An unforgettable trip to the Iles d’Or
This morning, you’re going offshore. You’re heading off to explore the most family-oriented of the Iles d’Or (Golden Isles). Porquerolles, set offshore of the Giens Peninsula in Hyères.
A quick breakfast, bags packed; with swimwear, towels, picnic, suncream, hat, flip-flops, trainers, masks, snorkels and camera. Everyone is ready, excited by the prospect of this boat trip.
You have several options to reach the port:
- Cavalaire, the closest port to the campsite; this means you can sleep a little longer, taking the boat instead of the car. Our partner Vedettes Îles d’or offers benefits to campsite guests; head for the Paillote Info tourist information point to book your places at preferential rates!
Boat crossing: around 1 hour 45 minutes Early departures: around 9 a.m. Last return: around 5 p.m. - La Tour Fondue in Hyères, the island’s closest port; boarding at Hyères means you take an early departure with a short crossing.
Boat crossing: around 20 minutes First departure: around 7 a.m. Final return: around 5 p.m.
After a 45-minute* drive along the panoramic coast road, you reach the port of Cavalaire. 20 minutes later, you’ve already set sail, the wind in your hair watching the horizon. You can already make out Porquerolles; sailing boats, dense pine forests, golden beaches… Having only just landed, you head off to find the bikes you’ve booked to explore the island as regular visitors do. There are no cars here – just the song of cicadas and scent of umbrella pines. A map of the island in your pocket, you’re off to explore!
*In the high season, adjust your journey time to allow for traffic and parking.
You go through the village of Porquerolles; typically Provencal, the square surrounded by plane trees already welcoming pétanque players. You notice a few restaurants, cafés and ice cream parlours as you pass, for a sweet treat on your return!
You head for the west of the island, the main tourist centre but also best for swimming. You reach the Plage d’Argent, the first beach en route and the island’s most famous; this stretch of sand, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, is the perfect setting to stop for a picnic and swim.
At your own pace and as you wish, you cross the trails meandering through umbrella pines, eucalypti and olive groves. A quick detour via Langoustier peninsula, the Fort Sainte Agathe fortification, a glimpse of the Carmignac Foundation art gallery and La Courtade vineyard lie before you.
Already, you’re reaching the east of the island, wilder landscapes and the coast hewn with creeks. You admire this almost ethereal backdrop; the still unspoilt Mediterranean – a picture postcard!
You arrive on the Plage Notre-Dame, voted one of Europe’s loveliest beaches. A sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, a pine forest stretching down to the sea…You put your things down in the shade and dive in as fast as you can! A mask and snorkel enables you to observe fish and seagrass beds.
The very young imagine pirate adventures, whilst you stare at the sky, floating peacefully. The water is calm and time stands still.
You get on your bike again, to head back to the village, where you stop for a traditional ice cream or a coffee on the terrace.
The vast square is packed with charm, bougainvilleas climb walls, only the murmur of quiet conversations on the terraces. A welcome rest as you wait for the boat.
Time to leave Porquerolles. You take the sea shuttle back, salt and sand in your hair, but above all awe-struck by what you’ve seen. The boat glides over the water, and you take one last look at this typically Mediterranean island. Today’s adventure was lovely, simple and memorable.
Back on Les Tournels, time to relax. A cold shower, then a pre-dinner drink on the terrace. Tapenade (savoury spread comprising puréed olives), whole, plain olives, washed down with a glass of local rosé.
You swap memories of the day, laughing at the various anecdotes, looking at the photos bathed in light, and drift off quickly, reflecting on your latest adventure.