This place is a lot of effort to get to, to end up in a mediocre island…read more We were meeting up with family here, so it was our first time here and we may return in the future. However, once we disembarked off that ferry, we weren't super impressed by anything as had been described to us. There are places to hike, a small village in the center with eateries and other places to explore. If you are travelling from afar, then maybe skip this one and try another island with more charm, better food options and accessibility. I think if it was easier to get to (even though we were not tourists to France), then maybe I would change my review. Until next time...

Ile de Porquerolles is a little slice of heaven in the French Riviera. Escape the crowds, anchor…read morefor free just west of the marina and dingy into the village. Explore the old fort, the chapel, the restaurants, and watch the kids play in the dusty square. Sure, you can buy plastic dolphins and t-shirts at some of the tourist traps, but Ile de Porquerolles is incredible and worth a visit. We stayed for a couple of days just to savor it. Follow the narrow roads and trails up to the old fort and see the harbor and the anchorage spread out below. (We skipped the museum portion.) Go a little farther to the old windmill which, if you approach by boat, you can see from the ocean. This is a French version of Cumberland Island. If you are here, just count yourself lucky, enjoy one of those fun 7-ounce bottles of Kronenberg, and relax.

I meant to visit the Château d'if on a Monday but it was closed and ended up at Îles du Frioule…read morehiking around and viewing amazing sights. I'm not sure what used to lay beyond the harbor but the seemingly old military buildings are all but crumbled. The hike around the island requires comfortable boots and if the seas are rough being a wind breaker. I was soaked by a rogue wave on the boat ride over! There isn't much beyond the initial row of restaurants except for a few abandoned basketball and tennis courts. Most of the restaurants have similar food and wifi available. Don't expect much in the off season for quality but you will find a friendly host. If you're an outdoor adventurer be sure to add Îles du Frioule on your list of things to see!

This tiny archipelago consists of four islands: Omègues, Ratonneau, If and Tiboulen and is right…read moreoff the shore of the Vieux Port, only a short 45 minute boat ride away. The islands (and the whole coastline of Marseille) are beautiful with their white cliffs, crystal-clear blue water, breathtaking calanques (rocky inlets), and sandy beaches. It is really a paradise. My first day in Marseille, I was lucky enough to get on the last ferry of the afternoon leaving Quai des Belges. I arrived on the main island just in time to run to where I could catch the last rays of the sun setting through a heart-shaped hole in the rocks. What a picture! However, my most lasting memory is from the pier, where I waited for the ferry to take me back to Marseille. It was evening and dozens of men were on the pier with their lanterns fishing for squid. I had never seen anyone catch squid before! They must be easy to catch, because the pier was just covered with squid writhing and gasping their last breaths. What a noise. I'll never forget the sight and sound of hundreds of squid, illuminated by lanterns, gasping for breath.

From the owner: Des platanes et des thermes Le cours Sextius est connu surtout pour ses thermes datant de l'époque…read moregréco-romaine. Toujours en activité ils abritent aujourd'hui un hôtel chic et un établissement thermal. Restaurants, bars et boutiques sont aussi l'apanage de ce cours où les platanes qui le borde donnent une certaine fraîcheur.

Beach in Cannes? Nice. The water isn't super duper awesome or anything, but it's still nice to walk…read morealong the beach. It's a good relaxing walk, and it's not too crowded. You can walk on the road or by the beach, and there are some pretty nice views as well.

Great place to visit if you like France countryside. Tranquil charming village with Brasserie on…read morethe main village street . Close to Marseille , Bandol and Cassis.