This Season at Fondation Carmignac at Porquerolles

My visit to Fondation Carmignac, the newly-opened art centre at Porquerolles, last year was by far my favourite outing of 2018. I was lucky to get there just before it closed for winter, when lots of the exhibits went back to Paris.

The centre re-opened with fresh artworks, on April 13th, and tickets are already available on their website. However, if you do want to visit, pre-booking is essential as only 50 people are allowed inside each half hour.

Fondation Carmignac Porquerolles

Originally, the Fondation Carmignac was established as a corporate foundation in 2000. Today there are now over 300 artists’ works in the collection. In addition, the Foundation provides an annual photojournalism award, valued at 50,000 Euros, to the successful applicant. Read Foundation Carmignac Modern Art Another Reason to Visit Porquerolles for the backstory on this fabulous art centre.

Fondation Carmignac (website)
Open to the public daily from April through November from 10h until sunset
Guided tours from Tuesday – Sunday at 14h
The ferry port is about a 10-minute walk
Buy your tickets here

To Visit Porquerolles

Porquerolles is the largest of the three Îles d’Hyères or Les Îles d’Or (Golden Islands), and well worth the visit for many reasons. Since 1963, the archipelago is a protected, natural environment named le Parc national de Port-Cros. The Park covers 1700 hectares (ha) of lands, 2900 ha of marine surfaces and includes many species of birds, reptiles and aquatic life.

Visiting Porquerolles requires some planning as you must take a ferry to get there. There are a couple of options for shuttles all year round, but in high season it’s a good idea to book in advance. Take the boat outside Hyères at Giens Port de La Tour Fondue or from Le Lavandou.