National park · France
Port-Cros National ParkParc National de Port-Cros
Visit Port-Cros for a day hike: take the ferry from Hyères (≈ €28 return) and walk the coastal trail; go May–Oct, avoid July‑August heat.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
46 km² (18 sq mi)18 sq mi (46 km²)
approximate
Established
1963
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
At a glance
- Country
- France
- Area
- 46 km² (18 sq mi)18 sq mi (46 km²)
- Smallest French national park at 46 km², covering both land and surrounding sea (check).
- Established
- 1963
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Port‑Cros National Park protects a Mediterranean archipelago of limestone islands, marine habitats and historic forts. It offers well‑marked coastal trails, a botanical conservatory on Porquerolles, and clear waters for snorkeling, all accessible via a short ferry from Hyères.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national site · 1963Smallest French national park, marine and terrestrial protection.
Size and age
46 km² (18 sq mi)18 sq mi (46 km²) · national park since 1963
Smallest French national park at 46 km², covering both land and surrounding sea (check).
Why go
- Coastal Mediterranean scenery with limestone cliffs and clear water.
- Well‑marked walking trails crossing the island, suitable for day hikes.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanMild, fewer visitors.
- FebCool, good for walking.
- MarSpring, blooming flora.
- AprWarm, low crowds.
- MayIdeal weather, sea calm.
- JunWarm, start of peak season.
- JulHeat, possible trail heat stress.
- AugHot, occasional storms.
- SepWarm, less heat than July‑Aug.
- OctMild, sea still pleasant.
- NovCool, some services reduced.
- DecCool, off‑season.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean seabirds (e.g., Cory’s shearwater)Apr–Sep · Nesting colonies on cliffs. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Posidonia seagrass beds (underwater flora)May–Sep · Protected marine habitat. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Hyères
Ferry (TLV) from Hyères harbour to Port‑Cros; crossing time varies
check
From Toulon
Drive A57/A570 to Hyères then ferry
check
Open the page →
From Le Lavandou
Seasonal ferry (April‑Oct) to Port‑Cros
check
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Port‑Cros island | Main hiking area, beaches, forts, and the Maison du Parc visitor centre. | Open with park entry; some trails need a guide. |
| Porquerolles island (partial) | Botanical conservatory and additional trails. | Access via separate ferry; park entry required. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are from the official park centre; approximate for trail points.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | EUR 6 (≈ US$7) | person | 2026 estimate (check) |
| Ferry Hyères – Port‑Cros (return) | EUR 28 (≈ US$35) | person | 2026 estimate (check) |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- €6≈ US$7
- €28≈ US$35
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Official website before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs allowed only on leashes and on designated paths.check
- Camping
- Not permitted on the islands; use mainland accommodations.check
- Fires
- Open fires prohibited; use provided BBQ areas only where indicated.check
- Drones
- Forbidden without special permission.check
- Collecting
- No picking of plants, shells, or wildlife.check
Where to stay
In the park
Le Manoir (Port‑Cros)
Hotel‑restaurant on the island, limited rooms, book early.
Near the park
Hyères town
Wide range of hotels, B&Bs and hostels, 15 min ferry ride.
Safety
Heat on exposed trails medium
Limited mobile signal low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Maison du Parc visitor centre reachable by wheelchair with a short flat path.
- Coastal trail includes steep sections; not fully accessible for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use the official ferry services that follow environmental guidelines.
- Leave no waste; take litter back to the mainland.
- Support local restaurants and the botanical conservatory.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Port‑Cros National Park?
Adult entry is €6 (check); children under 12 enter free. The ferry from Hyères costs €28 return per adult.
What are the best hikes in Port‑Cros National Park?
The main coastal loop (7 km, moderate) covers forts and beaches; the Fort d’Estissac short walk is easy and provides water.
When is the best time to visit Port‑Cros National Park?
May to October offers warm weather and sea calm; avoid July‑August heat if possible.
Can I bring a dog to Port‑Cros?
Yes, on a leash and only on marked paths; no dogs on the beach areas.
Is camping allowed on the islands?
No, camping is prohibited; stay in mainland Hyères or the limited hotel on Port‑Cros.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Port-Cros National Park
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