 normals in Hyères, a sea warm enough to swim in and fewer people than in July and August. April and October suit cycling well.
Can you visit Porquerolles when there is a wildfire risk?
From 8 June to 20 September (2026 dates), when the risk is red or extreme red, access to the wooded areas is banned and only a few tracks remain open. Check the map published the evening before at 6 pm on the website of the State services in the Var before boarding.
What is the most beautiful beach on Porquerolles?
Plage Notre-Dame, in the east of the island, is the best known. Plage d’Argent is easier to reach with a family and Courtade is the closest to the village.
Our sources
- Port-Cros National Park: « Réglementation en cœurs de parc » and « Fermeture des massifs forestiers » pages (consulted via their archived versions of June 2026, as the official site was under maintenance on 14 October 2026), 2026 leaflet « Navigation, pêche, plongée autour de l’île de Porquerolles », route sheet « Porquerolles – Circuit des forts à vélo » and press release of 26 July 2021 on visitor numbers
- Météo-France: climate data sheet for Hyères (station 83069001), 1991-2020 statistics
- TLV-TVM (tlv-tvm.com): shuttles to Porquerolles, checked 14 October 2026
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, France country information (last updated August 11, 2025) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for France (updated 22 October 2026).
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
For more French islands and coastlines, see our guide to Corsica, our Provence guide, our France travel guide and our destinations in Europe.
