{"ok":true,"data":{"id":6007,"slug":"plage-de-la-courtade-porquerolles","name":"Plage de la Courtade","country":"France","state":"Var","city":"Porquerolles","coords":{"lat":42.9992,"lng":6.2158},"beachType":"Sandy","tags":["famous","island","family","scenic","sun bathing"],"article":{"hero":"The ferry from La Tour Fondue deposits you at Porquerolles village, where bicycles outnumber motors and the loudest sound is the clink of pastis glasses. A ten-minute pedal northeast through fragrant maquis brings you to La Courtade, the island's longest accessible strand. Fine blond sand stretches in a gentle arc, backed by a band of umbrella pines whose resinous scent mingles with salt air.\n\nThe seabed slopes so gradually that children wade out fifty feet while you still stand knee-deep. Water temperatures climb to 24°C by July, turning the shallows into a bathtub tinted every shade between mint and lapis. Families claim spots under rented parasols near the beach club, while couples spread blankets farther along where pine shade meets sand. The seafloor is clean sand—no rocks, no urchins—making this the island's safest swimming.\n\nBy late afternoon, the day-trippers cycle back to catch the last ferry, and the beach empties. Locals arrive with coolers and paperbacks, settling in for the golden hour when the light turns the pines amber and the water glows. A beach attendant rakes the sand smooth each morning, erasing yesterday's footprints, and the ritual begins again.","teaser":"You step off the ferry onto an island without cars, rent a bicycle, and pedal through eucalyptus groves to reach this crescent of fine sand. The water here stays shallow for thirty meters, warming under the Provençal sun, while umbrella pines cast dappled shade along the dunes.","uniqueAngle":"The island's only car-free beach reachable by bicycle, where shallow sand-bottomed water warms like a lagoon.","accessType":"Bicycle from ferry","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"swim","title":"Wade the shallows","subtitle":"Warm knee-deep water for meters"},{"icon":"sun","title":"Pine-shade lounging","subtitle":"Natural canopy meets the dunes"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Cycle island trails","subtitle":"Rent bikes at the port"},{"icon":"food","title":"Beach-club lunch","subtitle":"Grilled dorade under the pines"}],"audience":{"surfer":"This isn't your wave. La Courtade faces northeast into the Rade d'Hyères, sheltered from any meaningful swell by the mainland and the Giens Peninsula. The fetch is too short, the bay too protected. On rare windy days you might catch ankle-high ripples, but you're better off keeping your board strapped to the ferry and heading to the south-facing beaches near Plage d'Argent or Notre-Dame, where swells occasionally wrap around the island's exposed flanks.","couples":"Book a room at Le Mas du Langoustier on the island's western tip and bicycle here for morning swims before crowds arrive. The beach club, L'Oursinière, serves whole grilled fish and chilled rosé under a pergola—reserve a table for lunch, then nap in the pine shade. Skip sunset here; the beach faces east. Instead, cycle to Fort Sainte-Agathe at dusk, then return to the village for bouillabaisse at L'Escale and a moonlit walk along the port.","backpacker":"Wild camping is forbidden, but Camping de la Pascalinette near Plage d'Argent runs €12 per tent in low season. The ferry from La Tour Fondue costs €20 round-trip; leave your pack at the port's consigne (€2). Beach entry is free. Grab a jambon-beurre and peach from the village Spar (€6 total), fill your bottle at public fountains, and you've got a full beach day. The last ferry leaves at 18:30 in summer—miss it and you're sleeping rough.","local":"Arrive after 17:00 when the last ferry exodus empties the sand and the light turns honey-colored. The northeast corner, where the pines lean closest to the water, stays shaded until noon—locals claim it on scorching July mornings. In September, when the mistral blows, this beach stays calm while the southern strands turn choppy. The beach club's chef sources line-caught loup de mer from Hyères fishermen; ask what came in that morning.