The Tour de l'Île de Porquerolles is a full circumnavigation of the largest island in the Îles d'Or archipelago, located off the Var coast near Hyères in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The 24-kilometre circuit traces coastal paths, cliff-top tracks, and forest lanes around an island that forms part of the Port-Cros National Park — the first marine national park in continental Europe. The circuit is equally popular on foot (6–8 hours) and by bicycle (3–4 hours), with multiple hire shops at the port.
Access to Porquerolles is exclusively by ferry from Tour Fondue at La Presqu'île de Giens, operated by TLV (Transports La Vergne et Littoral Varois). The return fare is approximately €19 per adult; ferries run year-round with reduced frequency outside the April to October season. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. Private vehicles are prohibited on the island; all movement is on foot or by bicycle. Bicycle hire shops at the port charge €15–18 per day for standard models.
From the ferry landing at Port de Porquerolles, the circuit can be completed clockwise or anticlockwise. The northern coastline offers the most dramatic cliff scenery, with cliffs rising to around 80 metres above the sea overlooking calanque inlets accessible only from the water. The Calanque de l'Oustaou de Diou on the northwest coast is a popular midday swim stop. The southern shore is defined by three long sandy beaches — Plage Notre-Dame, Plage de la Courtade, and Plage du Langoustier — sheltered, clear-watered, and busy in high season.
The island's interior is largely covered by holm oak and maritime pine forest, managed by the national park. Conservation status means most forest tracks away from the designated circuit are restricted; the coastal path is clearly marked throughout. There are no steep climbs — the rolling terrain reaches a maximum elevation of around 142 metres at the Fort Sainte-Agathe hill in the northeast.
Drinking water is available at the port village; no sources exist on the circuit itself. A minimum of 2 litres should be carried. The northern cliff path is narrower and less maintained than the southern beach route; comfortable footwear with grip is advisable even for the bicycle circuit where walkers descend to the cliff sections.
| Distance | 24km full island circuit |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6–8 hours on foot; 4 hours by bicycle |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Ferry from Tour Fondue/La Londe (TLV): €19 / approx USD 21 return; bicycle hire on the island: €15–18 / approx USD 16–20 per day |
| Best season | April–October |
| Address | Ferry landing, Port de Porquerolles, 83400 Île de Porquerolles, France |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Île de Porquerolles, Var
What to bring
- comfortable walking shoes or bicycle (hire at the port)
- hat and sun cream
- picnic (limited facilities on remote sections)
- water
Location
Ferry landing, Port de Porquerolles, 83400 Île de Porquerolles, France
43.0028, 6.2124 View on map
Highlights
- Northern coast cliff section rising 80m above the sea with views across the Îles d'Or and to the Var mainland
- Calanque de l'Oustaou de Diou — a northwest coast inlet accessible for swimming from the coastal path
- Plage Notre-Dame — a long crescent of white sand widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in France
- Car-free island environment combining coastal paths, pine forest, and clear Mediterranean water
- Port-Cros National Park conservation zone preserving the island's holm oak and maritime pine interior
Tips for visiting
- Book the TLV ferry from Tour Fondue in advance for July and August — boats fill quickly on summer weekends
- Hire a bicycle at the port to cover the full 24 km circuit comfortably in a half-day rather than a full day
- Carry 2 litres of water from the port village — no reliable sources exist on the circuit itself
- The northern cliff path requires careful footing; the track is narrower and less maintained than the southern beach route
- Combine the circuit with a midday swim at Plage Notre-Dame, approximately halfway around the island clockwise from the port
When to visit
April to June and September to October offer pleasant temperatures, manageable crowds, and reliable ferry schedules. July and August are the busiest months — ferries sell out quickly and beaches fill by midday; taking the first morning ferry (around 7:30 am) allows completion of the circuit before the main crowds arrive.
Accessibility
The full 24 km coastal circuit of Porquerolles is not suitable for standard wheelchairs due to uneven tracks and narrow cliff-edge sections on the northern coast. The port village and the short Plage de la Courtade beach access are navigable for visitors with limited mobility; the port area itself is flat and paved.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Île de Porquerolles?
Ferries run from Tour Fondue at La Presqu'île de Giens, operated by TLV. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around €19 return per adult. Services run year-round with reduced frequency in winter.
Are bicycles allowed on Porquerolles?
Bicycles are the primary mode of transport on the island. Hire shops at the port offer standard bikes for €15–18 per day. Private vehicles are prohibited; the ferry does not carry cars. The full circuit is well-suited to cyclists and takes 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace.
Is wild camping allowed on Porquerolles?
Camping is not permitted anywhere on the island. The national park enforces strict rules protecting vegetation and wildlife; fires are also prohibited outside designated areas. The village has a small number of gîtes and hotels for overnight stays.
How long does the full island circuit take on foot?
The 24 km circuit typically takes 6–8 hours on foot at a steady pace, including stops for swimming and lunch. Most visitors begin at the ferry port and complete the circuit in time for a late-afternoon return ferry, which works well in summer when ferries run until early evening.
What is the best beach on the circuit?
Plage Notre-Dame on the island's eastern end is consistently rated the finest beach — a long crescent of white sand with remarkably clear shallow water. It lies approximately 6–7 km from the port along the main circuit path.