Notre-Dame beach on Porquerolles

The beach and its surroundings

The tourist office places Notre-Dame about 3.5 kilometres from the village and gives approximately 45 minutes on foot or 25 minutes by bicycle. These remain indicative times: heat, pauses, children and crowds may make them longer. Cycling reduces effort over part of the route but requires respect for authorised paths and pedestrians. Do not automatically hire a bicycle for a child who is not confident enough to share the paths.

Wooded surroundings give the beach its character. Posidonia deposits are natural and useful to the shoreline. Pay attention to flags and local information instead of assuming that a famous beach is watched everywhere at all times.

Notre-Dame is in a protected area governed by Port-Cros National Park rules. Smoking and fire are prohibited outside the village, and dogs are not allowed on beaches. Do not pick or remove anything, and take rubbish away. Fire risk can close woodland sections and change routes around the island. Consult park information before boarding the boat, then respect barriers and local instructions.

From Toulon, the outing already includes several stages: reaching the embarkation point, crossing, getting to Notre-Dame and returning in time. Prepare your picnic and drinking water before leaving the village, together with sun protection and footwear for the route. Check the last return, bicycle-hire conditions and the margin needed for boarding.