France is a country located in Western Europe, bordering Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Monaco. France is the largest country in the EU, with an area of 547,030 square kilometres (210,930 square miles). The population of France is around 66 million people and there’s no doubt you would’ve heard of its capital – Paris!
French culture is renowned for its art, food, wine, fashion, and architecture. It is home to many famous historical landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. In France, there are also different islands with unique charm and attractions. You can find quiet and serene islands as well as some with plenty of activities and nightlife.
Here are some of the most beautiful islands in France that you won’t want to miss!
1. Corsica
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 18 regions of France. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of Sardinia. Corsica is the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily, Sardinia, and Cyprus) and has 8,721 km2 (3,373 sq mi). Corsica is known for its natural beauty and its strategic position. The island has been inhabited since the Mesolithic era and is a popular tourist destination.
The best way to get into Corsica is by ferry. Ferries depart from Nice, Marseille, or Toulon in France and Livorno or Genoa in Italy. The crossing takes between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the route. Corsica Ferries and SNCM are the two main operators.
The best time to visit Corsica is from May to October when the weather is mild and sunny. The island is busiest in July and August, so it’s best to avoid these months if you don’t like crowds.
Corsican cuisine is a blend of French and Italian influences. Some popular dishes include battuto (a meat or vegetable dish cooked with garlic, herbs, and olive oil), brocciu (a type of cheese made from ewe’s milk), and figatelli (sausages made with pork liver and spices).
Corsica has something for everyone, from stunning beaches and hiking trails to medieval villages and lively cities. Some of the best things to do in Corsica include: Visiting Ajaccio, the island’s capital city, Exploring the old town of Bastia, and Checking out the Citadelle de Bonifacio, a fortress located on a cliff. You could also hike in the Parc Naturel Regional de Corse, a nature reserve. Go for a swim at Corsica’s many beaches, such as Palombaggia Beach or Santa Giulia Beach. And visit the town of Corte, located in the island’s mountainous interior.
2. Île de la Réunion
Île de la Réunion is located southeast of Mauritius, southwest of Rodrigues, and northeast of Madagascar. It has an area of 2,512 km2 (970 sq mi). The capital of Île de la Réunion is Saint-Denis, the largest city on the island. The population of Île de la Réunion is around 860,000 people. This island is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and volcanoes.
The best way to get to Île de la Réunion is by plane. There are direct flights from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice in France and Johannesburg in South Africa. The flight time is around 11 hours from Paris, 13 hours from Johannesburg, and approximately 8 hours from Marseille or Nice.
The best time to visit Île de la Réunion is from April to November, when the weather is more relaxed and drier. The island is busiest in July and August, so it’s best to avoid these months if you don’t like crowds.
Some popular things to do in Île de la Réunion include hiking up the Piton des Neiges, visiting the town of Saint-Denis, swimming at one of the island’s many beaches, such as Grande Anse or Saint-Leu, and exploring the rainforest.
3. Martinique
Martinique is an island in the Lesser Antilles and an overseas region of France. It is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, north of Saint Lucia and south of Dominica. The island has an area of 1,128 km2 (436 sq mi) and a population of around 395,000. The capital of Martinique is Fort-de-France, the largest city on the island.
Martinique is full of shimmering beaches, lush rainforests, and picturesque towns. The island is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, hiking trails, and rum distilleries.
The best way to get to Martinique is by plane. There are direct flights from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice in France, as well as from some cities in the Caribbean. The flight time is around 8 hours from Paris, 9 hours from Lyon or Marseille, and about 7 hours from Nice. It is ideal for visiting the island from December to April when the weather is more relaxed and drier.
Some of the most popular activities in Martinique include visiting the capital city of Fort-de-France, exploring the island’s rainforest, swimming at one of the island’s many beaches, diving down to the diamond rock, and checking out the ruins of Saint-Pierre.
4. Porquerolles Islands
The Porquerolles Islands are a group of three small islands located off the coast of southern France. The largest and most inhabited island is Porquerolles, followed by Port-Cros, and then Île du Levant. The islands have around 20 km2 (7.7 sq mi) and roughly 1,200 people. The capital of the Porquerolles Islands is Porquerolles.
It is worth visiting Porquerolles for its unspoiled Mediterranean atmosphere, clear water for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkelling, and walks through the island’s pine forests and along its rocky coastline.
The best way to get to the Porquerolles Islands is by boat. Some ferries depart from the city of Toulon on the French mainland. The journey takes around 30 minutes. The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is warm and dry.
Some popular things to do on the Porquerolles Islands include swimming and sunbathing at one of the many beaches, such as Plage Notre Dame or Plage du Langoustier, hiking up to the Fort Sainte-Agathe for panoramic views, and exploring the charming streets of Porquerolles village.
