Savor One Of Europe's Most Charming And Captivating Island Escapes In The Mediterranean

When you think of southern France, do you think of the famous film festival at Cannes? The art museums in Nice? The gorgeous beaches of St. Tropez? The undeniable romance of Paris? Of course, all of those places are incredible destinations. After all, there's a reason that well-seasoned traveler Rick Steves calls France "the most exciting country to explore" in Europe. But have you ever heard of the island of Porquerolles?

The largest of the Iles de Hyères — often referred to as the "Golden Islands" — off the southern coast of France, this gorgeous oasis stretches 5 miles long and 2 miles wide. In 2012, Porquerolles was classified as one of the hearts of Port-Cros National Park, meaning strict regulations are in place to protect the flora and fauna of the island. In fact, its status as a national park is a big reason why Poquerolles has such pristine beaches and stunning forests. Plus, the island enjoys sunny weather nearly all year long, but many travelers suggest visiting between May and June or September and October so that you can enjoy the best weather without the worst crowds.

If you want to visit this secluded jewel of the Mediterranean, you'll need to do a little extra planning. A good rule of thumb before any visit to France is to learn a few essential words and phrases to help you get by. Also, avoid packing expensive clothing or accessories that could potentially make you a target for pickpockets.

The island is only accessible by boat, but it only takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on your port of origin. Be sure to arrive early to find a place to park, because cars are not allowed in Porquerolles. There are many different shuttle companies to choose from, but the best ones can vary based on whether you're traveling in season or not. You can find a list of companies on the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism Board website. Be sure to book online beforehand.

Once you're on the island, much of it is walkable. However, there are plenty of bike rental companies available, and many of them are conveniently clustered around the port. Depending on your level of fitness (and your level of motivation), you might find it worthwhile to rent an electric bike in order to navigate the hilly landscape.

While you can make a day trip out of a visit to Porquerolles, there are enough things to do here that you might be tempted to stay a while. Luckily, there are lots of charming hotels on the island at a range of price points to choose from. Hotel Les Mèdes comes highly recommended by travelers on Tripadvisor for its value, location, and service.

As mentioned, Porquerolles is part of a national park, so you have lots of opportunities to enjoy nature. There are over 30 miles of hiking and cycling trails and four gorgeous beaches where you can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding. If you prefer to eat and drink your way around the island, book a wine tour at Domaine La Courtade, have a fruity cocktail on the beach at Pradeau Plage, or savor a delicious seafood dinner at Le Pelagos.

History buffs will enjoy a visit to Saint Agathe Fort. Established in 1531 under François I, this fort boasts walls that are 13 feet thick and contains a room in the tower reaching nearly 20 feet high. In the barracks, you'll find permanent exhibits about the island's history. Prices start at 6 euros for adults and 3 euros for children.