Hyères: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The southern French port city of Hyères in Provence is located directly on the stunning Côte d'Azur and boasts fine sandy dream beaches and numerous idyllic coves where you can swim, surf, or snorkel wonderfully. Additionally, Hyères impresses with its historical charm and a wealth of cultural flair.
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Hyères - Must-see attractions
Old Town Hyères
Hyères, the "City of Palms," is located at the foot of the Massif des Maures and also includes the Îles d’Hyères. The port city is famous for its authentic charm as well as its old town, which is situated on a hill and offers a wonderful view of the sea. At the top of the hill are the ruins of the Chateau d'Hyères from the 11th century. For many visitors, the path to the castle ruins is one of the most beautiful attractions of Hyères.
Tunisian Villa
Compared to the more well-known places on the French Riviera, Hyères has been able to preserve its authenticity to the present day with its three islands belonging to the city area. Here, there are enchanting architectural monuments like the Tunisian Villa with its extraordinary facade. The villa was built in 1884 by the architect Pierre Chapoulart, who lived in it for a time. It is also known as the Algerian Villa and has always enchanted visitors. Its rosettes and balustrades are distinctive.
Giens Peninsula
Located in the west of the Côte d'Azur between Saint-Tropez and Toulon, the Giens Peninsula is connected to the mainland only by two so-called tombolos—about five kilometers long strips of dunes. This unique location leads to numerous natural paradises as well as great surfing opportunities. In the southeast of the peninsula is the small town of La Tour Fondue, which boasts an impressive fortress from 1634. Additionally, ferries depart from here to the nearby island of Porquerolles, which is famous for its paradisiacal dream beaches.
Hyères Castle
The castle of Hyères is located on the hill of Castéou near the southern French town of Hyères on the beautiful Côte d'Azur in Provence. It is the largest feudal castle in the region and offers an authentic impression from its time. From the picturesque historic old town of Hyères, you can quickly reach the castle on the hill with a leisurely walk. However, it is also possible to drive there by car if you wish to avoid the climb.
Porquerolles Island
The Ile de Porquerolles is the largest island of the Îles d’Hyères group, located just a few kilometers off the French Côte d’Azur. It is particularly captivating with Caribbean paradise beaches like Plage de la Courtade and Plage d'Argent. The island features Mediterranean flora and fauna with pine forests as well as olive, lemon, mandarin, and orange trees. The bicycle is the main mode of transportation here. Additionally, there are many diving spots and other water sports opportunities such as kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, or sailing.
Port Cros Island
The Ile de Port Cros is one of the three main islands of the French island group Îles d’Hyères, located a few kilometers off the Côte d’Azur. The beautiful landscape is accompanied by a great diversity of plants and animals, especially birds. On Ile de Port Cros, there is little infrastructure, but there is a lot of untouched nature to discover on magnificent hiking trails and footpaths. In addition, there are also ideal conditions for snorkeling and exploring the underwater trail Sentier de la Palud.
Hyères - Secret spots
Saint Bernard Park
Near Hyeres lies the Parc Saint Bernard, a hidden paradise full of exotic plants and breathtaking views. This park, built on the ruins of an old castle, houses an impressive collection of more than 1000 plant species. A fascinating place that perfectly combines the beauty of nature and history.
Villa Noailles
The Villa Noailles in Hyères is a gem on the French Riviera. This avant-garde masterpiece of modern architecture was designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens in the 1920s. Interestingly, it was once a meeting place for the artistic elite, including Picasso and Man Ray. Today, it houses an art center that is open to visitors all year round.
Pesquiers Saltworks
The Salins des Pesquiers in Hyeres are an undiscovered paradise for nature lovers. This nature reserve is known for its impressive flamingo colony, which lives here all year round. In fact, it is one of the few places in Europe where flamingos breed. A visit here offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic birds in their natural environment.
Beach of the Slanted Pines
The Plage des Pins Penchés in Carqueiranne is an undiscovered paradise. Surrounded by leaning pines, this beach offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a place of tranquility and beauty, ideal for a relaxing day. Did you know that the leaning pines, which give the beach its name, were shaped by the strong Mistral wind?
Hyères - In 3 days
Day 1
Start your first day in Hyères with a visit to the old town. Stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets and admire the well-preserved medieval buildings. Stop at Place Massillon, the central square of the old town, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Then visit the Church of Saint-Paul, an impressive Gothic structure from the 12th century. After the cultural morning, take a break in one of the charming cafés and soak up the local atmosphere. In the afternoon, a walk to Château d'Hyères is recommended, a castle ruin on a hill offering a breathtaking view of the city and the Mediterranean. For dinner, try the local cuisine in one of the traditional restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood or a typical Provençal dish, accompanied by a glass of regional wine. End the day leisurely and look forward to more discoveries in the coming days.
Day 2
Start your second day in Hyères with a visit to Parc Olbius Riquier, a beautiful botanical garden perfect for a morning walk. Admire the exotic plants and enjoy the tranquility of this green paradise. Afterwards, you can visit the Musée des Cultures et du Paysage, which offers interesting insights into the history and culture of the region. After a light lunch in one of the city's cozy bistros, head to the Giens Peninsula. There you will find a breathtaking coastal landscape with picturesque hiking trails and crystal-clear water. Take the opportunity to relax on one of the many beaches or take a small boat tour to the nearby islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros. For dinner, return to the city and once again enjoy the culinary delights of the region. End the day with a walk along the promenade and enjoy the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Day 3
First explore the historic district, the old town center, today. Stroll through the narrow, cobblestone streets and admire the well-preserved medieval buildings. Visit the Church of Saint-Louis and enjoy the panoramic view from the ruins of Château d'Hyères. After a leisurely breakfast in one of the charming cafés of the old town, head to Mont des Oiseaux. This hill not only offers a magnificent view of the city and the sea but also numerous hiking trails through the Mediterranean vegetation. In the afternoon, you can visit the Villa Noailles art center, known for its avant-garde architecture and changing exhibitions. Let yourself be inspired by the creative atmosphere and discover works by contemporary artists. To conclude your stay, enjoy the local cuisine one last time in one of the many restaurants in the city. End the evening with a glass of regional wine and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your trip.
Hyères - Climate
In Hyères on the Mediterranean coast, there is a Mediterranean, maritime climate. This means hot and dry summers with temperatures up to 30°C. On the other hand, the winters are very mild with an average temperature in January of 11°C. The best time to travel for a beach holiday is the summer, around June, July, and August. May and September are also considered typical bathing times. However, one must expect slightly more days with precipitation than in the peak summer. For hiking, April and October are suitable, although the rain increases significantly from October and November.