Summary of Top Attractions in Hyères
A Provençal town ascending the steep slope of the Colline du Castéou, Hyères offers a delightful variety of experiences.
During the summer, its lovely sandy beaches provide an idyllic setting for water sports and relaxation by the sea, boasting exceptional conditions for sailing and diving.
For those interested in culture, the charming old town winds its way up the hill, and Hyères has served as inspiration for various artists throughout history.
Noteworthy figures such as Picasso, Giacometti, and Jean Cocteau spent time at Villa Noaille, perched above the town.
Moreover, the Giens Peninsula and the breathtaking Îles d’Hyères stand out as natural attractions not to be overlooked.
Let us explore the best activities to enjoy in Hyères:
1. Old Town
In the rush to reach the beaches and islands, numerous visitors overlook the historic center of Hyères, which is a regrettable oversight as it is a charming area to stroll through.
This is quintessential Provence, featuring vibrant bougainvillea, wooden shutters, local markets, and inviting restaurant terraces.
The quaint village-like atmosphere, combined with the absence of vehicles, is attributed to the steep terrain, resulting in curved streets that cling to the hillside.
These streets are intersected by Rue Portalet, leading uphill to Place Massillon.
This area is surrounded by ochre-colored walls of antiquated apartment buildings and a fortified chapel established by the Knights Templar.
2. Îles d’Hyères
By heading to the ferry terminal in Giens, one can embark on a remarkable journey across the well-known archipelago located to the south and east of the peninsula.
This group of islands boasts a diverse history, having been inhabited by figures ranging from nobility, monks, to soldiers and pirates.
Porquerolles, the largest island, spans seven by three kilometers and offers numerous paths to explore on foot.
Visitors will find deep pine forests, rugged hills, southern cliffs, and inviting northern beaches.
Furthermore, Port-Cros, situated further east, is a tranquil and remote island that was designated as a national park in the 1960s and is recognized as an essential bird sanctuary.
The most secluded island, Le Levant, is shared by naturists and the French military.
3. Château d’Hyères
The oldest districts of Hyères are found on the slopes of the Colline du Castéou, which rises sharply to nearly 200 meters in elevation.
At the summit, visitors can view the spectral remains of the medieval castle, believed to have originated around the 10th century.
This fortress was the residence of the Lords of Fos and Counts of Provence, and it attracted French royalty during the 16th century: Francis I in 1530 and Charles IX in 1564. The castle has remained in ruins since the French Wars of Religion, following a siege by Henri IV that endured for five long months.
Consequently, the panoramic views from this location are breathtaking, and there are designated platforms offering stunning vistas over the wooded Maurettes hills to the north.
4. Plage de l’Almanarre
Recognized as one of the finest beaches in France, Plage de l’Almanarre stretches across five kilometers on the western side of the Giens Peninsula.
The beach features soft, pale sands along shallow waters, making it a delightful spot during the summer months.
During days when the Mistral wind is prevalent in early winter and spring, swimming is typically discouraged.
Instead, dramatic whitecaps form, and the waters are adorned with the sails of yachts and windsurfers.
However, from June to September, conditions become significantly calmer, allowing visitors to find secluded spots along the shore.
5. Villa Noailles
A pioneering example of modernist architecture, Villa Noaille was commissioned in the 1920s by Robert Mallet-Stevens for wealthy art patrons Charles and Mary-Laure de Noailles.
This couple supported numerous artistic endeavors, welcoming 20th-century luminaries such as Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso, and Man Ray within its walls.
Its striking design, characterized by sharp angles and concrete walls, garnered significant attention upon its completion.
The villa is situated in a prime location, near the highest point of the town, offering expansive views of the area.
Visitors can explore the Cubist Garden designed by Gabriel Guevrekian and enjoy various exhibitions and annual events, including the Festival of Fashion and Photography each July.
6. Ancient Olbia
Founded in the 4th century BC by Greek colonists from Phocaea, this ancient settlement is located near the top of Plage de l’Almanarre.
Olbia served as both a trading and defensive outpost for the larger colony now known as Marseille.
Visitors can explore the archaeological site independently or participate in a guided tour to learn about the various civilizations that have occupied the area.
Archaeologists have uncovered fascinating information regarding the organization of Phocean towns, revealing fortifications, dwellings, wells, religious sanctuaries, and even sewage systems.
7. Giens
The Giens peninsula represents the southernmost point of Provence, situated at the same latitude as northern Corsica.
At its base, Giens features pine-covered hills and is connected to the mainland by lengthy, parallel sandy spits adjacent to a vast expanse of ponds and salt marshes.
