Porquerolles

Hyères

Just twenty minutes from the Presqu’île de Giens in Hyères or the port of Niel, the island of Porquerolles is one of the richest natural harbors in the South of France. As the largest and most westerly of the three islands of Hyères and the Îles d’Or, it is considered the Pearl of the Isles, thanks to its exceptional location at the southernmost tip of the Provencal coast, in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region.

Tourists love the idea of visiting our campsite near Porquerolles, spread out around the surrounding area, mainly on the Isles d’Or archipelago (Ile de Bagaud, Ile de Port-Cros, Rocher du Rascas, Islet de la Gabinière, Ile du Levant, Ile du Petit Langoustier). Camping Clair de Lune is located in a wooded park on the Presqu’île de Giens, a stone’s throw from a sandy beach, in a lush natural setting with a Mediterranean landscape offering a unique panorama of the ocean. This location allows you to enjoy a true seaside holiday, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it the perfect destination to recharge your batteries.

Visit the island of Porquerolles

The lush greenery of the island of Porquerolles is ideal for idleness and relaxation. Although the island is unspoilt, the local population tends to preserve its wild landscapes. In fact, it’s what makes the island so famous, making it a must for camping near Porquerolles. It’s a great place to live, because you can reach every corner of the island on foot or by bike. Follow the signposted footpaths and discover the breathtaking views of the coastline, which alternates between wild beaches and secret coves. In addition to its idyllic setting, Porquerolles also boasts an impressive architectural heritage. These include the famous 84-metre-high lighthouse, the Church of Sainte-Anne, a unique religious monument, the Moulin du Bonheur, and the Villa Carmignac with its museum of contemporary art. These local landmarks date from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and are among the must-sees on your campsite near Porquerolles.

To the north, sublime white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters dominate the landscape, making you feel like you’re on an exotic island in a faraway land. As you head south, you’ll find coves ideal for swimming. Plage Noire is sure to impress, with its deep red sand at the foot of the Langoustier fort. It’s the perfect spot for diving and discovering the underwater riches of Porquerolles. In fact, motorized water sports on the island’s coasts are strictly regulated to preserve the site.

On the island of Port-Cros, another of the archipelago’s major islands, discover its authentic park on your campsite 11km from Porquerolles, the only National Park in France to combine both a land and sea area, encompassing part of the island of Porquerolles. This unspoilt territory, located in the heart of Port-Cros island, can only be discovered on foot, and can be reached by boat from the ports of Hyères and Le Lavandou all year round. If you come in season, the Parc National de Port-Cros is also accessible from Toulon, Saint-Raphaël and Sainte-Maxime.

Discover the wonders of Port-Cros on a campsite near Porquerolles

In fact, the island takes its name from the natural harbour formed by the coves. As the highest of the Golden Isles, it is characterized by its rugged relief. Marked trails, some 30 kilometers long, make up the island to explore the wonders of Port-Cros, through its wooded landscapes as part of a hike. Endowed with a natural heritage, the island boasts a number of historic buildings, including 5 defensive forts dating back to the 17th century. These fortresses were built on the orders of Richelieu to protect the area from pirate intrusion. In addition to the island’s land riches, the seabed of Port-Cros can also be discovered by scuba diving. A family snorkeling excursion is the perfect way to explore the underwater trail in the Baie de Palud. If you want to stay dry and comfortable during your visit, opt for an Aquascope boat.

Ile du Levant, a naturist paradise

In the French commune of Hyères, Ile du Levant bathes you in a bohemian atmosphere that cultivates its reputation for rebellious beauty. On the map, it’s the easternmost fraction of the Golden Isles. Mostly covered in Arbousiers, you’ll find yourself in naturist paradise on this exceptional island. Between the colorful Provencal houses, the art workshops and the exotic scenery, the gentle way of life is unique to Ile du Levant. Naturists can indulge in this unusual practice in the village of Héliopolis. This oasis of authenticity is itself the cradle of naturism in France. A philosophy created on the initiative of the Durville brothers in 1932, and which has remained well established on the village’s beaches. However, the port of l’Ayguade is not affected. As you explore Le Levant’s coves, you’ll notice that the beaches are made up of pebbles or flat rocks, all topped off with turquoise water. The only cove on the island with fine sand is Plage des Grottes, opposite Port-Cros, with its heavenly setting. An unspoilt spot that stands out from the coastal beaches on the rest of the island. What’s more, every natural site and every terrace overlooks an exceptional vantage point, with a blue ocean backdrop and a verdant landscape of vegetation. It has to be said that the naturist philosophy has spared it from urbanization and heavy tourist traffic.

You’re free to choose the type of campsite that suits you best: a campsite near Porquerolles, a 4-star campsite near Porquerolles, a cheap campsite not far from Porquerolles or a campsite 11km from Porquerolles by the sea.

