Porquerolles is the largest of the 3 Iles d’Or (Islands of Gold), easily accessible from the coast. We did the short (20 min) crossing from La Tour Fondu, near Hyeres, roughly a 90 minute drive from Aix, depending on traffic.
Plage Notre-Dame, one of Europe’s top beaches
I hadn’t visited Porquerolles for many years and was surprised at the changes to the sleepy place I remember. The half-hourly boats across, large 350-seaters, were pretty full, and that link is only one of several bringing people across from Toulon, Le Lavandou, even Saint-Tropez. This August, they were having 5000 visitors a day according to the tourist info people. Much busier. The tourist office is new, and the facilities expanded from our visit in 2005.
But it’s a 7 x 3 km island and people scatter to the beaches, hire bikes and take to the hills. Cars are still forbidden but there are several bike hire outlets. Le Fils Aixcentric took his own (14.5€ ticket for the bike on the boat which was similar to the hire charge on the island). It’s a paradise for bikers, ramblers and swimmers. Lots of boats in the port – you can also rent one if you want to explore the coast.
Terraces overlooking the port at L’Escale
I had petit dej at L’Escale which is one of the oldest restaurants in the little village. It’s a yachtsmen’s meeting place and stands on the corner of the central square, surrounded with little cafes, shops and eucalyptus trees. They have a good lunch menu and I was pleased to find a veggie bowl with salads, quinoa and vinaigrette asiatique maison!
Le Fils set off by bike for a swim at Plage Notre-Dame which was declared Europe’s most beautiful in 2015. As you can see from his picture above, taken this week, it was hardly busy, even at mid-day. In the opposite direction, Plage d’Argent is easy walking distance from the port and another lovely stretch of sand.
I think now is a good time to visit. The frequency of the boat service drops in October and, as outlined in the last post, the Fondation Carmignac closes its very stylish doors early November.
Here’s a link for more information: http://www.hyeres-tourism.co.uk/en-hyeres/porquerolles
aixcentric 
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