You can visit Port-Cros all year round: Vedettes Îles d'Or sail from Le Lavandou in every season, and TLV-TVM from Hyères harbour, except on Tuesdays and Thursdays in winter. Summer brings crowds and fire risk: in strong wind or drought, access to the island can be restricted and only some trails stay open. Spring and early autumn are the best compromise, and the national park runs free activities from April to November. An east wind can change the order of calls or even cancel departures.
Key facts
- All year from Le Lavandou; from Hyères, no crossings on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 November to 28 February.
- Summer: big crowds, fire risk, possible restricted access; check the day before from 6 pm.
- April to November: free park activities (Rendez-vous du Parc national).
- November to March: a single restaurant open on the island, by reservation.
Season by season
| Period | Boats | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| November to February | Le Lavandou all year; Hyères except Tuesday and Thursday | a single restaurant open by reservation (November to March) |
| March to June | Hyères and Le Lavandou; Cavalaire and La Croix-Valmer from May | park activities from April |
| July and August | all routes, two-island circuit from Hyères | crowds, fire risk, possible restricted access |
| September and October | Hyères and Le Lavandou; La Croix-Valmer until September | park activities until November |
Sources: TLV-TVM, Vedettes Îles d’Or, Port-Cros National Park.
Summer and fire risk
Fire is the park’s greatest threat: a forest defence plan has been drawn up for a risk that peaks in summer, when wind, drought and crowds combine. In strong wind or drought, access to the islands can be restricted by prefectural order, and only some trails stay open on days of red or extreme risk. Vedettes Îles d’Or advise checking the day before from 6 pm.
The wind
Crossings depend on the sea. In an east wind, Vedettes Îles d’Or sometimes reverse the order of calls between Port-Cros and Le Levant; TLV-TVM posts weather cancellations on its website.
Out of season
The island is almost empty and the trails are pleasant. Bring lunch or book the only restaurant open. Detailed timetables in getting to Port-Cros.
Book a trip
This season's trips
Hyères: Morning Discovery or Relaxing Afternoon cruise3 - 4 hours★ 4.7 (225 reviews)from €70Check availability
Hyères to Giens Peninsula: Sunset at Sea Cruise2 hours★ 4.9 (171 reviews)from €69Check availability
Hyères: Signature day with lunch cruise8 hours★ 4.7 (111 reviews)from €164Check availability
"From" prices checked on 9 November 2026 and may have changed.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Port-Cros?
May, June and September: boats running, trails open, fewer people and less fire risk than in July and August.
Can you visit Port-Cros in winter?
Yes. Vedettes Îles d'Or sail from Le Lavandou all year, and TLV-TVM from Hyères harbour except on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 November 2026 and 28 February 2027. From November to March, a single restaurant stays open, by reservation.
Which days are the boats least busy?
According to Vedettes Îles d'Or, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays are the quietest days on their boats.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Ferry times and prices change: confirm before you go.
- TLV-TVM, timetables: winter 2026-2027 (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Vedettes Îles d'Or, Port-Cros island: departures, advice, food (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Port-Cros National Park, things to do: activities (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Wikipedia, Port-Cros National Park: fire, visitor numbers (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
