Visit Hyères: the 6 must-sees

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Hyères

Where can you stay in Hyères? From the comfort of a hotel room to the friendliness of a guest house, find the perfect accommodation for visiting Hyères.

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Tous les restaurants à Hyères

Les musées à Hyères

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L’agenda des évènements à Hyères

1. Go back in time at the archaeological site of Olbia

Perched on its promontory overlooking the Grande Bleue, the archaeological site of Olbia has survived the centuries to bear witness to the town’s ancient past. Step back in time with a visit to this ancient fortified settlement, once populated by fishermen, farmers and soldiers.

These remains dating from the 4th century invite you to imagine the thermal baths, shops and alleyways that once made up the town. A real leap into the past! You can choose to visit with a guide or on your own. Have you chosen the second option? Explanatory panels will help you to discover all the secrets of the ancient fortified town, at your own pace. Are you hooked?

Find out more about the archaeological site of Olbia!

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2. Stroll through the narrow streets of Hyères

Pure Côte d’Azur! This is what awaits you as you wander through the narrow streets of Hyères. Narrow, flower-filled and colourful, they are a true cliché of Provence. The old town of Hyères has everything you could want: sumptuous buildings, a village atmosphere, local craft shops and colourful shutters.

From the Templar Tower to the ramparts of the old fortress and the church of Saint-Louis, it’s the monuments of Hyères that will first pique your curiosity. Each building plays on its charms to win you over. Which visit will catch your eye?

Speaking of temptations, there’s one that rivals the local heritage. It’s the big market on the Iles d’Or! Visiting Hyères on a Saturday morning allows you to succumb to the simple pleasures of this gourmet mecca. Here, colourful stalls and enchanting fragrances combine to awaken your senses. Honey, olives, seasonal fruit… Fill your basket as you make your way through the aisles!

Find out more about the markets in Hyères!

3. Reveal your artistic soul at the Villa Noaille

Good news for lovers of contemporary art! Your visit to Hyères continues in a veritable artists’ haven. From the old town, climb up to the Villa Noailles, built by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens in the 1920s. Just a stone’s throw from the château, the site is a veritable treasure trove of sights not to be missed.

Push open the doors of the villa and follow in the footsteps of Giacometti, Man Ray, Jean Cocteau and Salvador Dali. From the first moment you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the charm of this jewel of modern architectural heritage. Fashion, design, photography, architecture: exhibitions and festivals take place throughout the year, much to the delight of curious passers-by!

To round off your visit, the garden offers a breathtaking view of Hyères and the Golden Isles, a veritable ode to Cubism. It’s a green setting that’s a pleasure to stroll around!

Find out more about the Villa Noailles!

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4. Aim for the moon at the Pic des Fées Observatory

As night falls, head out for an evening under the stars. Overlooking the Giens peninsula and the Golden Isles, the Pic des Fées Observatory is the ideal refuge for those with a passion for beautiful discoveries. It’s the perfect opportunity to contemplate the sky in the best possible conditions!

As budding astronomers, try out the telescopes and cameras at your disposal. A team of enthusiasts will be on hand to help you take your first steps, every Friday evening from October to June. It’s a great way to discover Hyères in a different way! In summer, the nocturnes guarantee a special moment with your head in the stars. Planets, constellations, the Milky Way… the sky will hold no secrets for your whole family!

Find out more about the Pic des Fées Observatory!

5. Stroll along the Arts Trail

It’s impossible to get bored of a stroll through the centre of Hyères! Put your trainers back on for another stroll. This time, there’s no more wandering around and stumbling upon random finds, as the Parcours des Arts invites you to follow the signposts up and down the steep streets of the medieval town. Belle Époque villas, emblematic monuments and art galleries punctuate your stroll.

Take the Rue Portalet and you’ll come to the Place Massillon for your first stop. Look up! The Tour des Templiers towers above you. The route then takes you to the Saint-Paul collegiate church and the Sainte-Claire and Saint-Bernard parks. At the top of the hill, the remains of the Château d’Hyères stand before you! Hold your breath for the breathtaking view over the town.

