Notre-Dame Beach
Golden sands, turquoise water, zero roads — island paradise
About
Plage Notre-Dame sits on the island of Porquerolles, part of the Îles d'Hyères off the Var coast of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Its 300 metres of golden sand curve gently into a shallow turquoise bay, backed by a fragrant curtain of maritime pines. No cars, no engines, no tarmac — just the sound of water and wind. The beach falls within Port-Cros National Park, which keeps the landscape strikingly intact. It's consistently rated among the most beautiful beaches in France, and the water earns that reputation every single day.
How to get there
Plage Notre-Dame is boat-only — there is no road access whatsoever. The fastest crossing is the 15-minute ferry from La Tour Fondue in Hyères, with multiple daily departures; paid parking is available on-site at La Tour Fondue (fees paid at the terminal). From Port Miramar in La Londe-les-Maures, a seasonal ferry takes around 30 minutes and free parking is available there. Once on Porquerolles island, you can reach the beach on foot in about 45 minutes from the port, or by bike in roughly 20 minutes — both options are on demand.
Who it's for
For couples
The ferry-only access and car-free island create a rare sense of escape — arrive early, claim a quiet stretch of golden sand, and the shallow turquoise water does the rest. It's one of those beaches where slowing down feels effortless.
For families
The shallow turquoise bay and safe swimming conditions make this a genuinely relaxed choice for families with young children. Factor in the 45-minute walk from the port — bikes are faster and kids tend to enjoy the ride through the pine-shaded island tracks.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Plage Notre-Dame is the real thing — 300 metres of golden sand, turquoise water shallow enough to wade far out, and a national park keeping it all intact. The ferry-only access is not an inconvenience; it's the entire point. No roads means no noise, no exhaust, no beach vendors with speakers. What you get instead is a beach that still feels like a beach. Go in June or September and you'll find it at its best — warm water, manageable numbers of visitors, and ferries that run without the July and August queues. The walk or bike ride from the port is part of the experience, not a chore, so pack water and take your time. Skip August unless you enjoy waiting.
What to do
From the beach, it's about 3 kilometres to Fort Sainte-Agathe, a 16th-century fortification that dominates Porquerolles village with panoramic views and seasonal exhibitions — well worth the walk. The Jardin Emmanuel Lopez, a one-hectare Mediterranean botanical garden showcasing native plant species, is also around 3 kilometres away and a quiet counterpoint to the beach. Further afield, the Phare de Porquerolles — a historic 1830 lighthouse at the island's southern tip — rewards the 6-kilometre journey with 360-degree views of island and open sea.
The classic shot is from the shoreline looking back at the maritime pine backdrop with the turquoise water in the foreground — golden hour light turns the sand amber.
The elevated treeline path above the beach gives a wider composition showing the full curve of the bay. For something different, frame the ferry arriving against the open sea from the port end of the beach.
Where to eat
There are no restaurants or food vendors at Plage Notre-Dame itself. Pack a proper picnic before boarding the ferry — once you're on the beach, you're on your own.
Where to stay
There is no accommodation listed at or near Plage Notre-Dame. The island is a day-trip destination; base yourself in Hyères on the mainland and catch the morning ferry.
Photography
Shoot from the waterline in the early morning when the light is low and the turquoise bay glows against the golden sand — before the day-trippers arrive, the beach is almost entirely yours. The maritime pine treeline framing the shore makes a strong backdrop for wide shots; climb slightly into the pines for an elevated angle looking down over the bay.
Good to know
Vehicles are banned on Porquerolles island, so leave the car at the mainland terminal and travel light. The beach sits inside Port-Cros National Park: picking plants, disturbing wildlife, or leaving litter is prohibited — respect the rules and the landscape stays this way for everyone. Ferry schedules shift with the season, so check departure times before you go or you may be stranded waiting longer than planned. The walk from the port is real distance — bring plenty of water, especially in warm months. True digital-detox spot — bring offline books, the cell signal fades and there's nowhere to plug in a laptop.
Map
Nearby places
Fort Sainte-Agathe
Things to see around Hyères
Fort Sainte-Agathe
16th-century fortification dominating Porquerolles village with panoramic views and seasonal exhibitions.
Phare de Porquerolles
Historic 1830 lighthouse at southern tip offering 360° island and sea views (exterior only).
Jardin Emmanuel Lopez
One-hectare Mediterranean botanical garden with native plant species.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other relaxed beaches in France
More beaches in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Andreas Schäfer · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — "dronepicr" · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 3 — Prométhée33 · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 4 — Jessica G. · source · CC BY 4.0
- Photo 5 — "dronepicr" · source · CC BY 2.0