Making the most of Iles d'Hyeres
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
This is a tender port, most likely serving the centre of Ile de Porquerolles.
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About ten miles south of Hyeres, itself just east of Toulon, the Iles d'Hyeres are rightly known as the jewel of French Mediterranean cruising. The almost sub-tropical islands are protected from the worst mistral conditions, and tightly controlled development has safeguarded the archipelago's distinct character.
Porquerolles is the westernmost and largest of the three Îles d'Hyères. It measures around 7 km (4.3 miles) by 3 km (1.9 miles), with five low hill ranges. Cliffs line the south coast, while the north has the port and beaches of Notre Dame, La Courtade and Plage d'Argent.
Getting around
On Ile de Porquerolles, walk up to Fort St Agathe, a 16th-century fortress with spectacular bay views, then cross the ridges towards the south coast. Unlike the north, that coast is steep and rocky, with striking pine-fringed inlets. You can continue to the southernmost lighthouse, returning through a valley shaded by olive trees and apricot orchards. A second route reaches the island's NE side via sandy Baie de la Courtade and Baie de Notre Dame, then climbs through pines and holm oaks to another fortress. It continues along rocky…
On Ile de Port Cros, all traffic other than pedestrians is forbidden, and almost 35 km of walking trails wind through sub-tropical, cicada-filled vegetation. From the port, a good walk circles the island's west side. It begins busy with beach-bound tourists, becoming quieter beyond the beach. The south coast is more dramatic than Ile de Porquerolles, with even clearer water. Continue on Les Crêtes to Mont de Vinaigre, the island's highest summit, for breathtaking, if you still have any left, views over the…
Porquerolles ferries run to Hyeres in 25 minutes all year, and to Toulon, Le Lavandou and several other places only in July and August. Port Cros ferries operate year-round to Le Lavandou in 20 minutes and to Hyeres in one hour.
Money
The currency is the Euro.