Hyères Travel Guide

Explore Hyères, a quaint town in France that is known for its natural beauty, museums, and outdoor activities. Discover the best places to visit, stay, dine, and shop in this town with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Hyères

Hyères is a charming town located in Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. This town is renowned for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions. Hyères is often referred to as the “City of Palm Trees” because of the palm trees that line the city’s streets. This town is an excellent destination for travelers who are looking for a relaxing vacation while immersing themselves in French culture.

List of Places to Visit in Hyères

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hyères boasts a rich cultural heritage, and a visit to this town is incomplete without exploring its museums and historical places. Some of the must-visit museums and historical places in Hyères are:

  • Villa Noailles: The Villa Noailles is a modernist villa that was designed by the architect Robert Mallet-Stevens in the 1920s. This villa has an art gallery, a cinema, and a design center.
  • Hyères City Walls: The Hyères City Walls are a series of fortifications that were built between the 12th and 16th centuries. These walls have several gates, towers, and bastions.
  • Tour des Templiers: The Tour des Templiers is a 12th-century tower that was built by the Knights Templar. This tower offers panoramic views of Hyères and the surrounding landscape.
  • Olbia Archaeological Site: The Olbia Archaeological Site is an ancient Greek settlement that dates back to the 4th century BC. This site has several temples, a theater, and a marketplace.

Natural Attractions of Hyères: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hyères is home to several natural attractions that offer outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the natural attractions that you must visit in Hyères are:

  • Porquerolles Island: Porquerolles Island is a small island that is located off the coast of Hyères. This island has several beaches, and you can explore it on foot or by bike.
  • Giens Peninsula: The Giens Peninsula is a narrow strip of land that juts out into the sea. This area is ideal for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and other water sports.
  • Mont des Oiseaux: Mont des Oiseaux is a hill that is located near Hyères. This hill offers panoramic views of the town and the sea.
  • Parc St. Bernard: Parc St. Bernard is a park that is located in the heart of Hyères. This park has several varieties of palm trees and other exotic plants.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hyères

Hyères is a great place for hiking and biking enthusiasts. The town has several trails and routes that offer stunning views of the landscape. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes are:

  • Sentier du Littoral: Sentier du Littoral is a hiking trail that follows the coastline of Hyères. This trail offers spectacular views of the sea and the cliffs.
  • La Route du Sel: La Route du Sel is a biking route that runs from Hyères to Salins-de-Giraud. This route goes through the salt marshes and offers breathtaking views of the landscape.
  • Les Borrels Trail: Les Borrels Trail is a hiking trail that runs through vineyards and forests. This trail offers panoramic views of Hyères and the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Hyères: Activities and Tours

Hyères offers several activities and tours that cater to different interests and age groups. Some of the best things to do in Hyères are:

  • Wine Tasting Tours: Hyères is known for its wine, and you can take a wine tasting tour to explore the local wineries and vineyards.
  • Water Sports: Hyères has several beaches and water sports centers where you can indulge in activities like windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kayaking.
  • City Tours: You can explore the town of Hyères on foot or by bike. There are several guided tours available that cover the town’s history, architecture, and culture.
  • Day Trips: Hyères is located close to several attractions like Marseille, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. You can take a day trip to these places to explore their culture and heritage.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hyères

If you have a week to spare, here is an ideal itinerary for exploring Hyères:

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore Hyères Old Town, Villa Noailles, and Tour des Templiers
Day 2 Visit Olbia Archaeological Site and take a hike on Mont des Oiseaux
Day 3 Spend the day at Porquerolles Island and enjoy the beaches
Day 4 Go windsurfing or kitesurfing on the Giens Peninsula
Day 5 Take a wine tasting tour and visit local wineries
Day 6 Visit Parc St. Bernard and take a bike ride on La Route du Sel
Day 7 Take a day trip to Saint-Tropez or Cannes

Food and Drink Scene of Hyères

Hyères has a vibrant food and drink scene that is influenced by French and Mediterranean cuisines. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Hyères are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bouillabaisse: A traditional fish stew that is made with various kinds of fish and seafood.
  • Ratatouille: A vegetable stew that is made with eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers.
  • Tarte Tropezienne: A sweet pastry that is made with brioche dough and filled with whipped cream.

Local Beverages

  • Rosé Wine: Hyères is known for its rosé wine, which goes well with seafood and Mediterranean dishes.
  • Pastis: A traditional anise-flavored liqueur that is popular in the south of France.

Where to Stay in Hyères: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hyères has several accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the best places to stay in Hyères are:

  • Villa Sainte-Anne: A luxurious hotel that is housed in a 19th-century building. This hotel has a spa, a restaurant, and a garden.
  • Hôtel Les Orangers: A budget-friendly hotel that is located in the heart of Hyères. This hotel has simple rooms and a communal terrace.
  • Auberge de la Calanque: A guesthouse that is set in a 17th-century building. This guesthouse has a restaurant and a beachfront location.

What to Buy in Hyères: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hyères has several shops and markets where you can buy souvenirs and local products. Some of the best products to bring home from Hyères are:

  • Olive Oil: Hyères is known for its olive oil, which is made from local olive trees.
  • Pottery: There are several pottery workshops in Hyères where you can buy handmade ceramic items.
  • Lavender Products: Lavender is grown extensively in Provence, and you can buy lavender soaps, sachets, and oils in Hyères.

Local Culture and Customs of Hyères

Hyères has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and art. The locals in Hyères are friendly and welcoming, and they take pride in their town’s history and traditions. The culture of Hyères is heavily influenced by French and Mediterranean customs, and visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and etiquette.

Best Time to Visit Hyères

The best time to visit Hyères is between May to September when the weather is pleasant, and the town is bustling with tourists. However, if you prefer a quieter vacation, you can visit Hyères during the offseason (October to April).

Do’s and Don’ts of Hyères

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Explore the natural attractions of Hyères.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural attractions.
  • Dress inappropriately when visiting churches or religious sites.
  • Be loud and disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hyères

Hyères is a safe town for tourists, but you should take basic precautions like locking your doors and valuables in your hotel room, avoiding poorly lit areas, and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

Health in Hyères

There are several hospitals and clinics in Hyères where you can seek medical attention if needed. You should also carry basic medications and first aid items with you when traveling to Hyères.

Getting to Hyères: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hyères

The closest airport to Hyères is Toulon-Hyères Airport, which is located about 3 miles from the town. This airport has regular flights to Paris, Lyon, and other cities in France.

Bus Stations Near Hyères

Hyères has a bus station that is located in the town center. There are regular buses that connect Hyères to other towns and cities in the region.

Other Options

You can also reach Hyères by train, car, or ferry. The town has a railway station that is well-connected to other cities in France. You can also rent a car and drive to Hyères or take a ferry from nearby ports.

How to Get Around in Hyères

Hyères is a small town, and you can explore it on foot or by bike. There are also buses and taxis available that can take you to different parts of the town and the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Hyères: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hyères is located close to several attractions and destinations that are worth visiting. Some of the nearby destinations that you can explore are:

  • Marseille: Marseille is a vibrant port city that is known for its history, culture, and food.
  • Cannes: Cannes is a glamorous town that is known for its film festival and elegant promenade.
  • Saint-Tropez: Saint-Tropez is a picturesque fishing village that is lined with luxury boutiques and restaurants.

Conclusion

Hyères is a gem of a town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions. With our comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your trip to Hyères and explore this beautiful town with ease. From exploring museums to hiking in the hills, Hyères has something for everyone.