Île de Porquerolles

Despite the huge influx of day trippers (up to 6000 a day in July and August, joining similar numbers staying on the island), beautiful Porquerolles somehow remains unspoilt. Two-thirds of its sandy white beaches, pine woods, maquis and eucalyptus are protected by the Parc National de Port-Cros, and a wide variety of indigenous and tropical flora thrive, including Requien's larkspur, which grows nowhere else in the world. April and May are the best months to spot some of the 114 bird species.