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.
BEFORE OUR TIPS + PHOTOS
HERE ARE OUR FAVORITES ON THE Côte d’Azur
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Our must-see tours:
Villa Ephrusi between Nice and Monaco
Magnificent village of Èze and Monaco from Nice or Cannes
Our unforgettable outdoor activities:
Calanques de l’Esterel by boat from Cannes
Snorkeling in Antibes
Helicopter flight from Cannes
Kayaking in the Calanques de Cassis
Our favorite places to stay:
Nice: top-rated hotels e.g. Anantara Palace
Menton: top rated hotels e.g. Hôtel de Londres
Saint-Tropez: top-rated hotels e.g. Hôtel Le Pré de la Mer
La Ciotat: top rated hotels e.g. Hôtel Best Western Vieux Port
Cassis: top-rated hotels e.g. Hôtel Les Roches Blanches
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
The Côte d’Azur has no officially defined boundaries. We choose the modern vision that stretches from Cassis to Menton.
Here’s a map of the Côte d’Azur’s most beautiful islands:
1. Porquerolles Island (Hyères)
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.
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.
How do I get there?
Drive to the Giens peninsula south of Hyères.
Large pay parking lots are available.
Shuttle buses make the connection very frequently.
2. Île Sainte-Marguerite (Cannes)
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.
Allow a whole day to explore it.
How do I get there?
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)
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.
Allow half a day. But the monks also offer spiritual retreats.
How do I get there?
You have to take a boat from the port of Cannes.
Shuttle buses make frequent connections. They are operated by the monastery.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE Côte d’Azur
Option 1: City of Nice
A city with beautiful architecture, a long seafront promenade and lots of museums.
- Anantara Hotel, luxury by the sea – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Apollinaire, elegant and bright – see prices, photos and availability
- Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice very practical and pleasant – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Menton
For a town full of charm, close to several charming villages and mountains.
- Hotel de Londres, charming downtown London – see prices, photos and availability
- Riva Art Hotel, facing the sea – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Villa Genesis, for elegance – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: Saint-Tropez
A small town surrounded by nature, known for its jet-set but also with a lot of charm!
- Hotel Sezz, with its delicious Michelin-starred restaurants – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Le Pré de la Mer, charm and calm – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Lou Pinet, in the center of town – see prices, photos and availability
4. Île-Verte (La Ciotat)
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 La Ciotat coastline
- The forts that protected the port
- See more photos
We really enjoyed this little getaway from the charming town of La Ciotat.
How do I get there?
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)
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.
Allow one day.
How do I get there?
Take a boat from the Port du Brusc pier in Six-Fours-les-Plages.
The shuttles make the connection very frequently. No reservation required.
6. Port-Cros Island
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!
Allow at least one day or more.
How do I get there?
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.
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).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
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.
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…
How do I get there?
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.
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
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
A successful trip to the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
- Where to stay
(coming soon)
