Best Beaches Hyeres, Porquerolles & Golden Islands South France

 

Just off the French Riviera coastline, less than a half-hour by boat from the coastal town of Hyères, there are a cluster of three gorgeous islands with spectacular beaches. The beaches of the Golden Islands, especially Porquerolles Island, are some of the best beaches in France, with clear turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs and pine trees ringing the beaches. These are some of the best beaches we've found in Southern France. Here we highlight some of the most popular beaches on the three Golden Islands (Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Île du Levant), but there are so many hidden creeks and intimate coves, we're sure you'll discover your own favourites too.

Îles d'Or beaches France

Just offshore from Hyères, less than a half-hour by boat, are a cluster of three gorgeous islands with spectacular beaches that have not yet been really "discovered" by the British - though they are popular with the French and are busy at the height of the season. Collectively referred to as the Ile de Hyeres or Golden Islands, you will find some excellent sunbathing opportunities

Porquerolles - The largest, four miles long by about two across, with miles of white sandy beaches. Try Notre-Dame, la Courtade and Plage d'Argent beaches.

Port-Cros - A mountainous national park and bird refuge noted for rare flora, underwater fauna, and hiking paths. Head for Palud and Plage du Sud beaches.

Ile du Levant - Mostly used by the military but with a nudist colony around the private village of Héliopolis. Explore the nature reserve of les Arbousiers.

Ile du Bagaud - is part of the same national park as Port-Cros but access is prohibited. Nice to cruise past by boat, though.

Porquerolles Island beaches South France

Porquerolles Island is the largest of the Golden islands and has one of the best beaches in France. The crescent-shaped Plage de Notre Dame on the north-eastern coast, is fringed with pines and eucalyptus trees. There is only one village on Porquerolles Island, dating to the early 19th century. The French state acquired Porquerolles Island in the 1970s and turned it into a national park and conservation area. Cars can not be brought over -- as you'd expect on a desert island -- so walking and cycling are the only modes of getting around. Bring comfortable shoes, hire a bike from Le Cycle Porquerolles.

Building is prohibited (you won't find tourist shops or many cafés) so it has the feel of a far-away desert island. In fact, it recalls the French Riviera of bygone days, when the shoreline belonged to wild herbs, juniper, fig and olive groves, oak and pine trees, and a vast array of wild birds, dragonflies and butterflies. You might also enjoy exploring the 16th-century Fort and the archaeological museum at St Agathe. It's a good idea to pack your own picnic before getting on the boat (since everything is brought over by boat, prices in the island village shops are higher and offer less choice).

 

Best Beaches Hyères Porquerolles Golden Islands

The coastline surrounding Hyeres, is blessed with turquoise blue waters and golden sands. The dense woodland which encircles this part of the coast, provides an interesting visual contrast to these beaches in South France. 

Amongst the best beaches close to Hyeres on the mainland are:

Plage de l'Almanarre - 5 kms of white sand and blue water. Soak up the sun, enjoy the sunset, stay late.

Giens Peninsula: La Capte, La Badine or La Bergerie beaches all offer excellent sunbathing and swimming.

The locals tend to be guided by the wind conditions. If the wind blows from the east, the best beaches are the Almanarre or the Anse du Four Chaux (on the Giens Peninsula). When the Mistral blows from the north-west, the best beaches are La Badine, La Capte and l'Ayguade. And of course they are superb without any wind at all! 

 

 

 

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Where to next . . . ?

If you are visiting the South of France this summer, then get the inside track on the best Places to see & visit in the South of France in 2026 (written by people who live in Southern France all year around). Read about the best restaurants to eat at, get local information on the best beaches to visit and discover the best tourist sites, markets and festivals to see during your stay.

 

Best beach bars in South France Find the best beach bars & restaurants in South France to visit during 2026. From glitzy private beach clubs on the French Riviera to Oyster shacks on the Languedoc coast	Best restaurants South France Discover our favourite restaurants to eat at in South France from Michelin star restaurants to beach restaurants and local restaurants where you can still enjoy a Plat de Jour for €13 euros.
Best festivals in South France  The summer comes alive in the South of France with crazy festivals. Discover everything from large music festivals to local festivals celebrating the humble apricot and Water Jousting!	Best markets in South of France Search out the best local markets to visit during your stay in the South of France this summer. We cover everything from local village markets to antique fairs and truffle markets in Provence.
Villas with private pools in South France Book a villa in the South of France for this summer through Go Languedoc and avoid all the hefty additional bookings fees of Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com.	Best tourist sites to visit in South France in 2026 Read about the best tourist sites to visit during 2026. Our articles cover Provence, the French Riviera and the old Languedoc region of Southern France.

 

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