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Yes, Plage de la Courtade is very safe and ideal for families. As the closest major beach to Porquerolles village, it often has more supervision and fellow beachgoers nearby. The waters are calm and shallow near shore with a gentle sandy slope, perfect for children. The beach's south-facing position provides protection from northern winds. During peak season, the popularity means assistance is readily available if needed. The sandy bottom has few hazards, though always supervise children. The combination of accessibility, shallow water, and proximity to village facilities makes this the safest choice for families visiting Porquerolles.","q":"Is Plage de la Courtade safe for families and swimming?"},{"a":"Plage de la Courtade is the island's busiest beach due to its proximity to the ferry port, so timing matters significantly. Arrive before 10 AM to secure a good spot, especially June through August. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Shoulder seasons (May, early June, and September) offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds. Late afternoon after 4 PM sees some day-trippers departing. The beach is less crowded than it once was due to ferry visitor limits, but remains popular. Early morning visits also provide the calmest water before afternoon breezes develop.","q":"When should I visit Plage de la Courtade to avoid crowds?"},{"a":"Plage de la Courtade is the most accessible beach on Porquerolles, located just 800 meters (roughly half a mile) from the main ferry port. The walk takes only 10-15 minutes along a well-marked, flat path through the village and along the coast. You can also rent a bicycle near the port and reach the beach in 5 minutes. The route is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including families with small children. Clear signage directs visitors from the port. This easy accessibility makes it the default choice for day-trippers and those seeking minimal walking.","q":"How far is Plage de la Courtade from the Porquerolles ferry dock?"},{"a":"Plage de la Courtade offers the best facilities among Porquerolles beaches. You'll find seasonal beach clubs and restaurants directly on the sand during summer months, serving lunch and refreshments. Restroom facilities are available nearby. The proximity to Porquerolles village (10-minute walk) means full access to restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and small grocery stores for supplies. Beach equipment rentals may be available seasonally. Shaded areas under pine trees border parts of the beach. The combination of on-beach dining options and nearby village amenities makes this the most convenient beach for services and facilities.","q":"What facilities and restaurants are available at Plage de la Courtade?"},{"a":"Plage de la Courtade serves as Porquerolles' primary beach due to its exceptional accessibility and size. Its position just minutes from the ferry port makes it the first beach most visitors encounter. The long, wide sandy stretch provides ample space even during busy periods. The combination of easy access, gentle swimming conditions, scenic pine forest backdrop, and proximity to village services creates an ideal introduction to the island. While not as remote as other beaches, its convenience and family-friendly nature make it essential for day visitors with limited time to explore the island.","q":"What makes Plage de la Courtade the main beach of Porquerolles?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Plage de la Courtade: Porquerolles' Golden Sand Shore","description":"Pine-fringed crescent of blonde sand meets turquoise shallows on Porquerolles island. Calm waters, easy village access, and Mediterranean sun await families.","ogImage":"/api/place-photo?ref=Ab43m-v-kpIzzclnJXnwSCnpa9jUG8C9eOKcypTSEoGx60P-pCDH8imw4Ai4Pa3h8vOqsiUZkj8TTlHrUm7OzCDARNmJY47vhIngESOtdoG96FgwYBf8qdA7jT73_T0rfE9FQRY4Jty6FlRpTFJd-PfTQtY02lzNy61TWSQRX0eShvwp0KdhXBb7jGXBpRCirno2odqGAqtxg22ieWRBDmSJocdaDB3EauasrrtQDi4L94DZy27Iq9uap6zCmhts9LRrW8JZtlU8_ojQMxQ9hUDHvyv0T2ypa1Rqb3Q3fgp1qCzmj_Ny3Vp55MlKrbt9llOsUPcp-WeFwS5xoVeybPT1RekR6dhs4P1eAr_h8Mk1R8yVygmaOwOxEgMF8prFutwosIFdzjzC4AuuB7xIEVUrrpwM4dDvPQJiI2a28rxEphNDUA&w=1600"},"images":[]}}