Find out more about the Arts Trail!

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6. Ending the visit as close to nature as possible

A visit to Hyères is also an opportunity to go green (and often turquoise). From stretches of fine sand to fragrant gardens, Hyères has some lovely nature breaks in store.

1. Relax on one of its exceptional beaches

Large white sandy beaches or delightful wild coves… the choice is yours when you visit Hyères!

The Mediterranean offers all the pleasures of a great holiday: swimming, picnics with family and friends, beach games and board sports. There’s something for everyone in Hyères! For the more adventurous and deserving, the Presqu’île de Giens has some great surprises in store: the Darboussières beach, the Calanque du Four à Chaux and the Hermitage beach. Download the free “Hyères plages” application from the Tourist Office to find the beach of your dreams.

Find out more about Hyères beaches!

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2. Hike the coastal path of the Giens peninsula

Take the time to explore the Giens peninsula and its 35 kilometres of coastline on foot. You’ll see a succession of different environments: long beaches, wild coves, islets and small fishing ports. There are several signposted routes. To the east, the route linking Tour Fondue and Badine is very easy and will gradually give you a glimpse of the whole of Hyères harbour. To the west, the more athletic can take the spectacular route between La Madrague and the Port du Niel. The panoramic views over Porquerolles will not fail to seduce you: breathtaking views, grandiose landscapes, the sound of waves and seagulls. It’s a fairly strenuous hike, but well worth it!

Find out more about the Presqu’île de Giens!

3. Spend a day on the island of Porquerolles

The largest of the Golden Islands is a little paradise not to be missed if you’re visiting Hyères! How could you not spend a day on this jewel of the Côte d’Azur? The island of Porquerolles is a paradise in itself: a pretty, lively and colourful village square, heavenly sandy beaches bathed in turquoise waters (Plage du Grand Langoustier, Plage de la Courtade, Plage Notre-Dame, etc.), a wild coast dotted with coves and forts, vineyards, 54 kilometres of signposted footpaths and mountain bike trails (circuits du Midi, du Levant, du Couchant, etc.), some of the best diving in France… In short, the list goes on!

Find out more about the island of Porquerolles!

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4. Take a stroll in the Parc Olbius Riquier

A green setting for a lovely moment of relaxation in Hyères! Covering an area of 7 hectares, just a few minutes from Hyères town centre, the Parc Olbius Riquier has been awarded the “Jardin Remarquable” label, and is a great place to take a stroll, discovering its pond and waterfall, crossing small bridges and enjoying its fragrant flowerbeds. As well as the botanical garden and its pathways, its exotic greenhouse is home to many tropical species. A small zoo also awaits you, with beautiful and curious birds in the aviary and even peacocks roaming freely around the park, to the delight of your children!

Find out more about Parc Olbius Riquier!

Book your accommodation in Hyères!

Where can you stay in Hyères? From the comfort of a hotel room to the friendliness of a guest house, find the perfect accommodation for visiting Hyères.

Do you have any questions? We’ve got the answers!

Why visit Hyères?

Its 35 kilometres of coastline and some of the longest beaches on the coast could be reason enough to visit Hyères! But as well as its paradise-like stretches of sand, the town is packed with historical treasures. Home to artists such as Picasso, Dali and Jean Cocteau, the town is a hotbed of creativity. So let yourself be inspired!

What to do in Hyères

Hiking along the coastal path on the Giens peninsula, cycling along the paths on the island of Porquerolles, visiting the Château d’Hyères or the botanical garden in the Parc Olbius Riquier… There’s something for everyone! In any case, Hyères offers a whole range of discoveries to enjoy during your stay.

The best things to do in Hyères?

Whether you’re a keen sportsman or a keen explorer, here’s a whole range of activities you can try out from the centre of Hyères to the Giens peninsula:

● Snorkelling in the turquoise waters of Hyères

● Snorkelling in the turquoise waters of Hyères

● Relaxing on the beach at Pesquiers or l’Almanarre

● Visit Hyères les Palmiers on a 100% electric tourist train

● Hiking in the Port-Cros national park

● Kitesurfing on the Giens peninsula