When you think of islands off the coast of mainland France, holiday hotspot Corsica, along with Jersey and Guernsey, are likely to spring to mind.

But as we reveal here, there are plenty more. France is ringed by a spectacular array of archipelagos and islets, some peppered with charming villages and others home to nothing but wildly beautiful flora and fauna.

Many of France's islands are rich in history, with past centuries seeing the arrival of pillaging pirates, English invaders, and the fierce combat of World War II.

What's more, time has seen certain French islands transform from barren outcrops to glamorous havens for the rich and famous, with five-star hotels, yacht-laden marinas and tennis courts taking root. 

Here, MailOnline Travel pools together some of the most fascinating - and idyllic - islands of mainland France. They're guaranteed to inspire wanderlust.

Picture-perfect isles that feature include the magical Mont Saint-Michel, which is crowned by a historical abbey, Ile d'If and its fascinating prison, and the island retreat where Napoleon spent his final days before he was exiled to Saint Helena.

Fort du Guesclin, Brittany 

Ile de Bendor, Provence

Ile Saint-Honorat, Provence

Ile d'If, Marseille, Provence

L'Ile d'Aix, Nouvelle-Aquitaine 

Ile de Brehat, Cotes-d'Armor 

Groix, Brittany

L’Ile de Noirmoutier, Pays de la Loire, west of Nantes 

Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy  

Tombelaine, Normandy 

Port-Cros, Hyeres, Provence 

Porquerolles, Hyeres, Provence

Belle-Ile-en-Mer, Brittany 

Ile d'Yeu, Vendee, western France

Cavallo, off the coast of Corsica

Ile de Re, Charente-Maritime, west coast

Ile d'Oleron, Nouvelle-Aquitaine 

Ile Callot, Brittany