Today we'd like to introduce you to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Porquerolles, Plage Notre Dame. Voted Europe's most beautiful beach, it is renowned for its turquoise waters and fine sand stretching for some 800 meters. Located in the north of the island, it offers an exceptional natural setting, combining sea and nature. Accessible on foot or by bike, it remains a hidden gem for those seeking one of the most beautiful beaches in the Var. Discover all its secrets!
Plage Notre Dame: one of the most beautiful beaches in France and Europe
Nestled in an unspoilt setting, Plage Notre Dame is surrounded by lush pine and oak groves, creating an intimate atmosphere. Its fine sand and turquoise waters make it a popular spot for lovers of tranquillity.
To reach this haven of peace, visitors have several options: an hour-long walk or a 30-minute bike ride from the port of Porquerolles. The path, lined with arbutus and heather, makes for a pleasant stroll.
The beach is also well protected from the wind thanks to its geographical location. In summer, it remains relatively uncrowded, except in August. Families particularly appreciate the shallow swimming area, ideal for children. To make the most of your day, remember to bring your own picnic, as there are no shops on site.
Location of Plage Notre Dame
Porquerolles: an idyllic setting for Plage Notre Dame
Plage Notre Dame is a real gem for nature lovers. Access is via a pleasant promenade lined with Mediterranean vegetation, providing total immersion in the local beauty. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the place, far from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas.
For those who enjoy water sports, the beach offers shallow waters perfect for snorkeling. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the surrounding trails, which offer breathtaking sea views.
The beach is also well protected from the wind thanks to its geographical location. In summer, it remains relatively uncrowded, except in August. Families particularly appreciate the shallow swimming area, ideal for children. To make the most of your day, remember to bring your own picnic, as there are no shops on site.
How to get to Plage Notre Dame
Porquerolles: how to get to Plage Notre Dame on foot?
There are several options for getting to Plage Notre Dame in Porquerolles. If you leave from the port of Porquerolles, follow the signs to the east, towards Plage de la Courtade. Then continue on the main path for about 3 km.
This walk will take you around 45 minutes on foot, but if you prefer cycling, allow just 20 minutes. The path is pleasant and takes you through a lush pine forest and groves of arbutus and heather.
For those who enjoy walking, it's possible to take a longer hike along the coastal paths. These paths offer breathtaking views of the sea and Mediterranean vegetation. Once there, you'll be rewarded by the natural beauty of this unspoilt beach. Don't forget to bring water and a picnic, as there are no shops on site.
The special features of Notre Dame beach in Porquerolles
Located around 3 km from the port of Porquerolles, Plage Notre Dame boasts an idyllic, unspoilt setting. It is surrounded by dense pine and oak woods, offering welcome shade on sunny days.
The beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and fine sand, perfect for swimming and lounging. Snorkelers will particularly appreciate the rocky areas at the ends of the beach, where they can observe the rich marine biodiversity.
For yachtsmen, the beach is an ideal anchorage point, although it is important to respect the protected areas. The surrounding paths also offer hiking opportunities with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean, ideal for walkers in search of tranquillity and nature.
Things to do at Plage Notre Dame de Porquerolles
Water sports on Plage Notre Dame
Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do at Plage Notre Dame. The calm, clear waters are perfect for activities such as paddling and kayaking. You can rent this equipment directly on site, offering a convenient and accessible experience.
For those who prefer to explore underwater, snorkeling is an ideal option. The region's marine biodiversity is rich, with a variety of fish and aquatic plants to observe. Beginners and experts alike can enjoy this activity, thanks to the exceptional clarity of the water.
If you're a sailing enthusiast, courses and workshops are organized on a regular basis. You can learn or perfect your skills while enjoying the magnificent setting of Porquerolles.
Discover the flora and fauna around Plage Notre Dame
Plage Notre Dame is a veritable sanctuary for the island's endemic species. The Audouin's gull and Hermann's tortoise are among the most remarkable animals to be encountered.
Botany enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity of the Mediterranean flora. The pine forest is also home to rare plants such as the European phyllodactyl.
If you're lucky, you'll be able to observe lizards and various endemic insects threading their way through the arbutus and heather. The beach is also an excellent starting point for hikes.
The coastal path offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and allows you to discover the richness of the local ecosystems. For total immersion, remember to take along a pair of binoculars and a guide to the local flora and fauna. des vues imprenables sur la Méditerranée et vous permet de découvrir la richesse des écosystèmes locaux. Pour une immersion totale, pensez à emporter une paire de jumelles et un guide de la faune et flore locale.
Why is Plage Notre Dame considered one of the most beautiful beaches?