Cycling on the Porquerolles cycle paths

The island of Porquerolles seduces visitors with its varied landscapes and unspoilt setting, making it a destination with a thousand facets. During your stay on the archipelago, don’t miss any of its sites. Natural spaces that you’ll enjoy visiting with your family, friends or loved ones. So get on your bikes and discover the places of interest in and around Porquerolles.

The port and village of Porquerolles

Leaving from the village of Porquerolles, the port is one of the region’s mythical landmarks. The island resort was created in 1820 and is characterized by its gentle way of life, thanks to its proximity to nature. This tourist destination boasts a number of restaurants and bicycle rental services. It’s worth remembering that the island is not accessible to cars, which is what makes it so special. What’s more, the footpaths and cycle paths all start in the village, taking you to the island’s exceptional sites, including the beaches.

Notre-Dame Beach

A stopover on Notre-Dame beach is a must. A blue jewel set in a majestic wooded bay, it’s a peaceful spot where pine and oak woods create an intimate back-beach atmosphere. Although seldom visited due to its distance from the village of Porquerolles, it’s a well-known and beautiful beach on the islands of Hyères.

La Plage de la Courtade

When you arrive at Plage de la Courtade, you come upon the largest expanse of immaculate sand and crystal-clear water. It’s particularly attractive to families, who let themselves be seduced by its unheard-of charm, where the scent of Eucalyptus perfumes the heart.

Pointe Prime and Plage d’Argent

This seaside resort is the most visited on the Porquerolles coastline. In fact, it’s just 1 km from the port, so it’s easy to get to. Holidaymakers love to come here as a family, especially as swimming is supervised, reassuring parents concerned about their children’s safety.

La Plage noire du Langoustier

It is distinguished by the dark hue of its sand, making it a Var gem, sheltered from winds and swells. In fact, the Baie du Langoustier is made up of two beaches: the first to the north, opposite the Presqu’île de Giens, and the second to the south, a beach of fine black sand. To get there, you can cycle from the village in half an hour.

What to do on your vacation in Porquerolles

A change of scenery, Porquerolles is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature to the full. This island in the Var region has everything to please lovers of paradise-like scenery. It’s a much sought-after destination, as it’s an accessible vacation spot not far from home. To discover one of the most beautiful jewels in the Var, you need to plan your itinerary in advance.

From Porquerolles to the Golden Isles

The island’s enchanting scenery is an invitation to a good time. Part of the Hyères archipelago, other islands and islets make up the îles d’Or, including Port-Cros and Ile du Levant. As you visit each piece of land, you’ll be sure to notice the difference between each of them: some with a touch of Brittany, others more unspoilt. The island is unique in that it can only be visited on foot or by bike. All you need to do is hire a model suited to the type of tour you’re planning. In any case, mountain bikes are more suited to the island’s sometimes rugged and stony terrain. Over longer distances, you’ll be more comfortable pedaling, especially as you head west.

Head for the Mèdes battery

If you continue to the east of Porquerolles village, the Mèdes battery is an abandoned former military estate 3 km away. This is a little-visited site, as the track is difficult to negotiate. What’s more, visitors tend to park their bikes at the entrance to the site. Those who decide to venture out will discover a rocky coastline with a Breton air.

Discovering the South of Porquerolles

The south offers a mosaic of extraordinary landscapes, with vineyards and olive groves along the way, particularly in the heart of the island. In this direction, your route will take you to the lighthouse and the calanque de l’Indienne, two of the island’s must-sees. However, we strongly advise against swimming, as the cliffs are too steep.

Practical tips for visiting Porquerolles Island

• Come in low season to escape the tourist invasion on the beaches;
• Go to the Porquerolles Tourist Office, just off the pier, for a map of the island;
• Experience all the different types of hikes on offer;
• Switch from a classic bike to a mountain bike to cover all the circuits with ease;
• Pass by the semaphore to enjoy the panoramic view of the island;
• Stay for at least a weekend.

Discover the Calanques de Porquerolles by boat

While staying at Camping Clair de Lune, a boat trip is another way to explore the island of Porquerolles. Departing from La Ciotat or Cassis, the Eden Boat is the perfect way to explore the treasures of the Var in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur.

Renting a boat lets you sail on the ocean between the islands of Hyères. A unique experience not to be missed during your stay at Camping Clair de Lune near Porquerolles. Cast off, and you’re on the sea, facing the wild creeks that can be contemplated from the ship. You can also contemplate the timeless charm of the village and its mythical port. Further out on the island of Port-Cros, the little port resembles a calanque with its coves, not to mention the small shops lining the coastline overlooking the palm trees. An unspoilt island with a unique charm. To add to this seaside activity, take up scuba diving to discover the biodiversity hidden in the Porquerolles seabed. Port-Cros National Park has been renowned for its colorful fish since 1963. To make this trip by boat, hire costs €1,400 per day. If you wish to rent the boat privately, it can carry a maximum of 8 people.