The 10 most beautiful islands of the Côte d'Azur and Provence

1. Île de Porquerolles

Porquerolles is the most famous island in the south of France. As soon as you leave the boat from Hyères, you will be welcomed by the scent of pine, rosemary and lavender. The air is filled with the soft chirping of crickets, while the sun shines through the silvery green of the olive trees. The village near the harbour is charming and lively. Narrow streets with pastel-coloured facades lead to squares with cafes and terraces. Small boutiques sell local products such as: honey, olive oil and wines from the island itself. Have lunch in the village and enjoy a Niçoise salad or a fresh piece of fish on the terrace of L'Orangeraie. Porquerolles is part of the Port-Cros National Park. The landscape varies from vineyards to pine forests and rugged rock cliffs. In spring, wildflowers colour the fields, and agaves and cacti grow along the coast. Plage Notre-Dame is a hidden gem with its white sand, turquoise water and pine forest surrounding. Plage d'Argent is also popular with families thanks to its shallow water. Visit Fort Sainte-Agathe on the hill, or cycle to the lighthouse on the south coast. From the cliffs you look out over endless blue water.
Porquerolles is car-free, cycling is the way to explore the island. You can rent a (electric) bicycle directly at the harbour. There are well-marked trails that lead past beaches, vineyards and viewpoints. Hikers can follow the coastal route with breathtaking panoramas over the sea.

Departure point of the boat: Daily from La Tour Fondue (Hyères).

2. Île de Port-Cros

Port-Cros is smaller, rougher and quieter than Porquerolles. It is one of the quietest islands on the French Mediterranean. Port-Cros is a nice destination for a day out during your holiday in the South of France. This island is a protected nature reserve where cars and bicycles are not permitted. Only hiking trails wind through the green landscape. The only way to explore the island is on foot, via well-maintained hiking trails through forests and along cliffs. So put on some good walking shoes and take a bottle of water with you for when it's hot. The flora is typically Mediterranean: mastic trees, myrtle, wild rosemary and dense pine forests. Everywhere you go, you can hear the wind rustling in the trees. Follow the hiking trail to Fort de l'Estissac, or snorkel at the underwater trail of La Palud, where schools of coloured fish swim among the rocks. This is a great activity for your children to enjoy as a nice break from a hike. The old forts and watchtowers are reminders of the centuries-old history of this island, which once served to protect the coast. In the small harbour village, there are a few restaurants serving fresh fish, often accompanied with a view of the sea. After a walk around the island, you can relax here until the boat takes you back to the mainland and you return to your luxury holiday villa in Provence.

Departure point of the boat: From Le Lavandou or Hyères.

💡Tip: Porquerolles is perfect for a day trip from Résidence de Salernes

3. Île du Levant

The easternmost island of the Hyères archipelago is partly military terrain, but the accessible part, Héliopolis, is freely accessible and has beautiful nature. Pines, cork oaks and Mediterranean shrubs form a green blanket over the hills. The island is hilly; Walking is the best way to discover the coast and villages. Walk along narrow paths to the Pointe du Titan viewpoint or take a dip in the clear sea at Plage des Grottes. The village of Héliopolis consists of white houses with blue shutters and has a few shops, a bakery and numerous small cafes. The atmosphere is friendly; many restaurants serve Provencal cuisine with fresh fish and local wine. Ïle de Levant is definitely worth a visit if you want to visit an island from your holiday park in the South of France.

Departure point of the boat: From Le Lavandou.

💡Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the peace and simplicity that reigns on the island.

4. Île Sainte-Marguerite

Just off the coast of Cannes are the Îles de Lérins. Sainte-Marguerite is the largest and most easily accessible. When stepping foot on the island, you immediately smell the many eucalyptus and pine trees. Narrow footpaths lead past tranquil bays and rocky coves. There are pebble beaches with views of the Cannes skyline along the south coast. The most famous building is the Fort Royal, where the mysterious "Man in the Iron Mask" was once imprisoned. Now this building is a maritime museum showingdiscoveries from shipwrecks. There are no cars or bicycles on the island, however wide hiking trails crisscross the island. Everything is easily accessible by foot, from the fortress to the quiet bays. In the small harbour there are a few simple cafes/restaurants where you can have lunch in the shade with a salad or panini.

Departure point of the boat: From Cannes.

💡Tip: Easy to reach from Domaine de Castellane.

6. Île des Embiez

Between Toulon and Bandol lies Île des Embiez, once owned by Paul Ricard, the inventor of pastis. When you arrive at the port, you can rent bicycles or hop on the tourist train that does a tour of the island. Ideal for families with children. The island is mainly home to pine trees, agaves and flowering oleanders. Visit the lively port of Les Embiez with its sailboats, boutiques and terraces. Check out the oceanographic museum or take a walk to the lighthouse on the west coast. Cycling is a relaxing way to explore the island. Take a break at one of the many small bays with clear waters, ideal for snorkelling. The restaurants serve Provençal fish dishes, often with a lovely view of the sunset. This is the perfect place to end your day before returning to your holiday home in Provence.

Departure point of the boat: Departure from Six-Fours-les-Plages.

7. Île de Bendor

Small but stylish, is the best way to describe Bendor. The island is only a five-minute boat ride from Bandol and is rocky with small beaches which are ideal for swimming. The charming harbour is surrounded by boutiques, art galleries and cosy cafés where you can enjoy a glass of rosé from Bandol while relaxing on one of the terraces. The colourful facades of houses reflect in the water and you can smell the salty air everywhere. If this subject interests you, visit the Musée des Objets Publicitaires Ricard, a small museum full of colourful posters and designs from the fifties. The island of Bendor is compact: everything is within walking distance, making it a wonderfully relaxed day out during your family holiday in the South of France. At the end of the day, stroll to the port to return to the mainland. 

Boat departure point: From Bandol every 30 minutes.

💡 Tip: Good walking shoes are indispensable here.