Unearth The Voyage
France is famous for its culture, food, and history, but its islands are hidden treasures waiting to be explored. From the sunny Mediterranean to the wild Atlantic coast, French islands offer stunning beaches, fascinating history, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you want to bike through charming villages, hike dramatic cliffs, or relax on white sand beaches, these 15 islands will make your 2026 travel dreams come true.
1. Corsica (Corse) – The Island of Beauty
Mountains rise sharply from crystal-clear waters, creating one of the most stunning landscapes in the entire Mediterranean. Corsica earned its nickname honestly, with rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and beaches that rival any tropical paradise. The island feels wild and untamed, perfect for adventurers who crave natural beauty.
Hikers from around the world tackle the famous GR20 trail, considered one of Europe’s toughest and most rewarding routes. It winds through mountains, forests, and valleys, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Even if you’re not up for the full challenge, shorter trails lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Beyond hiking, Corsica offers charming villages where you can taste local cheese, charcuterie, and wine. The beaches are pristine, with warm water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. History buffs will love exploring ancient fortresses and learning about Corsican culture. This island truly has something for everyone seeking adventure and relaxation.
2. Ile de Re – Chic Coastal Escape
Pedaling along flat bike paths with ocean breezes and charming villages around every corner makes this island feel like a dream. Ile de Re sits just off the coast near La Rochelle, connected by a beautiful bridge. White-washed houses with colorful shutters line narrow streets filled with boutiques and cafes.
Cycling is the best way to explore, with over 60 miles of dedicated paths crisscrossing the island. You’ll pass oyster farms where locals harvest fresh shellfish, salt marshes that shimmer in the sunlight, and beaches perfect for swimming. The island’s relaxed vibe attracts families and couples looking for peaceful getaways.
Don’t miss the village of Saint-Martin-de-Re, with its historic harbor and fortress walls. The local markets overflow with fresh produce, seafood, and regional specialties. Sunset walks along the beach are magical, with golden light painting everything in warm colors. This island combines elegance with natural beauty in the most delightful way.
3. Ile d’Oleron – Atlantic Beauty and Fort Boyard Views
France’s largest Atlantic island stretches along the coast with miles of sandy beaches and forests perfect for exploration. Families love this island because it offers plenty of space, safe swimming spots, and activities for all ages. The atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming, without the crowds found at more famous destinations.
Oyster lovers will be in heaven here, as the island produces some of France’s finest shellfish. You can visit oyster farms, learn about cultivation methods, and taste incredibly fresh oysters straight from the water. The local seafood restaurants serve amazing dishes that showcase the ocean’s bounty.
History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring old fortifications and lighthouses scattered across the island. The famous Fort Boyard sits just offshore, visible from many beaches and instantly recognizable from television shows. Bike paths connect villages, making it easy to explore without a car. The island’s natural beauty and laid-back charm make it perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.
4. Ile de Porquerolles – Nature Lover’s Gem
Stepping off the boat feels like entering a protected paradise where nature comes first. Part of the Iles d’Hyeres, Porquerolles bans cars, leaving only bicycles and walking paths to explore its beauty. The island’s beaches feature water so clear and blue it seems almost unreal, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Pine and eucalyptus forests fill the air with wonderful scents as you bike along sandy trails. The island’s protected status means development is minimal, preserving its natural character and wildlife. You’ll find hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and viewpoints offering stunning Mediterranean vistas.
The small village near the harbor has cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local wines. Beaches like Plage Notre-Dame consistently rank among France’s most beautiful, with powdery white sand and shallow turquoise water. The island’s commitment to conservation makes it feel special and unspoiled. Spending a day here reminds you why protecting natural places matters so much.
5. Ile Sainte-Marguerite – Riviera History and Views
Just a short ferry ride from glamorous Cannes brings you to an island where history and nature blend perfectly. Ile Sainte-Marguerite offers a peaceful escape from the busy Riviera, with forest trails and quiet beaches. The island’s most famous feature is Fort Royal, a fortress with a mysterious past.
Legend says the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned here centuries ago, adding intrigue to your visit. You can tour the fort’s cells and museum, learning about this famous prisoner and the island’s military history. The views from the fortress walls stretch across the bay to Cannes and the surrounding coastline.
Eucalyptus and pine forests cover much of the island, providing shade for hiking trails that circle the shore. The beaches are less crowded than those on the mainland, perfect for swimming and picnicking. Watching sailboats glide past while enjoying the Mediterranean sun feels incredibly relaxing. This island proves you don’t need to travel far to find tranquility and beauty.
