Escape to the enchanting island of Porquerolles with an exclusive private excursion offered by Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel. Nestled off the coast of Provence, Porquerolles is a pristine gem within the Iles d’Hyères archipelago, renowned for its unspoiled beauty and serene ambiance. A stark contrast to the bustling French Riviera, the island boasts a captivating landscape of dramatic cliffs with picturesque inlets, rolling vineyards, and dense pine forests.
At the heart of Porquerolles lies Domaine de l’Ile, a prestigious wine estate renowned for its exceptional organic wines. The estate’s unique terroir, a blend of clay and limestone soils, infuses the grapes with distinctive characteristics, resulting in aromatic wines that truly embody the island’s essence. Since 2019, Domaine de l’Ile has been part of the Chanel House, dedicated to sustainable viticulture, employing environmentally friendly methods to preserve the island’s natural beauty.
Embark on a memorable journey that begins with a helicopter flight from Monaco to Hyeres, a charming mainland town serving as the gateway to the archipelago. After a 35-minute flight, a taxi will transport you to Hyeres harbor, where a private taxi boat awaits to ferry you to Porquerolles.
Upon arrival, Pierre Etcheberry, the Estate Manager of Domaine de l’Ile, will welcome you with a warm greeting and a personalized tour of the island in his iconic open-top Citroën Méhari, offering a breezy summer experience to fully immerse yourself in the island’s captivating scenery.
Accompanying you throughout the trip is Alessandro Nigro Imperiale, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat’s sommelier, who holds the esteemed titles of Best Sommelier of Italy 2022 and Sommelier of the Year 2023 by Gault & Millau. Alessandro will share his extensive wine knowledge, enriching your appreciation of the Domaine’s exquisite offerings.
The island tour meanders through picturesque Mediterranean landscapes, with rolling hills and lush vegetation offering breathtaking sea views. You will visit Notre Dame, one of Porquerolles’ most beautiful beaches, characterized by its spacious bay, powdery white sand, and crystal-clear waters. The tour continues through vineyard landscapes interspersed with olive and wild fig trees, where glimpses of the shimmering sea occasionally peek through the scenery.
Pierre will captivate you with tales of the island’s rich history and provide insights into the Domaine’s meticulous wine production methods. Embracing the island’s slow pace, the Domaine meticulously tends each vine, hand-pruning and harvesting to produce exceptional wines. This artisanal approach reflects the dedication and care invested in every grape.
Explore the estate and indulge in a delightful al fresco lunch overlooking the vineyards. The chef prepares delectable Mediterranean dishes using fresh vegetables from the estate’s kitchen garden and fresh fish sourced from a trusted local fisherman, such as seabass and red mullet, prepared in vibrant summer recipes.
Complement your three-course meal with your preferred vintage from the Domaine’s selection of whites and rosés, showcasing the Mediterranean flavors and aromas. After a leisurely lunch, you will return to Hyeres by boat and fly back to Monaco by helicopter, concluding your exclusive adventure with a return to the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat.
