The Côte d’Azur, the jewel of the Mediterranean, is not only famous for its golden beaches and elegant towns, but is also home to a lesser-known treasure: its islands. While many visitors concentrate on the mainland coastline, we invite you to take a boat.
In this article, we present the main islands of the Côte d’Azur, with lots of unspoilt nature.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Côte d’Azur islands: boundaries and map
Here is a map showing the most beautiful islands along the French Riviera.
The French Riviera has no officially defined boundaries. We choose the modern vision that stretches from Cassis to Menton.
1. Porquerolles Island (Hyères)
Why go there?
Let’s start with the most beautiful: the island of Porquerolles.
Located off the coast of Hyère, we were seduced by its unspoilt natural beauty. We rented an electric bike to explore as much as possible in one day.
We discovered its dream beaches, with crystal-clear waters and golden sand.
But we were also fascinated by its historic forts, which bear witness to its military past. Be sure to climb to the very top of Fort Sainte-Agathe for exceptional views, as shown in the photos above and below.
See our complete article.
The island is a true haven of nature, with hiking trails winding through pine forests and fields of wild flowers.
It’s a quiet place where you can get around on foot or on a rental bike (we recommend an electric bike, as there are some nice hills).
Allow at least a full day to explore it. But to see it all, you need two days.
For example, you can spend the night at the Hotel Residence Les Medes.
Practical advice
- Drive to the Giens peninsula south of Hyères.
- Large pay parking lots are available.
- Shuttle buses make the connection very frequently.
- Or book cruises around the islands
WHERE TO STAY ON THE Côte d’Azur
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
2. Île Sainte-Marguerite (Cannes)
Why go there?
The island’s history is marked by the mysterious legend of the Man in the Iron Mask, who was imprisoned in Fort Royal for 11 long years. At present, it is possible to visit his cell.
Beyond this myth, the natural environment of the Ile Sainte-Marguerite charmed us with its coves, rock formations and views of the town of Cannes, the Esterel and the mountains in the distance.
See more photos in our article.
Practical advice
- Allow a whole day to explore it.
- You have to take a boat from the port of Cannes.
- The shuttles make the connection very frequently.
- Book your ferry trip to visit the island of Sainte-Marguerite.
3. Île Saint-Honorat (Cannes)
Why go there?
The island of Saint-Honorat, a hidden treasure on the Côte d’Azur, is an ideal destination for lovers of nature and tranquillity. On this garden island, monks have for centuries perpetuated the art of caring for magnificent trees, vines and plants, creating a veritable haven of peace.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the Côte d’Azur, the island of Saint-Honorat offers a quiet getaway where time seems to slow down. In addition to its peaceful beaches and secluded coves, the magnificent gardens surrounding the monastery add to its charm and invite contemplation and meditation.
Read our article on the island of Saint-Honorat.
Practical advice
- You have to take a boat from the port of Cannes.
- Shuttle buses make frequent connections. They are operated by the monastery.
- Allow half a day. But the monks also offer spiritual retreats.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Île-Verte (La Ciotat)
Why go there?
For a lesser-known island, we recommend Île-Verte in La Ciotat. It’s much smaller (you can get around it in 1 hour), but it has a lot of charm with it:
- Its three beaches
- Its impressive calanques
- Views of the sea and the coast of La Ciotat
- The forts that protected the port
- See more photos
Practical advice
- We really enjoyed this little getaway from the charming town of La Ciotat.
- You have to take a boat from the port of La Ciotat.
- Shuttle buses make frequent connections. No reservation required.
5. Île des Embiez (Toulon)
Why go there?
We haven’t had a chance to explore Ile des Embiez yet, but it’s right at the top of our list.
It can be reached in just a few minutes by boat on the peninsula west of Toulon.
To preserve it, you can only get there on foot, by bike or by small train.
The path around the island is 6 kilometers long, and you’ll discover charming coves and beaches, paths surrounded by greenery, and views of the mountains, coastline and other surrounding islands.
We can’t wait to enjoy the serenity that seems to reign here.
Practical advice
- Allow one day.
- Take a boat from the Port du Brusc pier in Six-Fours-les-Plages.
- The shuttles make the connection very frequently. No reservation required.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
6. Port-Cros Island
Why go there?
Another island we hope to visit soon to share even more information with you.
Not far from the island of Porquerolles, Port-Cros is the smallest of the Îles d’Or and also the wildest.
The tour of the island takes in 5 ancient defensive forts, numerous rock formations along the maritime trail, coves and small beaches.
This island is ideal if you like hiking: no bikes, no cars!
Practical advice
- Allow at least one day or more.
- Drive to the Giens peninsula south of Hyères.
- Large pay parking lots are available.
- On the other hand, it’s less touristy, so shuttles are much less frequent.
7. Île-d’Or (not accessible)
Here’s a fascinating island, all the more so because it’s off-limits (it’s private property). L’Île-d’Or is a tiny island with the red rocks of the Esterel.
It can be admired from the Dramont beach, with its square tower built in the 20th century.
We loved the view from this beach with its contrasting colors.
Plan to stop off at the beach (also a landing beach), east of Saint-Raphaël.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
FromCassis to the Calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
8. Île du Levant
Alongside Porquerolles and Port-Cros, you’ll also find the island of Levant.
We haven’t had a chance to visit it yet. Only part of it is open to the public, to preserve the rest.
And be warned: this island is said to be the cradle of naturism…
Drive to the Giens peninsula south of Hyères.
Large pay parking lots are available.
On the other hand, it’s less touristy, so shuttles are much less frequent.
9. Bendor Island (Bandol)
Bendor is a small island in the Bay of Bandol. You can admire it from the coast.
It is currently closed for renovation as part of the “Renaissance de Bendor” project.
We can’t wait to see the results:
- the little village with a soul
- restoration of all buildings
- the new hotel offering.
10. Grand-Gaou Island (Toulon)
Close to Ile des Embiez, you’ll also find Ile du Grand Gaou, accessible by footbridge. Partly covered by wind-sculpted pines, it offers pretty beaches on one side and cliffs on the other.
Allow half a day to explore.
How do I get there?
Open from 8am to 8pm (9pm in summer).
Accessible by footbridge.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Other islands on the French Riviera
Île du Grand-Rouveau (Toulon)
There are no shuttles to this protected islet with its lighthouse guarding the entrance to the bay.
But you can also admire it from the town of Sanary-sur-Mer and its neighbor, Ile des Embiez.
It is highly recognizable thanks to its lighthouse in the middle and at the top (31m above sea level). It was built between 1861 and 1863.
And other tiny islands
- Île-Rousse to Bandol
- Île du Petit-Rouveau
- Petit-Gaou Island
- …
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
