There is a lot more to France that just its language and culture, which most of us are not familiar with. Since most of us are not aware, it is recommended visiting the stunning French- speaking islands sitting pretty around the world. The islands in France do know how to “wow” their tourists, which makes it worth a visit. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and English Channel, Mainland France does know how to flaunt its rich cultural heritage linked to its former empire.
The islands are said to be a slice of heaven that offer people tranquility and fun. Home to stunning culture and landscapes, France does have charming beaches to boot. There is a lot more to the tour which includes paying a visit to the characteristic villages, lighthouses, poetic cliffs and wilderness, which is said to leave a mark on the mind for months to come. People like you and I will be awe struck with vibrant colors making it an experience to remember.
Best 10 Islands in France: Peaceful, Impalpable Far Away Feeling
Have you ever had that impalpable far away feeling? It is one of the most magical feelings that can only be experienced on the islands in France. The unmatched experience, enjoy the luxury, comforts and pleasures of the islands. France does sound like the perfect holiday destination, doesn’t it? The feeling of serenity, unsullied nature and being far away from it all, is something to be happy for. A combination of clean sandy beaches, hidden coves, incredible coastline, natural reserves and historic sites is discovered with the stunning less- popular islands off the coast of France.
It is an encounter not to be missed. One can reach most islands by car, most don’t, even though a day trip is possible. People can take advantage of lodging, dining and bike rentals.
1. Corsica
Home to stunning nature, with sand in your feet, Corsica offers a feeling of being on high ground. 2,000 meters high mountains surround the stunning islands in France. When looking at the map of France, the island is portrayed as a small treasure trove nestled at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to the domineering presence, it does seem like a deserted island but the island cities blend into the landscapes like Bastia, a port city, home to some of the most stunning narrow streets.
One will find themselves navigating the characteristic twists and turns in the roads flanking the mountains. When it comes to spotting Elba, Capraia and Capo Carso on the horizon, the view of the mountains is stunning. Some of the finest attractions in Corsica include the seaside village of San Fiorenza, the Desert des Agriates, Saleccia’s magical scenery, Monte Cinto, Calvi and Ajaccio’s beaches, Gulf of Girolata, Calanques de Piana and Scandola Nature Reserve.
Location: France
Famous For: Mountainous central area and stunning white sand beaches
2. Reunion
The corner paradise that belongs to the Mascarene archipelago, the Reunion is said to be one of the best islands of France. Home to thick forests growing on volcanic soil, untouched beaches and coral reefs, the island is known for its rugged terrains. The island has made it on the list of the most ideal UNESCO world heritage sites because of its stunning scenery. The adventure enthusiasts will be happy to know you’ve explored Piton de la Fournaise, known for its natural beauty.
On the other hand, with a 3,000-meter climb, tourists can admire Piton des Neiges volcano’s beauty. The three calderas that look open air theatres are a must visit as they look like the heart of collapsed volcanoes. A visit to Saint- Denis Cathedral, Noor-e-Islam Mosque and Brasseries de Bourbon is a must.
Location: Western Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and a few miles of south of Mauritius.
Famous For: Piton de la Fournaise
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3. Guadaloupe
It is said that exploring the island of Guadeloupe will exceed your holiday expectations. Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city life, forgetting about the everyday stress and enjoying a slice of heaven on earth is something the islands offer. The unmatched natural beauty and a chance to relax has won several hearts. Despite being called the largest of the French Lesser Antilles, Guadaloupe is made of two France islands separated by a channel. Marie-Galante, the Îles des Saintes and La Désirade are islands found alongside these two small islands. The climate is worth mentioning as the temperature is said to have never fallen below 18 degrees and reach a peak of 33 degrees.
February and April are said to be the best time to visit the island as the weather is pleasant. The island is home to some of the most stunning beaches, volcanoes, botanical gardens and yummy cuisine. It is known for the Memorial ACTE Slavery Museum, rum museum, ‘chessboard’ cemetery and Pointe des Colibris lighthouse, some of the most stunning treasures.
Location: Southern Caribbean Sea
Famous For: Rum distilleries
4. Martinique
The hidden jewel of Lesser Antilles, the volcanic island, Martinique attracts tourists with their breathtaking nature and beauty. Portraying the stunning folkloric and natural history, the island’s landscapes are known for their beaches and tropical forests. Nicknamed the eternal summer, Martinique is said to be the top France islands, has the finest climate all year round.