6. Ile Saint-Honorat – Peaceful Monastic Isle
Monks have called this tiny island home for over 1,600 years, creating a place of remarkable peace and spirituality. The monastery still operates today, and the monks produce wine, honey, and liqueur using traditional methods. Visiting feels like stepping back in time, away from modern distractions and noise.
The island is small enough to walk around in about an hour, but you’ll want to linger longer. Ancient chapels dot the landscape, each with its own story and architectural charm. The monastery’s fortified tower stands near the shore, built centuries ago to protect against pirate attacks.
You can attend services if you wish, or simply enjoy the tranquil gardens and coastal paths. The monks’ products are available for purchase, making unique souvenirs that support their community. The contrast between this peaceful island and nearby Cannes is striking and refreshing. Sometimes the best travel experiences come from slowing down and appreciating simplicity and serenity.
7. Belle-Ile-en-Mer – Dramatic Brittany Coast
Brittany’s largest island packs incredible scenery into its compact size, with cliffs that plunge dramatically into the Atlantic. Artists have been drawn here for centuries, inspired by the wild coastline and ever-changing light. The island’s beauty is raw and powerful, especially when waves crash against the rocks during storms.
Several beaches offer gentler spots for swimming and relaxing between exploring the rugged sections. The village of Le Palais welcomes visitors with colorful houses, restaurants serving fresh seafood, and a historic citadel. Biking is popular here, with routes connecting all the main sights and hidden corners.
Don’t miss the Aiguilles de Port-Coton, spectacular rock needles rising from the sea that inspired famous paintings. The island’s interior features charming hamlets, rolling fields, and quiet lanes perfect for wandering. Local galleries showcase work by artists who continue the island’s creative tradition. Belle-Ile truly lives up to its name, offering beautiful scenery that stays with you long after you leave.
8. Ile aux Moines – Gulf of Morbihan Jewel
Locals call this the Pearl of Morbihan, and one visit explains why perfectly. The island sits in a sheltered gulf where the water stays calm and inviting. Cars are rare here, making it ideal for cycling along quiet lanes lined with hydrangeas and traditional Breton houses.
The island’s small size means you can explore everything in a relaxed day, stopping for picnics and swims along the way. Gardens burst with flowers throughout the warmer months, adding splashes of color to every view. The atmosphere feels friendly and unhurried, with locals happy to share recommendations.
Several beaches offer safe swimming for families, with gentle slopes and clear water. The village has bakeries, cafes, and shops selling local crafts and treats. Watching the sunset from the western shore, with islands dotting the gulf, creates magical moments. This island reminds you that sometimes the best destinations are the ones where you can simply relax and enjoy life’s simple pleasures without rushing.
9. Ile d’Arz – Breton Island Charm
Smaller and quieter than its neighbor Ile aux Moines, this island attracts visitors seeking genuine peace and natural beauty. Coastal trails circle the entire island, offering constantly changing views of the gulf and surrounding islands. Walking these paths feels meditative, with only bird songs and gentle waves for company.
The island’s villages are tiny and charming, with stone houses and flower-filled gardens. Local restaurants serve simple, delicious food focusing on fresh seafood and regional specialties. The pace of life here is wonderfully slow, encouraging visitors to adopt the same relaxed rhythm.
Beaches are small and secluded, perfect for quiet contemplation or reading a good book. The island’s protected position in the gulf means the weather is often milder than the surrounding coast. Watching fishing boats come and go from the small harbor provides endless entertainment. If you’re tired of crowded tourist destinations and crave authentic experiences, this island offers exactly what you need to recharge.
10. Glenan Islands – Tahiti-Like Lagoon Waters
People often can’t believe these islands are in Brittany when they first see the water’s incredible turquoise color. The Glenan archipelago consists of several small islets surrounding a stunning lagoon that rivals tropical destinations. The sand is powder-white, and the water is so clear you can see the bottom even in deeper areas.
These islands are perfect for sailing, diving, and simply soaking up the sun on pristine beaches. A famous sailing school operates here, taking advantage of the excellent conditions and beautiful setting. The marine life is rich and diverse, making snorkeling and diving particularly rewarding.
Access is by boat only, which helps keep the islands relatively uncrowded and pristine. There are few facilities, so bring supplies and be prepared for a more rustic experience. The natural beauty is absolutely worth any minor inconveniences. Visiting feels like discovering a secret paradise that few people know about, even though it’s in France.