5. Belle-Île-en-Mer
Belle-Île-en-Mer is an island off the coast of Brittany in northwestern France. It is the largest island and has an area of around 78 km2 (30 sq mi). There are approximately 3,700 people on the island, and Le Palais is its capital. The island is known for its dramatic coastline, charming fishing villages, and medieval fortresses. Tourists visit the island for its beaches, hiking trails, and picturesque towns.
The best way to get to Belle-Île-en-Mer is by boat. Some ferries depart from the cities of Quiberon and Vannes on the mainland. The journey takes around 1 hour from Quiberon and 2 hours from Vannes. It is said that the month of May is the best time to visit Belle-Île-en-Mer when the weather is pleasant and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Swimming and sunbathing at several beaches, such as Plage de Kervel or Plage d’Port Blanc, hiking to the Saint-Michel fortress for panoramic views, and touring the beautiful streets of Le Palais are all popular activities on Belle-Île-en-Mer.
6. Sainte-Marguerite Island
Sainte-Marguerite Island is an island off the coast of southeastern France. It is part of the Îles de Lérins, a group of four islands in the Mediterranean Sea, has an area of around 1.6 km2 (0.6 sq mi) and a population of about 100 people. The capital of Sainte-Marguerite Island is Cannes. Tourists love the island for its unspoiled Mediterranean atmosphere, its clear water for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkelling, and its walks through the island’s pine forests.
The best way to get to Sainte-Marguerite Island is by boat. Some ferries depart from the city of Cannes on the mainland. The journey takes around 15 minutes. Visiting the island from April to October is recommended when the weather is warm and dry.
There are many things to do on the island, like visiting Fort Royal, which used to be a prison, exploring the island’s botanical gardens, swimming, and sunbathing at one of the many beaches, such as Plage de la Batterie or Plage des Écrevisses.
7. Frioul Archipelago
The Frioul Archipelago is a group of four islands in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of southeastern France. The islands are part of the département of Bouches-du-Rhône. The Frioul Archipelago has a total area of around 7 km2 (2.7 sq mi) and a population of about 1,000 people. The capital of the Frioul Archipelago is Marseille. Best known for their unspoiled Mediterranean atmosphere, the islands are also famous for their clear water, which is excellent for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkelling. The island has many rocky coastlines and picturesque villages.
The best way to get to the Frioul Archipelago is by boat. Some ferries depart from the city of Marseille on the mainland. The journey takes around 30 minutes. The tourists visit the island from April to October because the weather is warm and dry, considering this will be the best time to enjoy all the activities that can be done on these islands.
Some popular things to do on the Frioul Archipelago include visiting Fort Saint-Jean, exploring the island’s botanical gardens, swimming, and sunbathing at one of the many beaches, such as Plage de la Couronne or Plage de Bonneveine. You can also enjoy the views of Marseille from the islands, watch the sunset by the sea, or stargaze at night.
8. Île d’Oléron
Île d’Oléron is an island off the west coast of France. It is located in the Bay of Biscay and has an area of around 170 km2 (66 sq mi). The island has a population of approximately 26,000 people. The capital of Île d’Oléron is Saint-Georges-d’Oléron. The island is a popular destination for its beaches, surfing, and fishing. It also has several historical landmarks, such as Fort Boyard, a 16th-century fortress.
The best way to get to Île d’Oléron is by boat. Some ferries depart from the city of La Rochelle on the mainland. The journey takes around 1 hour.
Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities on Île d’Oléron, including the beaches Plage de Grand Village and Plage de Saint-Trojan. Exploring Fort Boyard’s fortifications is another popular thing to do, as is visiting the La Cité de la Mer et du Sel museum.
9. Île de Bréhat
Île de Bréhat is an island off the coast of Brittany in northwestern France with an area of around 2 km2 (0.8 sq mi) and about 200 people. The capital of Île de Bréhat is Saint-Énogat. The Island offers a tranquil escape with its unspoiled natural beauty, sandy beaches, and views of the Breton coast.
The best way to get to Île de Bréhat is by boat. Some ferries depart from the town of Paimpol on the mainland. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
Tourists love the island because it is a car-free zone. This makes it perfect for walks and bike rides. There are also many flowers on the island, making it a great place to go for a walk in spring or summer. Some popular things on the island include visiting the lighthouse, exploring the old fortress such as the Château de Bréhat, and swimming or sunbathing at one of the many beaches. You can also enjoy the coastline views from the island and go birdwatching.
Conclusion
The beautiful French islands mentioned in this article are perfect for a relaxing vacation. Each one has its unique charm and offers something different for visitors. Whether you’re looking for stunning beaches, historical landmarks, or car-free zones perfect for walking and biking, an island in France is just waiting to be discovered. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next vacation today!