The islands of Parc National de Port-Cros are particularly sensitive to wildfires. The mistral and thermal breezes often blow there more strongly than on the mainland and there are practically no rivers capable of bringing a bit of humidity. If we add to that the isolation from the mainland, which inevitably complicates the organization of rescue services, we understand why protection against wildfires is a major issue for the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros.
During the summer season, the prefecture determines a risk level in connection with Météo France and the firefighters.
Green or yellow: conditions are normal, the risk of fire is low and you can walk in the massifs without any worries.
Orange: the fire risk is severe. Access remains possible but it is not recommended.
Red: Very severe risk / access is prohibited on trails and in the massif, except for certain exceptions.
Black / extreme risk: Access is prohibited on trails and in the massif, except for certain rarer exceptions.
Here is the fire risk level for Porquerolles and Port-Cros:
In case of red/very severe or black/extreme risk, only part of the north of the island is accessible: the village, the port, and nearby farmland.
Only the three beaches d'Argent, of la Courtade and Notre Dame remain accessible.
Access to the beaches black and white of the Langoustier, to the cove of Brégançonnet and that of the Galère is prohibited. All trails, with the exception of those that allow access to the three open beaches, are closed.
Port-Cros is smaller and even more fragile than Porquerolles. It is really not recommended to go there for a walk on days classified as red and black because access there is very limited.
On a red day, the entire island is closed except for the hamlet and the trail that allows access to the cove of la Fausse Monnaie and the plage du Sud. The best-known beach, that of la Palud is then forbidden to access.
On a black day, the entire island is closed except for the hamlet, from which you are not allowed to leave.
