Porquerolles is a mostly un-inhabited island of Mediterranean forests, rocky coastline, nature reserves, beaches, boating and one little village. Interestingly, no camping is allowed, no smoking is allowed beyond the village and there is no drinking water available on the island, except in the village. Porquerolles Island is a great place for walking or cycling in nature. In addition to the natural pines and pin parasol, myrtle and heather, there are botanical plantations of trees and shrubs, and even a vineyard. The clanques, small inlets in the rocky-cliffs along the southern coastline of the island, are beautiful. If you're there in the springtime, you might see some of the baby seagulls in their nests in the rocks on the high points of the island; don't get too close though, because the parents are big and aggressive. The largest and most popular of a group of islands called Iles d'Hyeres is Porquerolles, which in 1912 was purchased as a wedding present by a wealthy Frenchman – who promptly planted a large vineyard. Today the island and its small village remain a place where the good things in life (food, wine, sailing) are still the cornerstones of day-to-day living.

Porquerolles is a mere 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland. The island is only 5 miles long and since cars are limited, the best way to travel on the island is by foot or bicycle. The only beaches are scattered along the northern coast, and while they get their full share of midsummer visitors, you'll never mistake them for St. Tropez. A gentle coastal path borders the shoreline, continuing around to the dramatic sea cliffs and rocky coves of the southern coast. It is there where you will find the best snorkeling. Offshore divers can explore some of the best wreck dives in the Mediterranean. Diving is also the main attraction at sister isle Port-Cros. And while most of neighboring Levant is occupied by the military, part of the island has long been a favorite with beach-loving nudists. In summer, the nightlife in these islands (sometimes called Iles d'Or, or Golden Isles) lasts well into the night at a handful of bars and discos – another longtime Cote de Azur tradition.

The Porquerolles Cup is the highlight of a Mediterranean week of sailing races and parties during Pentecost. It celebrates a moment of 18th-century history that seems straight out of Hollywood! In 1726, pirates captured a French naval vessel off the island, but agreed to release the ship's crew…if the pirate ship lost a race to another French vessel. History says the navy sailed to victory (although the fate of the pirates is a little vague). To honor the tradition of the original race, today's competition gets off to a running start – literally, with the sailors running to their boats.

After a day of exploring, sit down and enjoy a bouillabaisse thick with shellfish, ratatouille and a glass of fine wine from one of the islands' many vineyards. The rose' is the most famous, in fact Porquerolles produced one of the first recognized Cotes de Provence wines. Without the hustle of the French Riviera, Porquerolles offers all of the much sought after charms of the South of France.