These wetlands serve as a critical sanctuary for a variety of bird species and migratory beings.
On the western side, the beach offers idyllic scenery, which will be discussed further below.
For those who enjoy hiking, a path encircles the coastline, passing isolated beaches, rocky outcroppings, and coves, providing unforgettable views of the nearby islands.
From the western edge, one can observe ferries and military vessels as tiny dots in the expansive Toulon roadstead.
8. Parc Saint-Bernard
Given that Hyères emerged as a wealthy town due to palm plantations, visiting its exquisite gardens is a must.
Situated on the slopes beneath Villa Noaille, Parc Saint-Bernard was also designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens and features steep stairways leading to terraced stone areas.
The gardens are home to fragrant Mediterranean plants such as lavender, myrtle, and rosemary, alongside numerous exotic species including acacia, begonia, and angel’s trumpet.
Visiting during springtime, when many plants are in bloom, offers stunning views of Hyères itself with its terracotta rooftops and the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
9. Tour des Templiers
Positioned in Place Massillon is a sturdy tower that once served as part of a Knights Templar commandery.
During its prime, it encompassed various structures, including a barn, cellar, mill, and furnace, with this remaining tower being the solitary feature dating back to the 1100s.
The interior houses two chapels, each on different floors beneath a terraced roof.
After the suppression of the Knights Templar, the tower eventually became town property.
Nowadays, it hosts temporary art exhibitions, and visitors may ascend the narrow, dark stairway for breathtaking views of Hyères’ old town as well as the picturesque coastline.
10. Parc Olbius-Riquier
This expansive park was bequeathed to the town in 1868, and shortly thereafter it was designated for the study and cultivation of tropical species viable on French soil.
Consequently, the park became an extension of the Jardin d’Acclimatation in Paris, with a legacy visible through the presence of over 2,000 species of trees and cacti from across the globe. Even an experienced botanist may struggle to identify all the unique species here.
The park is also popular with families due to its zoo, which features deer, goats, monkeys, and parrots.
11. Plage de la Bergerie
The eastern coastline of the Giens peninsula is the more developed side, featuring small holiday communities and campsites.
Consequently, the facilities here are slightly superior when compared to those at Plage de l’Almanarre.
For families on vacation or those seeking a lively atmosphere, Plage de la Bergerie may be an ideal choice.
Similar to L’Almanarre, it stretches out for four kilometers; however, it enjoys protection from the Mistral wind, making it a preferable option on windy days.
As you relax, the Îles d’Hyères provide a stunning backdrop to your view.
12. Watersports
Whether your preference lies in jet-skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, canoeing, kitesurfing, or sailing, you will find plenty of opportunities in Hyères.
For more experienced individuals, spring and autumn present an exciting, albeit occasionally challenging, time to venture out onto the waves due to the intensity of the northwesterly Mistral wind.
Should you wish to remain on solid ground, you can observe the action as Hyères has been part of the ISAF Sailing World Cup circuit every year since its inception in 2008. The races typically occur during the last weekend of April, among seven notable sailing events and regattas hosted in these waters.
13. Diving
Dive shops are plentiful in Hyères, and competition is so intense that selecting a provider may prove challenging.
This abundance stems from Hyères being ranked among the premier scuba diving spots in Europe, attributed to its diverse underwater landscape.
The Giens peninsula features underwater caves, while the waters surrounding Port-Cros fall within a Natural Park, rich in marine life.
With over 40 diverse dive sites ranging from significant underwater drop-offs to wrecks, both seasoned divers and those new to the sport will find exceptional opportunities to explore the depths.
14. Notre-Dame de Consolation
A prominent sanctuary was located here prior to 1944; however, it was destroyed during the war.
A modern replacement was completed in 1952, notable for the involvement of avant-garde sculptor Jean Lambert-Rucki, who was associated with the Union des Artistes Modernes alongside Robert Mallet-Stevens.
Renowned glassmaker Gabriel Loire contributed with the stunning southern window that narrates the history of Hyères.
As anticipated, the site offers majestic views, complemented by an informational board highlighting various landmarks on the skyline.
15. Côtes de Provence
When considering a drink that epitomizes Provence, rosé wine readily comes to mind, alongside Pastis.
The good news is that there are 17 estates to explore around Hyères.
Two of these are situated on Porquerolles Island, such as Domaine Perzinsky, where one can tour the vineyard and winery while sampling their offerings.
Most of these estates are boutique operations, often operated by families for generations.
