Located in the Var, Hyères is the southernmost town in Provence. It is an ideal place for enjoying all the pleasures of the seaside at the same time as discovering its natural surroundings and rich maritime and historical heritage.
Hyères has 2,400 years of history to taken in! First of all, start by exploring the historic heart of the town: the medieval quarter, dominated by the château on Castéou Hill, and its network of cobbled lanes. In the 19th century, palaces with daring architecture were built on top of the remains of the town’s old fortified walls. Around that time, Hyères became a first-class tourist destination and a winter health resort renowned for its spa therapies. Prestigious palaces and villas gradually appeared all over the town, which became popular with wealthy royals and celebrities. Marvel at the Grand Hôtel and the Moorish villas which attest to the trend for Eastern aesthetics, and compare these with the modernism of the Noailles Villa. From the archaeological site of Olbia to the Anglican church and the Tower of the Templers, Hyères harbours no end of buildings that would love nothing more than to tell you their story.
Blessed with a sunny yet fairly mild climate, Hyères and its surroundings are also great for plant life. The most unusual sight among these is without a doubt the palm trees that now line its parks and avenues, infusing the garden-like town with an irresistible exotic atmosphere. Go for a wander through some of the remarkable gardens, particularly those at Castel Sainte-Claire, where the flower-filled plantations will take you on journeys to South America and Australia. Keep exploring with a walk through the local markets to see and sample their local produce.
No matter where you look, it is impossible to dissociate Hyères from its incredible maritime riches: get up close to dolphins, step on board an old sailing ship or lose yourself in the underwater world of the peninsulas of Giens and Porquerolles. This also means, of course, that it’s a great place for lovers of nautical sports and leisure!
Whether you stay on solid ground or head out to sea, there are so many ways to enjoy Hyères.
