The Iles d'Hyeres are a group of islands in the Mediterranean just off the southern coast of France near the mainland town of Hyeres.
The islands are Porquerolles, and (slightly to the east) Le Levant and Port-Cros. The three islands together form a rare and beautiful environment, surely among the most lovely in France, with a great deal for beach, sea and nature lovers to enjoy.
The Hyeres islands
It is possible to stay on Porquerolles and Le Levant, but expensive, and most visitors take a day trip on a ferry from the mainland.
Porquerolles
Porquerolles has the least restrictions on access, a village (also called Porquerolles) and an ancient fort. Rugged shorelines, beautiful scenery and exceptional beaches make the island a lovely place to explore by following one of the many pathways that cross the island or follow the deep blue sea along the coast.
You can also explore simply by strolling along one of the the pine backed beaches along the island's northern coast - the most popular are the Plage de Notre-Dame and the Plage de la Courtade. The beaches are sandy with turquoise blue sea to the front and backed by pine forests.
The southern coast is more rugged with high cliffs so most visitors travel north for beaches, but here in the south you can still find small trails that lead to isolated coves.
Porquerolles is only seven kilometres by three kilometres and many visitors choose to explore the island by bike.
Porquerolles village is also a pleasure to explore and is centred around a large square with a church. Restaurants can be found in the village - be sure to enjoy one of the highly rated local wines produced from grapes grown on the island with your meal.
Port Cros
Port Cros is equally beautiful, and is a designated French National Park (the National Park of Port-Cros) and the most rugged and unspoiled of the three islands. You must stay on the marked paths when exploring the island - and don't even think about smoking or picking a flower!
The Port area is small but pretty, with palm trees along the promenade.
Scuba diving in the region around Palud beach is very popular, and there is even a popular 'underwater trail' to follow starting from this beach.
Le Levant
Le Levant is largely given over to military activity, hence much of the island is less accessible by tourists, although it does have a good number of trails to follow in the west of the island. There is also an important local naturist centre called Héliopolis on Le Levant, and there are regions of the island where naturism is obligatory.
Getting to the Iles d'Hyeres
Be sure to visit the Iles d'Hyeres if you are in the region - the islands are commonly reached by boats departing from Toulon, Hyeres, Le Lavandou and can also be reached from Cavalaire-sur-Mer and La Croix-Valmer. The shorter crossings, from the Giens peninsula south of Hyeres, take around 15-20 minutes.
See more islands of France. You can find more travel ideas in the Var guide and the Provence guide.
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Map of Iles d'Hyeres and places nearby
Visit near Iles d'Hyeres with France This Way reviews
Presqu'ile de Giens
The Presqu'ile de Giens is a peninsula with beaches, a nature reserve, pretty coastline and small ports to explore
Presqu'ile de Giens guide
Hyeres
Hyères has an extended historic centre with parks and a castle as well as a charming 19th century quarter in the town
Hyeres guide
Le Lavandou
Le Lavandou is a quiet resort on the Cote d'Azur with several beaches close by
Le Lavandou guide
Bormes-les-Mimosas
The lovely historic centre of Bormes-le-Mimosas overflows with plants and flowers
Bormes-les-Mimosas guide
Toulon
A town with its focus firmly to the sea, Toulon is the base for the French Naval fleet and the National Museum of the Navy as well as having a large attractive pleasure port and harbour
Toulon guide
Cavalaire-sur-Mer
The focus at family-friendly Cavalaire-sur-Mer is firmly on the beach and related activities
Cavalaire-sur-Mer guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Var
The French version of this page is at Iles d'Hyeres (Francais)