A postcard setting!
Plage Notre Dame de Porquerolles is a paradise for swimmers and beach-goers alike. With its fine sand and crystal-clear waters, it's ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
The beach is also well protected from the wind, offering a calm and pleasant sea. Many visitors appreciate the tranquility of the area, especially outside the peak summer season.
For diving enthusiasts, the seabed around the beach is exceptionally rich. You'll discover a wide variety of fish and underwater plants.
The surrounding trails are also ideal for hiking. You can combine the pleasures of the beach with walks through the surrounding pine forest, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
Tips for visiting Plage Notre Dame
Best time to visit Plage Notre Dame de Porquerolles
The best time to visit Plage Notre Dame de Porquerolles is from May to June and from September to October. These months offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
In July and August, the beach becomes very busy, especially with day-trippers. To avoid the summer crowds, choose weekdays rather than weekends.
Visiting outside the high season also allows you to enjoy the island in more serene conditions. Boat connections are less frequent in winter, but the tranquility of the beach is well worth the effort.
Don't forget to take insect repellent with you, as horseflies can be plentiful. Bear in mind that the beach is far from shops, so bring water and a picnic.
How to preserve the beauty of Plage Notre Dame?
To preserve the beauty of Plage Notre Dame, adopt environmentally-friendly behavior. Avoid leaving garbage on the beach: always take a bag with you to collect your garbage and dispose of it in the garbage cans provided.
Respect local flora and fauna. Don't pick plants or disturb animals. Supervise your children so that they do the same. Limit the use of chemicals such as non-biodegradable sunscreens, which can harm marine ecosystems.
To minimize the impact of your visit, prefer to travel on foot or by bicycle rather than by boat, thus reducing polluting emissions. These simple gestures help to keep this heavenly spot intact for future generations.
Your questions about Notre Dame beach
After writing this article, you sent us several questions about this wonderful Porquerolles beach.
Are dogs allowed on the Pointe Notre-Dame beach?
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on Notre-Dame beach in Porquerolles, even on a leash. This restriction aims to preserve the tranquillity of local wildlife and keep the beaches clean.
However, it is possible to enjoy the island with your pet by exploring the many dog-friendly hiking trails. These trails offer magnificent views of the Mediterranean and allow you to discover the island's natural wealth.
If you'd like to take your dog to a beach, Pointe Prime, located close to Plage d'Argent, is an interesting alternative. This wild beach is dog-friendly, allowing your companion to cool off in the crystal-clear waters.
In your opinion, which is the most beautiful beach on the island of Porquerolles? Plage d'Argent or Notre Dame?
In our opinion, Notre Dame is the most beautiful beach on the island of Porquerolles. There are several reasons for this choice:
Its unspoilt natural setting: a lush pine forest and turquoise waters offer a veritable haven of peace.
Its tranquility: being far from the village, it is less crowded, allowing you to enjoy a serene atmosphere, even in high season.
Biodiversity: the beach is home to many endemic plant and animal species, making it a delight for nature lovers.
Unlike other beaches that are more accessible and therefore more populated, Notre Dame beach stands out for its wild, authentic feel. Visitors also appreciate the hiking opportunities in the surrounding area, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The Plage d'Argent is also superb, and a must-see if you have time for a second visit.
How do I get to Porquerolles from Hyères?
To reach Porquerolles, you first have to go to the Giens peninsula near Hyères. From there, boats depart from the Tour Fondue. The boat trip takes about 20 minutes.
You can also opt for a departure from La Londe-les-Maures, with free parking close to the pier. In high season, it's advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid queues.
When you arrive on the island, there are several options for exploring Porquerolles:
On foot: ideal for hikers, with well-marked trails.
By bike: several rentals are available on site, making it easy to cover the 3 km to Notre Dame beach.
Remember to check shuttle schedules for the return trip, and take water and a picnic with you, as shops are scarce on the island.
Because of the excessive influx of tourists, you absolutely must book your ticket in advance to gain access to Porquerolles, and the number of visitors is limited. This is to preserve the divine beauty and calm of Porquerolles.
Who owns Porquerolles Island?
Porquerolles Island has belonged mainly to the French state since its acquisition in 1971. This acquisition made it possible to protect the island and its natural treasures. The State manages the island through the Parc National de Port-Cros, which also encompasses Porquerolles.
This public management ensures the preservation of biodiversity and the regulation of tourist activities. However, some parts of the island remain privately owned.
Thanks to this dual public and private management, the island remains a verdant setting where nature is preserved. Visitors can enjoy the island's exceptional landscapes and heavenly beaches in an environmentally-friendly way.