9 Most Beautiful French Islands and Their Beaches
In short: Porquerolles, the Frioul archipelago, the Glénan, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Noirmoutier, Oléron… here are 9 French islands with picture-postcard beaches, from the Mediterranean to the Channel, for a weekend away that feels like a holiday, without waiting for summer.
The essentials
| Island | Sea | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Porquerolles | Mediterranean (Var) | Crystal-clear water, golden beaches, pine forests and vineyards |
| Sainte-Marguerite | Mediterranean (Cannes) | Eucalyptus, Aleppo pines, the prison of the Man in the Iron Mask |
| Frioul archipelago | Mediterranean (Marseille) | 4 islands, hidden creeks, the Château d'If |
| Corsica | Mediterranean | Idyllic beaches and maquis, relaxing and hiking |
| Chausey islands | Channel (Normandy) | 365 islets at low tide, seals and dolphins |
| Glénan archipelago | Atlantic (Brittany) | Turquoise lagoon, sailing and diving |
| Belle-Île-en-Mer | Atlantic (Brittany) | Wild coast, the port of Sauzon |
| Noirmoutier | Atlantic (Vendée) | The Passage du Gois at low tide, Plage des Dames |
| Oléron | Atlantic (Charente-Maritime) | The "bright island", village of artists and oyster farmers |
No need to wait for the summer holidays to laze on dreamy beaches. These French islands are worth booking soon for an off-season weekend, and they are well worth the trip if your barometer is forecasting good weather.
Heading off to the little gems of the Mediterranean
In the Mediterranean, four French islands combine warm water, protected nature and history: Porquerolles, Sainte-Marguerite, Frioul and Corsica.
Hop on a boat and cross the warm waters of the Mediterranean to reach some spectacular, bewitching islands off the south of France.
1. Porquerolles
A protected Mediterranean treasure, the island of Porquerolles, in the Var, is a magical place to recharge your batteries. It is a spellbinding stay of crystal-clear water, golden beaches, pine forests and vineyards, which you can explore by boat or on foot. Extend the pleasure around the Hyères islands by visiting Port-Cros too, just as charming.
2. Sainte-Marguerite island
Off Cannes, in the Lérins archipelago, lies a lovely little island that is well worth a visit: Sainte-Marguerite. This authentic place with its remarkable plant life is known for having held the prisoner nicknamed the Man in the Iron Mask. But it is much more than a historic site: eucalyptus, Aleppo pines and clear water make it a little corner of paradise that is hard to leave.
3. The Frioul archipelago
Let's stop opposite Marseille and discover the Frioul islands. This archipelago of 4 islands (Pomègue, Ratonneau, Tiboulen and If) offers an exceptional setting of rugged rocks shaped by the sea and small hidden creeks. You can hike, dive to see the marine life and visit historic buildings such as the Hôpital Caroline or the Château d'If.
4. Corsica
We could not leave out the Island of Beauty. We already recommended it for family seaside holidays in France, and Corsica also shines on a romantic weekend or a trip with friends. Its idyllic beaches and maquis make it an exceptional place, ideal for mixing relaxation and hiking.
Escaping for a weekend to the islands of the Atlantic and the Channel
Five islands in the Channel and the Atlantic, ideal out of season and without the summer crowds: Chausey, the Glénan, Belle-Île, Noirmoutier and Oléron.
What better than September to explore the islands off the French coast without the summer crowds? You can enjoy every detail of these small pieces of land scattered along the Atlantic coast and in the Channel.
5. The Chausey islands
Our tour of the French islands continues in Normandy, a few miles from Granville, where 365 islets appear at low tide (only about 50 remain above water at high tide). Head for Grande Île to relax on its fine sand beaches and in its clear water. Take a boat trip around the islands to spot the seals and dolphins of the Channel, with only the sound of the waves and the cries of the birds for company. The Granville tourist office recommends spring and autumn for a visit.
6. The Glénan archipelago
In Brittany, this Natura 2000 site is a must-see. Its turquoise lagoon and white sand beaches give it a touch of the Seychelles, Breton style. Spend a day on Saint-Nicolas island to relax on its beaches and walk around the island for a wonderful view of the ocean and the archipelago. It is an excellent place for sailing and diving, so why not have a go?
7. Belle-Île-en-Mer
Sung by Laurent Voulzy, this Breton island is the perfect place to disconnect among spectacular scenery. Its wild coast with steep cliffs gives breathtaking hikes, while its fine sand beaches and turquoise water invite you to relax. Make a detour to the port of Sauzon for a picturesque stroll along its colourful lanes.
8. Noirmoutier island
Set a course for the Vendée and treat yourself to a bubble of fresh air on Noirmoutier. Crossing the Passage du Gois at low tide is a unique way to reach the island, but check the tide times carefully if you do not want to get stuck. Once there, a swim at Plage des Dames, with its famous white beach huts, is a charming little haven of peace. Wander through the salt marshes and watch the birds at the Sébastopol polder for a guaranteed reconnection with nature.
9. Oléron island
Oléron is where our tour ends. Known as the "bright island", it is ideal for a weekend as a family or a couple. Stop at the creators' village in Château-d'Oléron, where colourful cabins of artists and oyster farmers stand side by side. Forests, beaches and marshes also satisfy the need for wide open spaces.
Of course, other islands add to the beauty of France: the French West Indies, Réunion and French Polynesia are favourite destinations for anyone dreaming of fine sand and turquoise water. Yet there is no need to travel that far to admire idyllic scenery.
Keep an eye on the weather and the tide
Frequently asked questions
What are the most beautiful French islands for beaches?
Our selection has 9 islands: Porquerolles, Sainte-Marguerite, Frioul and Corsica in the Mediterranean, then Chausey, the Glénan, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Noirmoutier and Oléron on the Atlantic coast and in the Channel.
Which French islands are in the Mediterranean?
Porquerolles (and neighbouring Port-Cros) in the Var, Sainte-Marguerite off Cannes, the Frioul archipelago off Marseille, and Corsica.
How do you get to Noirmoutier at low tide?
By the Passage du Gois, which can only be used at low tide. Check the tide times before you set off so the rising sea does not trap you.
When is the best time to visit the islands of the Atlantic and the Channel?
September, for example, or spring and autumn: you enjoy the islands in peace, without the summer crowds.
What is there to do on the Frioul islands?
This archipelago of 4 islands off Marseille is good for hiking, diving and visiting historic buildings such as the Hôpital Caroline and the Château d'If.
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