Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fort de l'Estissac
FORT
( 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-5.30pm May-Sep)
Climb the tower of the imposing
16th-century fort which hosts summer exhibitions.
WALKING
Walks
The 15th-century
Fort du Moulin
is the starting point for the
Sentier des Plantes
(Botan-
ical Trail; 4km, 1½ to two hours), a lovely aromatic trail that wends its way past wild lav-
ender and rosemary to
Plage de la Palud
(30 minutes), a beautiful beach on the island's
northern shore. A 35-minute
Sentier Sous-Marin
(Underwater Trail; 04 94 01 40 70;
admission free; mid-Jun-mid-Sep)
here allows snorkellers to peer up close at marine
life, including 500 algae species and 180 types of fish. Rent equipment from portside
diving school
Sun Plongée
( 04 94 05 90 16;
www.sun-plongee.com
;
mid-
Mar-mid-Nov)
.
From Plage de la Palud, the
Circuit de Port-Man
(four hours) follows the coastline to
secluded
Plage de Port-Man
on the island's far northeastern tip before looping back in-
land.
The demanding
Sentier des Crêtes
(7.5km; three hours) explores the southwest corner
of the island and climaxes atop
Mont Vinaigre
(194m).
Sleeping & Eating
Accommodation requires booking months in advance.
Hostellerie Provençale €€
( 04 94 05 90 43;
www.hostellerie-provencale.com
; d per person incl half-board from
€145; Apr- Nov; )
Run by the island's oldest and largest family since 1921, this
bustling portside
hostellerie
(inn) sports five bright rooms facing the water; the best have
a balcony. The eye-catching cocktail bar and restaurant sits on the waterfront with canary-
yellow sun umbrellas.
PENSION
Le Manoir d'Hélène €€
( 04 94 05 90 52; lemanoir.portcros@wanadoo.fr; d per person incl half-board from
€200; May-Sep; )
This enchanting 23-room manor with white turreted facade
300m from Port-Cros' port is the exclusive option. Find it nestled in a sweet-smelling eu-
calyptus grove with outdoor pool, upmarket restaurant and the elegant air of bygone is-
land life.
PENSION
