guide
An introduction to the highlights of Hyères in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: medieval remains (ramparts, castle, Tour des Templiers), the Villa Noailles, military forts and the Olbia archaeological site. The article also covers local activities, from lazing on the islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles to water sports on Almanarre beach, for planning a campsite stay nearby.
Hyères, a pretty coastal town in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, is the ideal destination for a change of scenery. Between history-filled sites, natural wonders and the many activities the Mediterranean has in store, you won’t have time to get bored. And since good news never comes alone, you’ll also find plenty of cheap campsites in the surrounding area.
Try to set aside at least a weekend for Hyères, as you’ll need more than a day to see everything.
Follow the magnificent stone ramparts, remnants of the old town’s fortifications. Walk alongside the still-imposing ruins to reach the castle dating from the 11th century, which overlooks Hyères. Don’t miss a visit to the Tour des Templiers, a uniquely restored double chapel. The Chapelle Saint-Blaise is, incidentally, the last remaining trace of the Knights Templar commandery.
To admire the sea and Hyères from a different angle, take a seat in the gardens of the Villa Noailles. Once a holiday retreat for Picasso, Giacometti and Jean Cocteau, this stunning 1920s building is now a contemporary art centre of national significance.
Hyères and its neighbouring islands boast nine military forts dating from the era of Vauban. Those of Sainte-Agathe (Porquerolles) and l’Estissac (Port-Cros) can be visited, and the panoramic views they offer over the town are well worth the detour. Continue to the tip of the Giens peninsula to reach the Tour Fondue (Pradeau battery), the remains of a small control fort.
The Olbia site takes you back to the 4th century, to a port founded by the Greeks. After wandering the paved streets, the ruins of the baths and the sites of the old shops, take another moment to admire the sea.
Summer or winter, there’s always something to do in Hyères!
Wander through the streets of this beautiful Provençal town on the slopes of the Castéou hill. You’ll understand why Hyères has been the muse of international artists for decades.
This coastal area, home to exceptional biodiversity, lies at the heart of a site unique in the world, the double tombolo of Giens. Book a 2-hour guided birdwatching tour with the Tourist Office.
The islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles are exceptional natural sites, and their idyllic beaches offer wonderful moments of relaxation. Port-Cros is even off-limits to motor vehicles, and its forests invite a real sense of wellbeing.
Sailing, diving… the coast and the peninsula are a paradise for water-sports enthusiasts. The fine sandy beach at l’Almanarre (Olbia side) or the one at Pesquiers (lagoon side) are exceptional spots for kitesurfing. Make the most of the offshore wind to indulge your passion or to get started.
Between fresh fish, sun-ripened vegetables and countless delicious recipes, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Don’t leave Hyères without trying capon, anchoïade or artichokes “barigoule” style. For a small snack, try Brousse du Var cheese with a pompe à l’huile d’olive. All these specialities have the power to make you miss the region afterwards!
Ready to set off? All that’s left is to finalise your itinerary and, above all, book at one of the cheap campsites in Hyères.
The stone ramparts, the 11th-century castle, the Tour des Templiers and the Chapelle Saint-Blaise, the last remnant of the Templar commandery, form a remarkable medieval ensemble.
Yes, these exceptional natural sites offer idyllic beaches and unspoiled forests. Port-Cros is even off-limits to motor vehicles.
The fine sandy beach of Almanarre, on the Olbia side, and Pesquiers beach, on the lagoon side, are known for kitesurfing thanks to the offshore wind.
It's a port founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, with paved streets and thermal bath ruins that can still be explored today, overlooking the sea.
