9 French islands for the perfect getaway

Epic stays in our favorite places ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [French islands and Airbnbs]( French Islands To Add To Your Bucket List Easily accessible from the mainland, these islands, popular with the French but almost entirely unknown by foreign tourists, are the perfect destinations for a tranquil, beachy vacation. [FIND YOUR FRENCH ESCAPE]( [TikTok]( [Instagram]( Here at Matador, we're always looking for the best travel deals. We may receive a commission via affiliate links in this newsletter. Prices and availability can change at any time. [Île d’Ouessant][Île d’Ouessant]( Île d’Ouessant Ouessant Island is small, but there is lots to see, including archaeological sites, traditional windmills, and some of France’s most impressive lighthouses. There is also plenty to do, such as hiking alongside the island’s cliffs, looking for dolphins and seals, spending time on the beaches, or swimming in the island’s turquoise waters. [WHERE TO STAY]( [Île de Sein][Île de Sein]( Île de Sein The island is car-free, and the only way to get around is on foot (hiking poles aren't even allowed). The Goulenez lighthouse, the Saint-Guénolé church, and the prehistoric standing stones are the highlights of the island, but there are also a couple of museums to visit if you want to learn more about life on Sein. [WHERE TO STAY]( [Île de Groix][Île de Groix]( Île de Groix Groix Island has one claim to fame: It is home to la plage des Sables Blancs (i.e., White Sands Beach), the only known convex beach in Europe. No matter what your plans are for a trip to Groix, you need to check out this beach, whether for a swim or a simple walk. There are also 16 miles of hiking trails and 24 miles of trails taking you all around the island so you can admire the beauty of its coastline, lighthouses, beaches, and chapels. [WHERE TO STAY]( [Belle-Île-en-Mer][Belle-Île-en-Mer]( Belle-Île-en-Mer There are four towns on the island and enough beautiful beaches and scenery to keep you dazzled for days. The Vauban Citadel, the Grand Lighthouse, and the Port Cotton sea crags should be at the top of your must-see list during a stay on Belle-Île. [WHERE TO STAY]( [Île de Noirmoutier][Île de Noirmoutier]( Île de Noirmoutier There are a multitude of things to see and do in Noirmoutier, including visiting the fine-sand beaches, hiking and biking the many trails, walking among the magnificent pines of the protected Eloux forest, exploring the local bird reserve, and more. While getting around by car is allowed, biking is a great way to take in everything the area has to offer. [WHERE TO STAY]( [Corsica][Corsica]( Corsica The biggest island in France and most likely the sunniest of them all, Corsica is extremely popular with French tourists, especially in the summer. Diving is big in Corsica, as are mountain biking, horse riding, and canyoneering. Local culinary specialties include charcuterie, cheeses, citrus fruits, chestnut flour, and more, all of which you should make a point of trying. [WHERE TO STAY]( [Île d’Oléron][Île d’Oléron]( Île d’Oléron Linked to the mainland thanks to what used to be France’s longest bridge, Oléron Island is the second-biggest island in France after Corsica. Much like Ré Island, Oléron is famous for its oyster farms, salt marshes, beautiful beaches, sand dunes, forests (which cover 12 percent of the island), and vineyards. [WHERE TO STAY]( [Île de Ré][Île de Ré]( Île de Ré Whether by bike or on foot, there are salt marshes to visit, vineyards, forests, beaches, and more. The island also offers plenty of opportunities to spend time on and in the water by renting SUPs or taking surfing or sailing lessons, among other activities. Oysters, salt, small potatoes, and glassworts are local specialties you’d be remiss to pass on. [WHERE TO STAY]( [Île d’Yeu][Île d’Yeu]( Île d’Yeu The natural landscapes of the island, including its secluded beaches, dunes, and rocky cliffs, are where you’ll get your kicks, but the manmade structures, like the prehistoric sites, lighthouses, and the Old Castle on its rocky perch, are also worth visiting. [WHERE TO STAY]( Other French Favorites [French Airbnbs]( [French Airbnbs]( [French Airbnbs]( [French Airbnbs]( [French Airbnbs]( [French Airbnbs]( [French Airbnbs]( [French Airbnbs]( [French Airbnbs]( [French Airbnbs]( [French Airbnbs]( [EXPLORE MORE EPIC STAYS]( [View this email in your web browser]( (and bookmark for later) FOLLOW US AND FIND YOUR NEXT EPIC STAY [Instagram]( [TikTok]( [Pinterest]( [Threads]( Move this email to your primary inbox or add Hello@MatadorNetwork.com as a contact so you never miss an email from us. [Update your email frequency and topic preferences here]( or simply [unsubscribe](. We'll be here when you need us. Copyright © 2024 Matador Network, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Matador Network, PO Box 7775, Suite 40021, San Francisco, CA 94120, United States