A Midsummer Dream in Seven Corners of the Mediterranean
Porquerolles: cycling through the island park along the Circuit de l’eau
Environmental protection as a deliberate choice in tourism, characterised by low-impact transport, controlled access to woodland and regulated use of the land to preserve its balance. Just a few kilometres off the coast of Hyères, in the south of France, Porquerolles is one of the islands of the Mare Nostrum where a holiday truly goes hand in hand with sustainability and biodiversity. Part of the Port-Cros National Park, it boasts a mosaic of pine forests, Mediterranean scrub, vineyards, orchards and beaches accessible via a network of footpaths and dirt tracks to be explored exclusively on foot or by bicycle. In short, there are no cars – or almost none – and the landscape varies, alternating between coves and vantage points and the agricultural areas inland. One of the most intriguing itineraries is the Circuit de l’eau, comprising eight stops dedicated to a resource that is far from taken for granted on an island: water. The route explains how Porquerolles manages its water reserves to support agriculture and tackle the risk of wildfires, offering a tangible insight into the relationship between tourism, the environment and the island’s vulnerability. For those wishing to venture off the beaten track, the ‘Porquerolles hors des sentiers battus’ guided tours (detailed information is available on the official Provence Méditerranée website) take visitors through vineyards, woods and orchards, exploring the island’s history and lesser-known spots. And then there’s the sea, offering views of rare beauty and shallow, crystal-clear waters: respect is always the watchword, a principle that guides snorkelling and kayaking activities. Finally, a visit to Fort Sainte-Agathe, open in summer, adds a historical and cultural dimension to your holiday.
