Hyères

Discover Hyères les Palmiers, a charming town in the Var

Are you looking for a destination that combines dream beaches, wild islands, and medieval heritage? Hyères offers all of this and more. This pretty town in the Var is located twenty kilometers east of Toulon on the French Riviera.

The seaside resort of Hyères-les-Palmiers attracts visitors with its palm trees lining the streets. The medieval old town climbs the Castéou hill to the castle ruins. You will also discover gardens labeled “Jardin remarquable” (Remarkable Garden), the Villa Noailles for contemporary art, and the archaeological site of Olbia, which bears witness to 2,400 years of history.

The Mediterranean climate guarantees sunshine almost all year round. There is no shortage of sporting activities: diving, sailing, hiking on the coastal trails. The local markets will introduce you to the flavors of Provence.

The history of Hyères

Hyères, city of palm trees, was for many years the favorite seaside resort of celebrities and part of the intellectual and bourgeois elite. Magnificent early 20th-century mansions still stand around the old town as a testament to this era.

Hyères is ideally located opposite the island of Porquerolles

Its major asset is the three islands of Hyères: Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant. You can reach them by boat from La Tour Fondue on the Giens peninsula. These islands offer white sandy beaches and turquoise waters that you will never forget. The Port-Cros National Park protects an exceptional natural environment.

Things to do in Hyères

Here are a few ideas for activities in Hyères:

Enjoy the beach in Hyères

There are several beautiful beaches in Hyères. We particularly like Pesquiers beach, which is quite secluded and peaceful. You have to walk through a pretty pine forest to reach it, and it's a little less crowded than the other beaches. The location is pleasant and the Mediterranean Sea is heavenly. The beaches of Ayguade and Almanarre are also sublime.

Sailing or boat trips between Hyères and Porquerolles

It is a great pleasure to go boating on the turquoise waters of Porquerolles Island, sailing between Fort Brégançon, Hyères, and Porquerolles. Here is our selection of highly professional local guides and skippers who will give you a dream half-day or full-day on the water in Porquerolles. We have also selected a great guide who will take you on a tour of the region's most beautiful vineyards. It will be an unforgettable moment of your vacation in Hyères!

The Castle of Hyères

The magnificent Castle of Hyères dates back to the 11th century and dominated the entire city in the Middle Ages. Its ramparts and towers tell the story of the Lords of Fos who controlled the region from this strategic promontory. Today, from these ruins perched on Castéou Hill, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire bay of Hyères, the Îles d'Or, and the Massif des Maures.

Hiking on the Giens Peninsula

The coastal path circles the entire Giens Peninsula, covering 35 kilometers. You walk along the sea, alternating between cliff passages and hidden coves. The route also crosses the Mediterranean forest with its pine trees and scrubland.

This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Var. From the heights, you can see the Îles d'Or offshore and the entire bay as far as Cap Bénat. From the port of La Madrague to La Badine beach, you can hike for about 4 hours.

The Hyères market

The Hyères farmers' market takes place every Tuesday morning on Place de la République. It's a lovely market in the Var where you can stock up on delicious Provençal produce and local crafts. It's a great opportunity to visit Hyères after the market.

Our map of Hyères

To help you find your way around Hyères, we have provided an interactive map of the town on this page. We have included all the town's points of interest (Saint Paul's Collegiate Church, town hall, port, etc.) as well as the accommodation we recommend in the town.

This will allow you to locate them before booking your vacation in this beautiful Provençal town.