The crossing to Porquerolles from the Giens peninsula takes about twenty minutes. Bringing your own bike incurs an additional fee on the ticket, which varies depending on the type of bike (muscle or electric). Understanding this pricing structure before booking avoids unpleasant surprises at the Tour Fondue ticket office.
Bike Supplement on the Shuttle: Muscle, Electric, Trailer
The round-trip passenger ticket to Porquerolles and the bike supplement are two separate line items on the invoice. The TLV-TVM company, the main operator from the Tour Fondue, charges 17 euros for the transport of an adult bike and 14.50 euros for a child bike for a round trip.
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To properly anticipate the boat fares to Porquerolles, it is also important to distinguish bikes according to their motorization. Departing from Lavandou, the pricing structure clearly separates the categories: a non-electric bike or a trailer costs an additional 17.50 euros, while an electric bike (battery must be removed) costs 38.50 euros. This difference is explained by weight, bulk, and handling constraints on board.
Bike tickets are sometimes only available for purchase on-site, not online. Checking this point when booking the passenger ticket prevents being stuck at boarding without cash or a card.
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Passenger Ticket and Open Return: Understanding the Process
The standard round-trip ticket from the Tour Fondue starts at 24 euros per adult. The reduced fare applies to young people aged 4 to under 26, seniors over 65, large families, and people with reduced mobility, upon presentation of proof. Children under 4 travel for free.
A technical detail changes how to plan the day: the return is in an “open” format. When booking, only the outbound schedule is set. The return can be on any shuttle of the day, or even another day, without time constraints. Tickets remain non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
E-ticket and QR Code
Online purchases generate a QR code to be presented directly at the boat access. This e-ticket is valid for all crossings during the chosen time slot for the outbound journey. Groups traveling at different times must make separate reservations, even if they depart on the same day.
Ticket sales at the maritime station counters remain possible for cash, checks, or ANCV checks.
Shuttle from Le Lavandou or Water Taxi: Alternatives from the Tour Fondue
The Tour Fondue, in Giens, concentrates the majority of departures to Porquerolles. Two other options are worth considering depending on the starting point of the journey.
- The Le Lavandou – Porquerolles shuttle offers a longer crossing but avoids the overcrowded parking of the Giens peninsula during peak season. The bike supplements are slightly different from those at the Tour Fondue.
- Departures exist from the Toulon harbor and other points along the Var coast, with longer crossing times and different rates.
- The water taxi is an option for small groups or staggered schedules. Late shuttles are offered at 22 euros for a one-way trip from the Tour Fondue, outside of regular service hours.
The choice of departure port also determines the parking situation. In Giens, spaces fill up early in the morning in July-August. Arriving at least an hour before the scheduled boarding remains the only reliable safety margin.
Low Season: What Changes for Booking and Bikes
The pricing structure and booking methods are not the same throughout the year. In low season (approximately November to February), online booking and internet sales are suspended at TLV-TVM. Tickets can only be purchased at the counter on the same day.
The frequency of shuttles also decreases significantly off-season. The number of daily trips is reduced, which leaves less flexibility for the “open” return. Bringing a bike remains possible, but the loading capacity on less frequent shuttles can pose a space issue during peak weekend hours, even in winter.
Renting a Bike on the Island or Bringing Your Own: Pricing Comparison
Porquerolles has several bike rental shops located in the village, just a few minutes from the port. Renting by the day allows you to avoid the transport supplement and the handling constraints at boarding.
The decision depends on the length of stay and the type of bike:
- For a day with a muscle bike, the shuttle supplement (17 euros round trip) often competes with the cost of a daily rental on-site. Comparing the two before leaving helps make a decision.
- For an electric bike, the supplement of 38.50 euros frequently exceeds the cost of renting an e-bike on the island. Unless you have a particular attachment to your own bike, renting on-site is more economical.
- For a stay of several days, bringing your bike becomes cost-effective from the second day, as the shuttle supplement is only paid once.
Island rental shops generally offer half-day and full-day packages, with ranges from classic mountain bikes to electric bikes. Reservations in high season are recommended: stocks deplete quickly, especially for e-bikes.
The total budget for a day in Porquerolles with a bike thus consists of three items: the passenger ticket, the bike supplement (or the rental on-site), and parking if departing from the Tour Fondue. Adding these three items before booking provides a clear view of the actual cost of the outing.