The Caribbean natives nicknamed the island Madinina or flower island, which later was named Martinique after Saint Martin, by Christopher Columbus. Home to stunning waterfalls and waterways flowing from the majestic mountaintops, tourists can visit a church known for its square bell tower, sugar factory and amazing botanical park. Exploring the black beaches and local plantations that grow sugarcane, pineapples and bananas is a must. Saint- Pierre is one of the ideal places to visit in France for its culture and rum distillery. What more can you ask for when it comes to being surrounded by beauty?
Location: Caribbean Sea, southeast of Cuba and north of Trinidad and Tobago, France
Famous For: Waterfalls and waterways
5. Levant Island
Have you heard of levant island? Sounds like one would want to levitate on the island, right? Well, it may sound and feel like a number of things, one the island is not like any other seen in France. Filled with vegetation, Levant Island is known for its strawberry trees, found east of the archipelago. One of the most ideal things to do in France is to follow the sport and nature trails along the marked paths. The west side of the island is open to the public as one side of the island is a military zone.
It is said that time has often stood still on Levant Island, a tiny heaven known for its colorful, natural landscapes, scents and things to explore. One of the many attractions is its cicadas in the trees, waves hitting the shores, the friendly locals and slow pace of the island life. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to having the ideal time of your life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life? Think about it, vacationing on an island is the ideal dream holiday people have often dreamt of all their lives.
Location: In the Mediterranean off the coast of the Riviera, near Toulon.
Famous For: Strawberry trees
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6. Porquerolles
A little piece of paradise and island of dreams, Porquerolles island is known for its windswept quay with canary palm trees. One of the most interesting things is a church that is influenced my Mexican lords over the village square, hemmed with giant eucalyptus trees, café terraces and flower-covered houses. Sainte- Agathe fort stands tall on a headland, close to the stunning ‘Moulin de Bonheur.
It is one of the most stunning islands one can travel by foot or bike and discover the pine trees, myrtle and heather. People should explore the wild cliffs and covers, long and languid golden beaches, valleys fringed with vines, babbling and migrating birdsong await. Being a part of the Port- Cros National Park, Porquerolles is a one stop holiday destination. Besides visiting the island, people should visit some of the beaches in Paris.
Location: Hyères, France
Famous For: Pine trees, myrtle and heather
7. Chausey Islands
Nestled of the bay of Mont Saint Michel Chausey islands is one of the main islands in France made of Grand-Île, 365 islets at low tide and 52 at high tide. Did you know among the many houses the island is home to, one of them belongs to Marin Marie, a famous painter of the fleet. For years, the archipelago has caused flights between the English and the French and a place for piracy and smuggling. The granite was stolen to build the abbey of Mont Saint Michel, used to rebuild Saint Malo, raise the docks of Dieppe and London, pave the streets and footpaths of Paris. Known for its shore fishing because of its tidal movement, the island benefits from ideal conditions for creating an ornithological reserve.
Home to seabird colonies in France, the birds come to reproduce and protect themselves from terrestrial predators: The Great Cormorant, European Shag, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Shelduck, Little Egret, Brent Goose, Razorbill, Common Murre, Northern Gannet. If one is lucky, one can see dolphins crossing and could even swim with the boat.
Location: Coast of Normandy
Famous for: Seabirds
8. Clipperton Island
Being highly remote, the Guiness book of world records’ “Most traveled man” was given no recourse but to swim in the Clipperton island. Come to think of it, the atoll in the East Pacific is inhospitable, barren land with no freshwaters and terrible reefs. It is an island that is like no other as whatever said and done, it is a stunning palm- laden, lagoon paradise of crystal-clear waters known for its crabs and sea fowl.
Do you want to know something interesting? This island is not any simple island as it does have a dark past. A guano mining business functioned by the British and Mexican made an attempt to capture the island in its long history. At present, the French administer the island as a small outlying territory. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to having the best time of their lives? So, when it comes to looking for an island to visit, think of Clipperton Island.
