12 Best Islands In France To Visit

Are you looking for the best islands to visit in France?

It’s not often that we think of France in terms of island vacations, what with its ever-popular Paris, amazing historic monuments, magnificent châteaux, and world-renowned cuisine.

People are often surprised to learn how many islands there are off the coast of France to explore.

Here are some of the best French islands to visit – from those off the coast of France in the Atlantic to those in the Mediterranean Sea and even those in overseas territories.

12 Best Islands In France To Visit

Best islands in mainland France

1. Belle Ile En Mer, Brittany 

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Belle Île, Brittany‘s largest island, is known as the “beautiful isle” and is located 15 kilometers off the shore in the Gulf of Morbihan.

If you’re traveling from Quiberon, La Turballe, or Vannes, the main town, Le Palais, is where you’ll arrive. A lovely coastline walk covers the length of the island, with fascinating cycling options to explore.

Visit the Port-Coton rock needles to see where Monet got his inspiration for so many of his paintings.

Around 100 lovely whitewashed villages, as well as sandy bays to stop and swim, may be found at every turn. Horseback riding, diving, and superb surfing are among the island’s many attractions for outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Groix, Brittany

Groix, a little-known destination with an odd name, is certainly one of the most beautiful French islands.

Groix lies 14 kilometers off the coast of Brittany‘s Lorient, so getting there is an adventure in itself. Ferries travel every hour from Lorient to Port Tudy on Groix during the peak season. This 45-minute trip is scenic yet rough.

During the 1800s, Groix was France’s largest tuna fishing hamlet. Groix is currently known for its charming farmer’s markets, beautiful mineral beaches, and peacefulness.

The best way to explore the island is on a bike, as there are almost 40 kilometers of well-kept bike routes with breathtaking views of the sea.

3. Ile de Ré, Atlantic

With its whitewashed cottages, gray and green shutters, quaint backstreets, pine tree woods that grow right up to the fine sandy beaches, and oyster beds that supply the best eateries in the neighborhood – Ile de Ré has all the trappings of a paradise island.

Visitors come here to experience a tranquil and delightful way of life. Explore the island on a bike, or hang out on the beach to relax. Enjoy meals with views of the Atlantic in alfresco seafood dinners.

In some afternoons, for a more authentic feel of life in Groix, garden parties at pretty blue and white houses are a must-experience for guests 

4. Mont Saint Michel, Normandy

Mont Saint Michel is a lovely island off the coast of Normandy. It is home to a medieval abbey dedicated to Saint Michel and was formerly a prominent Christian pilgrimage site.

With its history, picturesque scenery, and religious significance, Mont Saint Michel has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the island, there are some old streets with lovely stone buildings. There are a few places to stay, as well as little eateries in some of the houses.

Then there’s the medieval abbey, which is Gothic in style. A golden statue of Saint Michel, the abbey’s patron saint, stands at the sanctuary’s apex.

Mont Saint Michel is an excellent day excursion from Paris, and it can also be coupled with other Normandy locations on a road trip. 

5. Îles De Lérins, French Riviera

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These two islands are only 15 minutes from Cannes and make for a terrific day excursion for those who want both nature and adventure. 

The tiny Île Saint-Honorat, which is home to a small group of winemaking monks, is perfect for a gourmet meal.

A sampling of the monks’ award-winning wines or a calm walk through vineyards past an ancient fort are some of the best things to do here. 

St. Marguerite Island, meanwhile, is a national and ecological treasure with more than a hundred hectares of eucalyptus and pine forests, a migratory bird sanctuary, and a rich marine environment.

However, the famous jail of the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask, established in the 17th century, is its claim to fame. 

Both islands have restaurants but no lodging, but a three-day meditation retreat with the monks at the Abbaye de Lérins can be arranged.

6. Corsica, Mediterranean 

Corsica is a Mediterranean island that is 200 kilometers off the coast of France. The island of Napoleon Bonaparte is the size of a small continent, with rough landscapes, stunning beaches, picturesque settlements, and walking routes that make it a must-see for everyone.

Corsica is a popular summer destination for travelers who want to see the island’s breathtaking scenery. It is a fantastic destination for sightseeing, pleasant beach vacations, trekking, and delectable food and wine.

The best way to see Corsica is via car, which you may either bring or rent on the island.

7. Port Cros, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Port Cros is one of France’s most remote islands, as well as one of the country’s smallest national parks. The island features a small settlement with a handful of residents, as well as a few restaurants and houses.

There are no roads or cars to disrupt the stunning natural surroundings, which are home to hundreds of plant and bird species including the Yelkouan Puffin. 

Three well-marked trails stretch along the shore, offering panoramic views of the ocean and leading to five old forts.

The preserved underwater environment is a diving and snorkeling paradise, with numbered observation marks pointing you to the best areas.

Best Islands in French Overseas Territories 

8. Martinique, Caribbean 

Martinique, a Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles, is a culturally and geographically diverse former colony with distinct Creole and French cultural influences that may be seen in the island’s art, music, cuisine, and spoken languages.

White-sand beaches, surfable waves, walk through lush tropical woods, and cultural experiences ranging from Creole food to music and art draw travelers to Martinique.

With its bustling squares and streets, spice market, cafés, and the historic Schoelcher Library, its capital city, Fort-de-France, is also a must-see.

9. Guadeloupe, Caribbean

Another French Caribbean island is Guadeloupe, a part of an archipelago that also contains several uninhabited islands and outcroppings. The island’s left side (Basse-Terre) is rugged, untamed, and covered in lush forests, while the right side (Grande-Terre) is Guadeloupe’s beachy side.

A trip to Guadeloupe should involve time on both sides of the island, as well as a day trip on one of the neighboring islands.

Under the eyes of the volcano La Soufrière, Guadeloupe has it all: dream scenery, fantastic treks, pleasant living, and sensual pleasures.

10. Île de la Réunion, Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean, near Madagascar and Mauritius, is one of France’s most beautiful islands.

The Île de la Réunion was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its pristine natural landscapes, which include coral reefs, volcanic-soil-rich forests, and rough black and white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters.

Réunion is a haven for beach and watersports aficionados as it’s a great place to swim and snorkel in shallow, warm waters and surf. 

Meanwhile, trekkers and climbers will discover a wealth of intriguing locations and trails to explore. 

These include tropical woods and the island’s most famous active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, in the east, to savannahs and sugarcane fields in the west.

11. Saint-Barthélemy (St. Barts), Caribbean

Saint-Barthélemy (St Barts) combines balmy Caribbean influences with European flair.

This one-of-a-kind small island, which is very French in many aspects, is the epitome of elegance and splendor, with world-class luxury hotels and fine dining, but it is also home to gorgeous beaches and hiking trails.

Renting a car and driving about the island is the best way to explore.  Turn right to see the exquisite Gustavia, the main town; turn left to see small secret bays where the most gorgeous hotels hide for their VIP guests’ privacy.

12. Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, North America

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Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are located 13 miles northwest of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The French territories of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are the last remaining in North America. The best months to visit are July and August, due to the long and dark winters.

The Arche Museum and the Heritage Museum are two of Saint-most Pierre’s popular museums, both of which offer an architectural walking tour of the island.

Miquelon, on the other hand, enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Scuba divers can also explore hundreds of shipwrecks off the island’s coasts.