Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OFFSHORE ISLANDS
1. PORQUEROLLES, ILES D'HYERES
The largest of the French Riviera islands is the car-free idyll of Porquerolles. Hire a
bike or explore on foot to appreciate this paradise of vineyards, olive groves, scented
forests and glorious beaches.
Ferry from La Tour-Fondue, near Giens
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2. PORT CROS, ILES D'HYERES
A national park, the smallest and most mountainous of the Hyères isles is dense with
pine woods and oaks. Paths lead up to clifftops with dramatic views. La Palud is the
best beach.
Ferry from Hyères
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3. LE LEVANT, ILES D'HYERES
Although 90 per cent of this island is a French Navy missile base, the other 10 per cent
is a naturist colony. Clothes must be worn in the village but not beyond.
Ferry from
Hyères
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4. ILES DE FRIOUL
The islands of Ratonneau and Pomègues guard Marseille harbour. Beyond Port Fri-
oul, white rocks ruggedly conceal little beaches. The diving here is renowned.
Ferry
from Vieux Port, Marseille
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5. ILE D'IF
This prison island is most famous as the place from which the fictional Count of
Monte Cristo escaped (for further details see
Alexandre Dumas
). You may even visit
the “Count's dungeon”.
Ferry from Vieux Port, Marseille
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