Yacht Destination

Porquerolles Yacht Charter

Within a short cruising distance from Toulon or St Tropez, Île de Porquerolles is the largest island off the French Riviera coast and the most accessible of the trio of islands – the other two are Île de Port Cros and Île du Levant – that make up the Îles d’Hyères.

Village Houses in Porquerolles
Porquerolles Island / Ile de Porquerolles
View of boats moored at Porquerolles through the trees
Port on the island of Porquerolles

Porquerolles : Secrets of an Island Paradise

Within a short cruising distance from Toulon or St Tropez, Île de Porquerolles is the largest island off the French Riviera coast and the most accessible of the trio of islands – the other two are Île de Port Cros and Île du Levant – that make up the Îles d’Hyères.

Porquerolles island was settled by monks in the 5th century, who seemed to have a penchant for island fortifications as they also colonised the Lérins Islands near Cannes. In the 12th century, the Saracens took the island before Francis I overtook them and built Fort Sainte Agathe to protect Porquerolles from further piracy attacks.

If you’re looking for an unspoilt island paradise, Bespoke Yacht Charter recommend including Porquerolles island on your French Riviera yacht charter itinerary.

Why visit Porquerolles Island

Today, day trippers flock to this car-free island to enjoy beautiful scenery of stunning coves, coastal cliffs, island wineries and sprawling pine and eucalyptus forests.

The beaches of Porquerolles island are among the best in France including Plage d’Argent, Plage de la Courtade and Plage Notre Dame. Plage Notre Dame claimed the top spot over some sublime beaches in Spain, Greece, Croatia and Turkey to be crowned the best beach in Europe in 2015 by European Best Destinations, a Belgian-based organization that promotes culture and tourism to over 150 European destinations.

Popular Porquerolles island activities include hiring cycles, diving and hiking – we recommend stocking up on artisan bread at La Boulangerie de l’Île at the main village square Place des Armes then heading off on the 90-minute round trip walk to the Phare du Cap d’Arme lighthouse south of Porquerolles village, or for a shorter hike head to the Fort Sainte Agathe and the Moulin de Bonheur (Windmill of Happiness).

These hikes have lots of opportunities to stop for an impromptu picnic with stunning views over the Mediterranean, fig plantations, vineyards or olive groves though visitors are not permitted to enter the interiors of the lighthouse, Fort or Moulin.

Village Houses in Porquerolles
Port on the island of Porquerolles

How to get to Porquerolles Island

The nearest airport to Porquerolles island is Hyères-Toulon Airport, situated on the mainland 3 kilometres southeast of Hyères and 19 kilometres east of Toulon.

Public transport in the region is surprisingly limited – there is a coastal bus service on the mainland but no trains, and traffic crawls along the Mediterranean beach resort roads during peak season.

Ferries to Porquerolles island depart in summer months from La Tour Fondue, Bandol, Le Lavandou, Cavalaire, Toulon and La Londe, but the best way to experience Porquerolles island is on a yacht charter.

The benefit of visiting Porquerolles island by private yacht is you are not bound by the ferry schedules and restrictions (there is a limit to daily visitor numbers arriving on the ferries due to the island being a protected environment), and you have quicker access to the island’s magnificent beaches – some such as Plage Notre Dame are 45 minutes’ walk from Porquerolles village.

Five places to discover nearby

Here are Bespoke Yacht Charter’s recommendations for five places to visit near the island of Porquerolles:

Cassis - boats in harbour

Cassis

It’s easy to see why Cassis was a favourite subject of painters such as Matisse and Signac – a pretty fishing town set on a rugged coastline dotted with limestone calanques (fjord-like rocky coves).

Drop anchor at En Vau, our pick of the best of the calanques, then head to a portside restaurant for a seafood lunch where you can pair your meal with the local Cassis or Bandol wine as you admire the view across to the 14th century castle that was restored by the famous Michelin family.

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Book a Porquerolles Yacht Charter

To check availability and book a charter, please get in touch with Bespoke Yacht Charter today.