Guide to Porquerolles

Porquerolles is the largest of the Islands of Hyéres chain, which is a bow-shaped collection of three islands scattered off the coast between St Tropez and Toulon. Yet, at just over four miles long and around two miles wide, this wholly unspoilt Mediterranean gem is still intimate in scale.

A wealthy Belgian adventurer bought Porquerolles in 1912 as a wedding gift for his second wife, but after her death in 1971 the French state bought back most of the island and saved it against urbanisation by designating it Natural Park status.

As a result, the landscape resembles the French Riviera of centuries ago. No cars are allowed here, there are only a handful of hotels and only 200 inhabitants. Instead, oak forests, olive, fig, and juniper trees thrive, as do strawberry, lavender, rosemary, rock rose, myrtle, and other Mediterranean flora.

There are around 20 beautiful and usually deserted beaches, most of which are found along the northern coast. A must-visit is Plage de Notre Dame, a delicate crescent-shaped strip of pearl-white sand backed by pines and eucalyptus. Yacht-goers can also seek out secluded coves along the rugged southern coast, which is off-limits to most.

The north coast is also home to a harbour and charming village which was founded in 1820. Sip coffee at an open-air café in the main square as the few locals play petanque, cycle or hike the unpaved trails of the interior or visit the vineyards in the west and sample the locally made rosé wine. 

In the height of the summer, day-trippers come and go in this part of France, but, once night falls, yacht-goers will have the island to themselves. 

Alternatively, undertake your luxury charter yacht in late spring when Porquerolles is at its most beautiful, with tender shoots still green and blooming in full colour. September and October are brilliant months in which to visit too.

If you are interested in discovering this remarkable destination inside the Îles d’Hyères, then be sure to take a look at the entire fleet of superyachts available for South of France charters.