11. Ile d’Aix – Historic Atlantic Retreat
Napoleon spent his final days in France on this small island before exile to St. Helena, leaving behind fascinating history to explore. The island remains car-free, preserving its peaceful character and making it perfect for walking and cycling. Fortifications built centuries ago still stand, telling stories of France’s military past.
The main village has charming streets lined with whitewashed houses decorated with colorful hollyhocks. Museums dedicated to Napoleon and the island’s maritime history provide interesting rainy-day activities. The beaches are calm and family-friendly, with shallow water ideal for children.
Circling the island on foot takes about two hours, with plenty of spots to stop and admire the views. Local restaurants serve excellent seafood, especially mussels and oysters from nearby beds. The island’s small size and limited visitor numbers create an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Spending a night here lets you experience the island after day-trippers leave, when it becomes even more peaceful and magical.
12. Ile de Noirmoutier – Tidal Island Escape
Twice daily, the ocean reveals a magical road connecting this island to the mainland, only to swallow it again when tides return. The Passage du Gois is famous worldwide, attracting visitors who time their crossing carefully to avoid getting stranded. Watching the road appear and disappear with the tides feels almost mystical.
Beyond this natural wonder, the island offers beautiful beaches, salt marshes, and charming villages. The salt production here is traditional and fascinating to observe, with workers harvesting using centuries-old methods. You can visit salt pans, learn about the process, and buy fleur de sel to take home.
The island’s southern end features extensive beaches perfect for swimming, kite surfing, and beach games. Pine forests provide shade for picnics and afternoon naps. A medieval castle in the main town offers panoramic views and interesting historical exhibits. The combination of natural phenomena, traditional industries, and beach relaxation makes this island uniquely memorable and worth visiting.
13. Ile de Batz – Breton Garden and Lighthouse Island
A short ferry from Roscoff brings you to this small island where exotic gardens thrive in the mild maritime climate. The Georges Delaselle Garden showcases plants from around the world, creating a surprising tropical feel in northern Brittany. Palm trees and colorful flowers flourish here, protected from harsh winds by the island’s geography.
The lighthouse offers fantastic views after climbing its stairs, revealing the island’s layout and the surrounding coastline. Beaches scattered around the island provide quiet spots for swimming and sunbathing. The island’s compact size makes it easy to explore everything in a single day.
Local farmers grow famous vegetables, particularly potatoes and onions, which you’ll find in island restaurants. The village has a relaxed, authentic feel without tourist crowds or commercialization. Coastal paths offer lovely walks with ocean views and opportunities to spot seabirds. This island proves that small destinations can pack in diverse attractions, from botanical wonders to maritime heritage, all within easy reach.
14. Miquelon-Langlade – North Atlantic Wildscape
Few people realize France has territory near Newfoundland, making this one of the country’s most unusual and remote destinations. Miquelon-Langlade sits in the cold North Atlantic, where French and North American cultures blend in fascinating ways. The landscape is wild and windswept, with dramatic beauty that feels entirely different from Mediterranean islands.
The islands’ history involves fishing, smuggling during Prohibition, and Basque-Acadian heritage that still influences local culture. Colorful wooden houses line the streets, built in a style more common in Atlantic Canada than France. Wildlife viewing opportunities include seals, whales, and numerous seabirds.
Hiking trails cross rugged terrain, leading to deserted beaches and scenic viewpoints. The weather can be challenging, with fog and wind common, but that adds to the adventure. Local restaurants serve hearty food influenced by both French and North American traditions. Visiting requires planning and commitment, but adventurous travelers will find rewards in experiencing this unique corner of France.
15. L’Ile-des-Pins (Isle of Pines), New Caledonia – Tropical Paradise
Halfway around the world in the South Pacific, this French territory offers tropical paradise beyond most travelers’ wildest dreams. Towering Cook pines give the island its name, standing like natural skyscrapers above white sand beaches. The lagoon water glows in shades of blue so vivid they barely seem real.
Snorkeling and diving here reveal incredible coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and marine life. The island blends French and Melanesian cultures, creating unique traditions, food, and art. Local communities welcome visitors warmly, sharing their culture and island knowledge.
Beaches like Kuto and Kanumera consistently rank among the world’s most beautiful, with calm water perfect for swimming. The island’s interior features lush forests, caves with ancient rock art, and quiet trails. Getting here requires a long flight, but the journey is absolutely worthwhile for such extraordinary beauty. This island represents France’s incredible diversity, from Mediterranean shores to Pacific paradise, all under one flag.