Location: Pacific Ocean
Famous For: Crabs and Sea Fowl
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9. Île de Bréhat
The tiny island known to the world as the island of flowers, Ile de Bréhat sits pretty on the northern coast of Brittany in the cotes d’Armor department. The trees and flowers against the island’s pink granite make the perfect painting. The island of two, Île de Bréhat is linked by a bridge constructed by a French military engineer, Vauban. Ile Beniguet is another tiny island on the west, which along with another group of islands create the Brehat archipelago. The northern island is a landscape of heather and gorse while the southern island is Mediterranean in character, home to exotic plants.
When it comes to reaching the island, one can take a ferry that will drop off them of at Port Clos, an island found on the southern edge of Ile de Brehat. The main attractions of the island are the villas and gardens that offer a feeling of being right at home, south of France. Tourists will find small ports and beaches along the coastline of the island that give way to red cliffs and jagged islands sticking out of the sea.
One of the most fascinating highlights of the island is a 19th century fort and glasswork south- west of the island and attractive tidal mill called the Moulin du Birlot on the western coast.
Location: France
Famous For: Trees and Flowers
10. Glenan Islands
Discover Glenan islands for its tropical side, never seen before. It is an archipelago made in heaven, sitting pretty off the coast from Concarneau. Explore the 7 tiny islands for their turquoise lagoons that will take you on a journey around the world. The Glenan archipelago never fails to enchants its tourists with its crystal- clear waters, its narcissus unique in the world and sailing school known all over Europe. People are often given the impression of having travelled the ends of the Earth right from Concarneau, Benedet or Loctudy.
You can take advantage of camping, having a bath in the covered and heated swimming pool, outdoor sports and leisure and snorkel off the beaches that border the campsite in South Finistère. The activities of the Glenan archipelago awaits people. Tourists can even enjoy dipping in the crystal- clear waters and enjoy gaping the sublime sea bed. It is one of the ideal France islands people should visit at least once.
Location: Off the coast of France
Famous For: Crystal clear waters and sailing school
France is one of the most breathtaking places to go on vacation especially for its islands. The French islands are known for their nature and stunning views. These islands are like no other seen or found in the world. What more can anyone want when it comes to having the perfect holiday in France with their loved ones. So, go ahead and pack your bags as there is a lot to discover and enjoy.
FAQs
The islands are said to be a slice of heaven that offer people tranquility and fun. Home to stunning culture and landscapes, France does have charming beaches to boot. The main islands in France are Corsica, Reunion, Guadaloupe, Levant Island and Porquerolles.
The corner paradise that belongs to the Mascarene archipelago, the Reunion is said to be one of the best islands of France. Home to thick forests growing on volcanic soil, untouched beaches and coral reefs, the island is known for its rugged terrains. The island has made it on the list of the most ideal UNESCO world heritage sites because of its stunning scenery.
Home to stunning waterfalls and waterways flowing from the majestic mountaintops, tourists can visit a church known for its square bell tower, sugar factory and amazing botanical park. Exploring the black beaches and local plantations that grow sugarcane, pineapples and bananas is a must.
Despite being called the largest of the French Lesser Antilles, Guadaloupe is made of two France islands separated by a channel. Marie-Galante, the Îles des Saintes and La Désirade are islands found alongside these two small islands. The climate is worth mentioning as the temperature is said to have never fallen below 18 degrees and reach a peak of 33 degrees.
For years, the archipelago has caused flights between the English and the French and a place for piracy and smuggling. The granite was stolen to build the abbey of Mont Saint Michel, used to rebuild Saint Malo, raise the docks of Dieppe and London, pave the streets and footpaths of Paris. Known for its shore fishing because of its tidal movement, the island benefits from ideal conditions for creating an ornithological reserve.
Being highly remote, the Guiness book of world records’ “Most traveled man” was given no recourse but to swim in the Clipperton island. Come to think of it, the atoll in the East Pacific is inhospitable, barren land with no freshwaters and terrible reefs. It is an island that is like no other as whatever said and done, it is a stunning palm- laden, lagoon paradise of crystal-clear waters known for its crabs and sea fowl.
The best time to visit the islands in France is in spring which is between April- May. The weather during these months is quite pleasant. There is a lot one can do while on vacation in France.
February and April are said to be the best time to visit the island as the weather is pleasant. The island is home to some of the most stunning beaches, volcanoes, botanical gardens and yummy cuisine. It is known for the Memorial ACTE Slavery Museum, rum museum, ‘chessboard’ cemetery and Pointe des Colibris lighthouse, some of the most stunning treasures.
