The Îles d’Hyères are a group of beautiful Mediterranean islands located about 10 km off the Var coast, opposite Hyères and the Giens peninsula. The archipelago includes Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Île du Levant, each offering a different experience of nature and coastal landscapes.

Because of their strategic position in the Mediterranean, the islands were occupied over the centuries by Greeks, Romans, and Saracens, and were often targeted by pirates. Today, they are among the most preserved natural areas on the French Riviera.

Porquerolles, the largest island, combines vineyards, pine forests, sandy beaches, and scenic cycling paths. Port-Cros is a national park established in 1963, protected for its forests of holm oak and myrtle, rare birdlife, and exceptionally rich underwater ecosystems. Île du Levant is partly used by the French Navy, while another section hosts a small civilian community.

With crystal-clear water, protected landscapes, and peaceful hiking trails, the Îles d’Hyères are one of the most remarkable natural destinations on the Côte d’Azur.

👉 Local tip: If you only have time for one island, choose Porquerolles for beaches and cycling or Port-Cros for hiking and snorkeling in protected waters.