Îles d'Hyères Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, hike, eat, and stay in Îles d'Hyères with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the local culture, customs, how to get there, and safety and health measures.


Introduction to Îles d’Hyères

Îles d’Hyères, also called Les Îles d’Or (the Golden Islands), is an archipelago located off the coast of Var, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. The archipelago comprises three main islands and several smaller islets: Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Île du Levant. With their crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and preserved natural landscapes, the Îles d’Hyères are a must-visit for anyone traveling to the south of France.

List of Places to Visit in Îles d’Hyères

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Fort de Brégançon: Built in the 16th century, this fort served as a residence for French presidents until 2013. The fort is closed to visitors, but the view from the beach is breathtaking.

  2. Porquerolles Museum of Fondation Carmignac: This modern museum showcases contemporary art and houses works from renowned artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol.

  3. Giens Peninsula: This narrow stretch of land connects the mainland to the largest island of the archipelago, Porquerolles. The peninsula is a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and bird-watching.

Natural Attractions of Îles d’Hyères: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Plage de l’Almanarre: This long stretch of sandy beach is a popular spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and other water sports.

  2. Sentier Sous-Marin de Port-Cros: This underwater trail allows visitors to discover the rich marine life of the archipelago.

  3. Conservatoire Botanique National Méditerranéen: This botanical garden is home to more than 2,700 plant species and aims to preserve the biodiversity of the Mediterranean region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Îles d’Hyères

  1. Porquerolles: The island features several hiking trails that allow visitors to discover its diverse landscapes, from its pine forests to its vineyards.

  2. Port-Cros: The island is a protected national park and features several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the archipelago and its crystal-clear waters.

Best Things to Do in Îles d’Hyères: Activities and Tours

  1. Snorkeling: Îles d’Hyères offer some of the best snorkeling spots in France, with its crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life.

  2. Kayaking: Renting a kayak is a great way to discover the hidden coves and beaches of the archipelago.

  3. Wine Tasting: The island of Porquerolles is famous for its wines, particularly its dry white wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Îles d’Hyères

Day Activity
1 Arrival, check-in, beach time
2 Visit Porquerolles Museum of Fondation Carmignac
3 Hike Porquerolles and discover its diverse landscapes
4 Snorkeling and kayaking
5 Day trip to Corsica
6 Visit Fort de Brégançon and relax on the beach
7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Îles d’Hyères

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Bouillabaisse: This fish soup is a specialty of the Mediterranean region and is made with various seafood, tomatoes, and saffron.

  2. Socca: This thin, crispy pancake is made with chickpea flour and is a traditional dish of Nice, Provence.

  3. Ratatouille: This vegetable dish is made with eggplants, zucchinis, tomatoes, and peppers.

Local Beverages

  1. Rosé: The region of Provence is famous for its rosé wine, which is light and refreshing, and perfect for a hot summer day.

  2. Pastis: This anise-flavored liqueur is a traditional drink of Provence and is often served as an aperitif.

Where to Stay in Îles d’Hyères: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Villa Sainte-Anne: This stylish B&B is located in the heart of Porquerolles and features a charming garden and a terrace.

  2. Hotel La Tartane Saint Amour: This luxurious hotel is located on the Giens Peninsula and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

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

  1. Lavender Products: Provence is famous for its lavender fields, and visitors can buy lavender soaps, sachets, and essential oils.

  2. Olive Oil: The region of Provence is known for its high-quality olive oil. Visitors can buy bottles of the local olive oil to bring home as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Îles d’Hyères

The people of Îles d’Hyères are proud of their local culture and customs. Visitors should respect the local traditions, such as always greeting people with a “bonjour” and trying the local cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Îles d’Hyères

The best time to visit Îles d’Hyères is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the waters are perfect for swimming and water sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Îles d’Hyères

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs
  2. Try the local cuisine
  3. Explore the natural beauty of the archipelago

Don’t:

  1. Leave trash on the beaches
  2. Swim in prohibited areas
  3. Enter private properties without permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Îles d’Hyères

The crime rate in Îles d’Hyères is relatively low, but visitors should be aware of pickpockets and always keep an eye on their belongings. Additionally, visitors should follow all safety regulations when engaging in water sports.

Health in Îles d’Hyères

Visitors should ensure that all their vaccinations are up to date before traveling to France. The archipelago has several medical facilities, but visitors should have travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies.

Getting to Îles d’Hyères: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Îles d’Hyères

The nearest airport to Îles d’Hyères is Toulon-Hyères Airport, which is located on the mainland, about 10 minutes away from the port of Hyères. Marseille Provence Airport and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport are also nearby options.

Bus Stations Near Îles d’Hyères

There are several bus stations in the Hyères region that offer regular services to nearby towns and cities, such as Toulon and Marseille.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Hyères train station, which is connected to major cities in France, such as Paris, Nice, and Marseille. Ferries and water taxis are also available to take visitors to the archipelago.

How to Get Around in Îles d’Hyères

The best way to get around Îles d’Hyères is on foot, bicycle, or by renting a scooter or an electric bike.

Where to Go Next from Îles d’Hyères: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Nice: This coastal city is located about 130 kilometers from Îles d’Hyères and is known for its beautiful beaches, colorful markets, and museums.

  2. Marseille: This vibrant city, located about 100 kilometers from Îles d’Hyères, is known for its stunning harbor, museums, and cultural events.

Conclusion

With its stunning beaches, natural landscapes, and rich culture, Îles d’Hyères is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the south of France. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or a relaxing vacation, the archipelago has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Îles d’Hyères.

Map of the region Map of the region