Porquerolles, Mediterranean island in Hyères, France
Porquerolles is a Mediterranean island off the Giens peninsula in southern France, part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and roughly 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long by 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) wide. The northern side shows gentle sandy beaches and pine forests, while the southern coast overlooks the sea with rocky cliffs and stony coves.
The French state acquired the island in 1971 to shield it from further construction and preserve the natural landscape permanently. Before that, different families had owned the land and operated vineyards and military defense installations there.
The municipality bans all private motor traffic, so visitors walk or cycle through shady eucalyptus-lined streets around the village. Locals buy fresh bread and newspapers from the small shops on the square after midday.
Ferries depart from the Tour Fondue port at the southern tip of the Giens peninsula and reach the island in about 15 minutes after a short crossing over open water. Once arrived, visitors can rent bicycles and ride along dirt tracks to different beaches and lookout points.
Local winemakers produce wine on roughly 200 hectares of vineyards and use old Mediterranean grape varieties that have been grown on the island for generations. The wines carry the Côtes de Provence designation and are aged in small cellars that visitors can sometimes tour during harvest time in autumn.
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