Bike rental on Porquerolles Island!

It's not called the Golden Island

by chance. Located off the Var coast in France, Porquerolles is the largest of the three Golden Islands in the Gulf of Hyères. Measuring 7km long and 3km wide, it is the most inhabited and most visited of the islands. It's well worth the detour! And cycling is a particularly good way to visit it. For a memorable day out with the family, exploring this island by bike is the ideal option. With its beautiful scenery, magnificent beaches and many child-friendly activities, Porquerolles is a destination not to be missed. Go for it!

Visiting Porquerolles: why bike?

Renting a bike in Porquerolles is one of the most pleasant ways to visit the island. You avoid the traffic jams, the parking problems that drive you crazy all year round and, by the way, the price of petrol, which is really hurting right now😅. Well, obviously, on a small island, getting around by bike is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery, but also to explore the island at your own pace, discovering its hidden nooks and crannies and stopping wherever you please. And, no panic, the island is relatively flat... so it's clearly a healthy ride, whether you're a beginner or an experienced cyclist.

Bicycle rental in Porquerolles: where to find a rental company?

On the island of Porquerolles, it's easy to rent a bike. There are several rental stores offering a wide range of bikes, including electric bikes for those who want a little extra assistance on their rides. After all, you've earned it! If you want to buy a bike or have yours repaired, you can also easily find a bike shop on the island. Most offer quality bikes at affordable prices.

Bike hire in Porquerolles: where to go by bike?

Are you equipped? Have you chosen your ideal bike? Do you have all the right accessories? Trailer, baby seat, pannier, GPS, etc.? Then you're ready to set off and discover Porquerolles. And let me tell you, you'll be spoilt for choice.

🌴 Pedal along the magnificent beaches 🏖, stop for a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters 👙 or venture out on the nature trails that criss-cross the island 🚶‍♀️.

Bike hire in Porquerolles: why not try mountain biking?

Looking for a thrill? The mountain bike is your best friend. The more technical trails and rugged landscapes are yours for the taking! Here are just a few examples:

1. Hiking trails: Take marked paths such as the Sentier du Littoral, which runs along the coast and offers panoramic sea views. You can also explore the Sentier des Plantes, which passes through unspoilt natural landscapes.
2. The Route des Vignes (vineyard trail): This is the ideal way to discover the island's vineyards by bike. You can pedal through the vineyards and stop to taste the local wines.
3. Inland trails: These take you through rolling countryside, orchards and forests. These less-traveled paths offer a quieter, more peaceful experience.

Visit Porquerolles by bike: how to prepare your day?

Okay, we're not Mike Horn and we're not going to eat scorpions to survive 🦂 (yuck). But still. A good adventure is brewing, thanks to all the survivalist videos we've been watching on Youtube 😆! If you're bringing your own bikes, make sure you bring helmets for every member of the family, especially the younger ones. Also check the condition of the bikes and make any necessary repairs if necessary 🛠. If you're renting bikes, don't worry, everything will be provided for in the rental. Don't forget to bring provisions for the day, like snacks and bottled water 💦🥪. Yes, it does get hot on this coast, so let's keep hydrated! Rest assured, Porquerolles is a well-equipped island and you'll easily find stores on the island where you can buy everything you need. Including anything you forgot at the last minute (we know 🤫).

Visiting Porquerolles as a family: what do you need to know?

As a preamble, let's be brief but effective: Porquerolles is a real children's paradise. Numerous safe cycle paths criss-cross the island, offering a pleasant and safe experience for even the youngest cyclists. Parents can hire carriages to transport the little ones, keeping them busy throughout the journey and making them fully autonomous in their exploration of the island.

If the kids have had enough of the sea (is that really possible?), there are playgrounds and child-friendly attractions available on the island. These areas allow youngsters to enjoy themselves while discovering the exceptional nature that surrounds them.

Porquerolles with friends: a good idea?

Of course, it's a great idea! We wouldn't want to leave this little southern paradise exclusively to children... Older people can also enjoy the cycling trails offering breathtaking views over the island's unspoilt landscapes. It really is the kind of holiday that lets you reconnect with nature and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.😴

Porquerolles' fine sandy beaches are also easily accessible by bike, offering a moment of relaxation on the crystal-clear shores of the Mediterranean. For culture lovers, guided tours allow you to discover the fascinating history of the island and its unique heritage.🧐

Porquerolles by bike: where and how to eat and drink?

A busy day on the island calls for a gourmet break. Yes, as my grandmother would say, the sea digs. 😋 Fortunately, Porquerolles is full of restaurants and cafés that will delight the taste buds of the whole family. You can sample local dishes, including seafood specialties, while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Cyclists will also appreciate the presence of drinking water points all along the bike paths, allowing them to stay hydrated during their ride 💦.

Porquerolles by bike: which routes?

The island of Porquerolles offers some magnificent cycling routes to discover its natural and cultural treasures. Here are a few suggestions for cycling itineraries to explore this island paradise:

1. Cap d'Arme Lighthouse Loop Distance: approx. 7 km Duration: 1 to 2 hours (depending on stops) Level of difficulty: Easy

This short but picturesque route takes you to the famous Cap d'Arme lighthouse. You'll pass by shady paths, skirt idyllic beaches, and be rewarded with stunning sea views once you reach the top of the lighthouse. Take a break and admire the breathtaking panorama.

1️⃣ Circuit des Plages

Distance: approx. 10 km Duration: 2 to 3 hours (including time spent on the beaches) Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate

This itinerary takes in some of the island's most beautiful beaches. You'll pass by Plage Notre-Dame, Plage d'Argent and Plage de la Courtade. Allow plenty of time to swim and relax on the white sands of these unspoilt coves.

2️⃣Tour Porquerolles Island

Distance: approx. 20 km Duration: 3 to 4 hours (depending on stops) Level of difficulty: Moderate

This complete loop will take you around the island, exploring its different landscapes, from sandy beaches to vineyards and lush forests. You'll also have the chance to visit the charming village of Porquerolles and discover its picturesque atmosphere.

3️⃣Traversée to Port-Cros island

Distance: approx. 6 km (one way) Duration: 1 to 2 hours (depending on weather conditions) Level of difficulty: Moderate to difficult (depending on sea conditions)

For the more adventurous, this option involves taking your bike aboard the boat from Porquerolles to the neighboring island of Port-Cros. You can then explore the island's cycling trails, which are part of a national park, and enjoy the unspoilt wilderness.

If you're worried about getting lost, don't worry! Just consult a GPS to make sure you don't miss any of the island's wonders. Komoot, Strava and Géovélo are often used by cyclists, although you can often find a well-marked route on Google maps, clearly indicating that you want to do it on 🚴🏻‍♀️. Online GPS systems are an invaluable aid for planning your day and discovering places of interest to visit along your cycling journey.

Practical advice:

• Make sure you respect the island's fragile environment by not leaving any garbage behind and avoiding going off the marked trails.
• Make sure you have enough water, especially during the summer months when temperatures can be high.
• Don't forget your sunscreen, hat and suitable clothing to protect you from the sun.
• Check the ferry schedules if you plan to make the crossing to Port-Cros island.

All in all, visiting Porquerolles by bike is an unforgettable experience for families, couples or groups of friends.

Well-developed cycle paths, child-friendly activities, delicious restaurants and magnificent beaches make this island a real gem to discover. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or a nature lover, Porquerolles is sure to seduce you with its bewitching charm. So get your bikes ready, get on them and set off for adventure in this Mediterranean paradise!