Where are we?
On the island of Porquerolles, between Marseille and St. Tropez – Cote d’Azur. This is one of those rare, magnetic places that stirs something deep in the soul yet holds you still. It’s not only an island – it’s a protected natural park off France’s Mediterranean coast. Regular guests would sail over in the early summer and come again in October, when the island breathes more slowly. Exploring its secret creeks, hauling in the lobster nets as the sun breaks over the water, biking across sweeping stretches of untamed landscapes results an an endless love for this place.
It truly is a place like no other and even though we are recommending it here, it should remain something of a hidden gem.
The hotel
One of the island’s best kept secrets is Le Porquerollais – a timeless restaurant and hotel with just six simple yet authentic rooms. Inspired by Balinese interiors, the space feels almost like the deck of a vintage yacht. And the food reflects the island’s deep connection to the sea. Each morning, local fishermen arrive with the day’s catch – langoustines, sea bream, scorpionfish, red mullet – all caught just offshore using traditional lines and nets.
What we love?
How extremely authentic this place is not to mention its location right on the town square where locals gather to play games of pétanque and enjoy the village quieting down at night.
NATURAL PARK
It is important to know, that Porquerolles is a natural reserve, meaning it is a protected area. Make sure to hike and swim responsibly; keep the island clean and avoid disturbing the local fauna.
GETTING AROUND
You can rent bikes directly on the island. We recommend Le Cycle Porquerollais located in the village, where rentals cost around 18 euros per day.
Favorite Beaches
La Courtade. 15 mins walk – 5 mins bike ride. Vivid ochre, opalescent blue, forest green, and sandy beige. Its shallow depth, nautical sports club, and proximity to the village makes it perfect for familial outings.
Gorges du loup. 15 mins bike ride. A secluded, unspoilt creek. What we love most about it is the walk/ride over, crossing through some of the most bucolic parts of the island.
La Galère. 2h30 hike – 1h bike ride. A challenging hike that is worth the effort. Pure, crystalline water and the feeling of being across the world – that’s the new Galère (French for “misery”). There are no stores around so make sure to bring restorative water and food.
Hikes
We really recommend going on a long hike when visiting Porquerolles. One of the locals favorite is Circuit de Langouster. This long (yet easy) hike (5h) takes you all around the Western part of the island, starting in the South, crossing through to the North (don’t miss the lighthouse) and going all around from there. This secluded path will give you a good sense of the island’s diverse ecosystem, taking you through a series of protected cliffs, vineyards, crystalline creeks, pine forests, and forts.
ACCESS
Ferries leave from several parts of the coast (Toulon, Saint Tropez,…) but the closest port to Porquerolles is La Tour Fondue, on the Giens peninsula (Hyères). The ferry there leaves every 30 minutes and costs 22 euros per round trips. It’s quite good to come early in the morning (for parking space). The last ferry leaves at 6:30 from Porquerolles.
WHEN TO VISIT
May – June & then September – October, to avoid the suffocating, high season crowds.
Rates
Doubles from 200 (low) to 350 euros (high) per night.
Booking & Contacts
Hôtel Le Porquerollais
7, Place d’Armes
83400 Île de Porquerolles
France
+33 4 94 12 32 70
©all pictures: Garance Bazin I @djibaze
