The 14 things to do in Hyères

What to do in Hyères, the time of a stay? Here are the 14 things to do in this city of Var and its surroundings!

Located in the heart of the Var, Hyères is fairly quiet and mainly known for its islands and beaches. With Port-Cros and Porquerolles, Hyères has indeed remarkable natural sites and among the most beautiful in France.

But visiting Hyères is also discovering a pleasant city where it makes good living, with many historical vestiges, animations, good gastronomy and the possibility of practicing nautical activities on the peninsula of Giens.

Want to discover Hyères and its surroundings? Here are the 14 things to do in Hyères!

1. Remparts of the old town

Visiting Hyères is discovering many historical vestiges. Among them are the ramparts of the old town, the walls of stone surviving from the old fortress of the city and dating from the medieval period

The extension of its limits has led to the expansion of the medieval enclosure three times. The remains are mainly represented by some towers located near the castle and the doors below, such as the Massillon door.

2. Château d’Hyères

What would be a medieval enclosure without its castle? Located on the hill of Castéou, the castle of Hyères, whose construction began in the 11th century, dominates the city and was the privileged place of observation in the Middle Ages.

Today, the castle is visiting all seasons and is one of the must-sees in Hyères. If the remains are not the most impressive, the view from the top of the hill, with the sea far, is splendid.

3. Tour des Templiers (Chapelle Saint-Blaise)

First of all, it may be thought that the Tour des Templiers was part of the medieval enclosure. Looking closer, its strange shape, with its two superimposed chapels, makes this tower a unique and remote building from the passage of the ramparts.

It is in fact all that remains of the Commandery the order of the Templars which was very present in Hyères in the 12th and 13th centuries. Fully renovated, the tower now houses numerous temporary exhibitions and can be visited.

4. Walk in the city center

We can hardly visit Hyères without taking a walk in his friendly city centre. Moreover, the ramparts and the Tour des Templiers can be observed during this same walk, where you can take a glass on the terrace facing the tower.

The streets of the old town are typical of the region: narrow, light-coloured houses, colourful wooden shutters, local craft shops. For travellers from the capital or from cities to the north, the disbursement is total!

5. Villa Noailles

With Villa Noailles, it’s a change of style and time, a baunt for contemporary art lovers! Located near the castle, this villa is one of the main things to do in Hyères.

Built by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens in the 1920s, it is now a centre of art of national interest and one of the most famous modern French villas. From the large garden, the panorama of Hyères and the sea is superb!

6. Olbia Archaeological Site

It is possible to visit Hyères by observing vestiges dating from the Roman period. This is the case with the Olbia site, located near the Giens peninsula and the beaches.

Founded by the Greeks in the fourth century before our era, Olbia is then an important port, later attached to the Roman Empire. The updated ruins include streets, baths and other shops. As the site is not very large, the visit can be combined with a beach exit.

7. Healthy gastronomy

Difficult to visit Hyères without tasting local specialties! More varoises than hyeroises, you can mainly find the chapon, a fish of rock consumed in soup or roast, and the anchovies, a mixture of anchovies, caps, garlic and olive oil, which is well suited to aperiod.

If you are looking for a true specialty of Hyères, test artichoke at the barigoule, a mushroom that is only very rarely part of the modern recipe. Artichoke is now prepared with garlic, lard and herbs from Provence. On the dessert side, we find the Var bush, a sheep’s cheese, and the oil pump, dessert with olive oil!

8. A boat ride

Visiting Hyères is also enjoying its coastline. Indeed, very nice excursions are to be made by boat. It would be a shame not to rent a boat in this Côte d’Azur paradise .

Are you looking for destination ideas? So keep reading!

9. Porquerolles Island

Among the ideas of walks to be done in Hyères, Porquerolles is often cited first. It must be said that the island is a true paradise on Earth. With its beaches that transport us to the Caribbean, the places are a true haven of peace to recharge.

Porquerolles is also numerous sports activities, hikes, the discovery of friendly villages and local fish restaurants. A real experience when visiting Hyères!

10. Island of Port-Cros

If Porquerolles is still too noisy for you, take the direction of Port-Cros, another boat trip to Hyères. Here, no motorized vehicles, not even a bike. A soothing silence that makes us forget the daily stress for a moment of absolute relaxation.

Port-Cros is the perfect place for hikes in the forest, whose aim is to reach one of the highest points of the island to admire the superb panorama. The small village of Port-Cros and the wild beaches are also to be discovered.

11. Forts of Hyères

In addition to its islands, the city of Hyères includes nine military forts used to defend the city several centuries ago. For the majority built or renovated by Vauban, some are well preserved and will delight those who love military architecture.

Today, only two are open to the visit: Fort Sainte-Agathe in Porquerolles and Fort de l’Estissac in Port-Cros. The first, well restored, offers a magnificent view of the city of Hyères. The second allows to better observe military defence while also enjoying a beautiful view... and admission is free!

12. Tour Fondue (battery of the Pradeau)

Another military heritage, the Tour Fondue is located at the tip of the peninsula of Giens. The role of this fortin was to control the passages between the islands and the continent.

If the forest is unfortunately closed to the public for security reasons, you can walk around it and discover a wonderful landscape. It is also the Tour Fondue that some boats leave for Porquerolles.

13. Kitesurf on the peninsula of Giens

The five kilometers from the Almanarre beach are the spot of the region for the practice of kitesurfing and one of the best in France. The wind is regularly at the rendezvous and offers a perfect playground for lovers, beginners or experienced.

If the Almanarre beach is crowded, it is also possible to practice kitesurf on the other side of the Pesquiers pond. Those who just like to watch sports can also discover the beautiful landscapes that the peninsula offers.

14. Salin des Pesquiers

North of the pond of the same name, the Pesquiers salin is a paradise for bird lovers, whether sedentary and migratory. Every day or almost, it is possible to conduct a guided ornithological tour of two hours that will delight both small and large.

The rate is 5€ by adult (gratuity for minors) and booking at the tourist office of Hyères is mandatory .

How to get to Hyères?

By plane

Toulon-Hyères Airport is served by Paris all year round. In summer, it is possible to reach Hyères by air from Lille , Brest , Strasbourg , Nantes and Corsica as well as some foreign cities. Do not hesitate to consult a flight comparison as Ulysses to find the right combination.

By train

Between Paris and Hyères, there are many daily TGV lines, some being direct. The shortest route is 4h17.

From Lyon , the journey lasts between 3h06 and 3h30 and requires a change in Toulon. I mean, since. Marseille , about fifteen TERs a day for a little over an hour’s drive.

By bus

In recent years, the bus has become a safe and very cheap means of transport. If you have time in front of you and leave the comfort aside for a few hours, the bus is for you!

By car

From Paris, the highways A6 , A7 then A50 takes us to Toulon in 8:30 a.m. 70€ Toll.

From Lyon, the trip is mainly on the A7 and A50 for approximately 4 hours and 35€ Toll.

Finally, from Marseille, via the A50 , the trip lasts just over an hour and costs less 5€ Toll.

Where to stay in Hyères?

It is first possible to stay in downtown Hyères to be at the closest to the places to visit and for those enjoying urban centres.

Hyères also offers numerous accommodation options on the Giens peninsula, south of the city.

Finally, for people who want a great change, take the direction of the islands of Porquerolles or Port-Cros!

To find your accommodation, do not hesitate to consult a hotel comparison or book Airbnb to experience a more authentic experience.

So prepare beach towels and hiking shoes and then go to the conquest of Hyères!