Porquerolles Island (Hyeres, France)

Porquerolles Island (officially Ile de Porquerolles) is one of Iles d'Hyeres (4 Mediterranean islands) in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (France). The island covers a total area of approx 13 km2 (5 ml2) and has population under 500. Porquerolles is the westernmost and largest of Hyeres Islands, with length 7 km (4 ml) and width 3 km (2 ml). Island's south coast features high cliffs. On the north coast are located the seaport (harbour marina) and the beaches d'Argent and La Courtade.

• Island's village was founded in 1820, with the lighthouse built in 1837 and the church in 1850. In 1912 Porquerolles was purchased by Francois Joseph Fournier (1857-1935, Belgian adventurer and property developer) as wedding gift for his wife. He planted 200 hectares (500 acres) of vineyards.
• France purchased 80% of the island in 1971 to preserve it from further development. Today, much of Porquerolles is part of the Port-Cros national park.
• Since 2010, Porquerolles annually hosts the music festival "Jazz a Porquerolles" (held here each summer).

Porquerolles Island cruise terminal