The crossing to Porquerolles with a personal bicycle follows different pricing and logistical rules than those for a simple pedestrian passenger. The bicycle surcharge is a separate expense, charged independently of the passenger ticket, and the conditions vary depending on the ferry company and the chosen departure port.
Bicycle surcharge on the TLV-TVM shuttle: a separate pricing structure
The TLV-TVM company, which operates from the Tour Fondue dock in Giens, applies a bicycle surcharge separate from the passenger ticket. The round-trip fare is set at €17 for an adult bicycle and €14.50 for a child’s bicycle. This surcharge remains the same throughout the year, unlike the passenger ticket which fluctuates according to the season.
The passenger ticket ranges from €17.70 for a round trip in low season (November to March) to €24 in high season (May to September). A reduced fare is available for those under 26, seniors over 65, and people with reduced mobility. Preparing for a boat crossing to Porquerolles with a bicycle therefore requires combining these two pricing lines to estimate the actual budget.
For a couple traveling in high season with two adult bicycles, the total increases significantly compared to two simple pedestrian tickets. This two-tier pricing structure (passenger + bicycle) is not always clearly displayed on general booking platforms.
Long-distance shuttles to Porquerolles: higher bicycle fares from Le Lavandou or Sanary
Departures from more distant ports like Le Lavandou, Sanary, or Bandol involve longer crossings and often more restrictive bicycle policies. From Le Lavandou, the non-electric bicycle surcharge is €17.50, payable only on-site.
Bicycles with electric assistance incur an additional charge, which can be significant. Some companies outright refuse e-bikes beyond a certain weight, without this restriction always being mentioned during online booking.
Electric bicycle: check before boarding
The weight of an e-bike (often over 20 kg) poses handling constraints on the shuttles. The battery may also be subject to restrictions related to the maritime transport of hazardous materials. Contacting the company directly before the day of departure avoids any unpleasant surprises at the boarding dock.
- From Tour Fondue (TLV-TVM): fixed bicycle surcharge all year round, e-bikes generally accepted subject to weight.
- From Le Lavandou: bicycle surcharge of €17.50, payment on-site, possible restrictions on e-bikes and trailers.
- From Sanary or Bandol: longer crossing, variable bicycle surcharge depending on the company, limited spaces for two-wheelers.
Passenger ticket to Porquerolles: understanding the seasonality of fares
The TLV-TVM pricing structure distinguishes three seasonal tiers. The months from November to March correspond to low season with a round trip at €17.70. April and October form an intermediate period at €22. From May to September, the full fare reaches €24 for a round trip.
The bicycle surcharge does not follow this seasonal logic: it remains fixed regardless of the period. This particularity makes the low season months proportionally more expensive for cyclists, as the bicycle then represents a larger share of the total budget.
Multi-journey cards and subscriptions
For regular visitors, TLV-TVM offers a 10-journey card for €200 and a 25-journey card for €370. The annual card costs €1,060. These options pertain to the passenger ticket. The bicycle surcharge is added to each crossing, even with a subscription, which reduces its appeal for occasional cyclists.
Renting a bicycle on the island or bringing your own: concrete choice criteria
Porquerolles has several rental shops located in the village, just a few minutes from the port. Renting by the day allows you to avoid the boat surcharge and handling constraints. However, the cumulative cost over several days quickly exceeds that of a round-trip bicycle surcharge.
Bringing your own bicycle has advantages for cyclists who are particular about their setup or those who own a mountain bike suitable for the island’s trails. Porquerolles has a network of marked paths covering several dozen kilometers, with rugged sections where a well-tuned personal bicycle makes a difference.
- Rental on the island: no boat surcharge, limited choice in high season, standard bicycles often heavy and poorly maintained.
- Personal bicycle brought on board: fixed surcharge of €17 (adult), handling to be managed by oneself at the dock, total freedom on the type of bicycle.
- Personal e-bike: check acceptance by the company, plan battery charge for the day (no charging stations on the trails).
Boarding at Tour Fondue: anticipating parking
The Tour Fondue dock, located at the tip of the Giens peninsula, concentrates the majority of departures to Porquerolles. In summer, the parking fills up by mid-morning. Arriving with a bicycle fixed on a car bike rack complicates the search for a spot, as standard spaces are not always wide enough.
Parking further up the peninsula and cycling to the dock is an alternative that eliminates the parking problem. The distance from the center of Giens remains reasonable for a cyclist, and the road descends towards the tip.
The late return, charged at €22 per person with TLV-TVM (available only in July and August), allows you to avoid the crowd of the last standard boat. For cyclists, this option provides time to complete a full tour of the island before taking the shuttle in less stressful conditions.