Hyères-les-Palmiers, its peninsula and islands

Published on July 30, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Hyères, the second largest commune in the Var department, is home to a huge variety of landscapes!

To get an idea of the sheer size of the town, head for the château d'Hyères. From here, you can overlook the presqu'île de Giens, the port and the three famous islands of Hyères!

With so much to see and do, expect to be surprised by every turn!

As an added bonus, there are almost 10,000 palm trees lining the town's avenues, paths and parks...

Centro de Hyères

Summary

Hyères and its medieval heart
The Hyères peninsula and the Golden Isles
Where to stay in the old town of Hyères?

Hyères and its medieval heart

A very old town,Hyères lies beneath the ruins of its medieval castle.

You'll be totally surprised when you discover its architectural and historical heritage. In fact, this part of the town is still little known.

Between the Villa Noailles, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Paul and the charming flower-lined streets, you're sure to fall under the spell of this old quarter.

To make the most of your discovery of medieval Hyères, stop off at the photogenic Place Massillon.

A number of pleasant terraces await you at the foot of the Tour des Templiers.

For a bite to eat, you can choose between the Italian restaurant La Pastachucca or the Bistrot des Templiers to the north of the square.

Finally, for a breath of exotic air, head for the Jardin Olbius Riquier. Listed as an outstanding garden, the park covers more than 7 hectares.

Blue skies and palm trees: you are in Hyères!

The Hyères peninsula and the Golden Isles

Nature has spoiled the town of Hyères to the extent that part of its territory has been classified as a national park!

Since 1963, the Port-Cros National Park has protected the natural wonders of the islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles.

What's more, part of the coastline between Hyères and La-Croix-Valmer is also part of the protected area.

Nature and beach lovers won't want to miss out on discovering these magical islands. Try to visit outside July and August, as the crowds are too big!

Closer to the town, the Giens peninsula is also well worth a visit.

From the hilltop hamlet of Giens, set off to discover the superb 5-kilometre-long Almanarre beach.

A popular spot for board sports. Almanarre beach remains a meeting place for kitesurfers and windsurfers from all over the world!

The Giens peninsula is made up of a remarkable double tombolo that encloses canals and former salt marshes.

With a little patience, you can even spot a variety of birdlife (pink flamingos, ducks, falcons)...

Board sports on the beach of Almanarre in Hyères

Where to stay in the old town of Hyères?

⭐ L'Haussmannien Charme absolu is a flat rental located in the centre of Hyères.

🛌 The 60m² flat can accommodate up to 4 people. It includes a separate bedroom with a large double bed. You will also find a living room with a sofa bed.

🍴 The kitchen is fully equipped with the aim of being able to prepare you tasty dishes with supplies from the nearby market!

As a bonus, you'll find a terrace where you can enjoy the beautiful blue sky of Hyères!

🚗 Finally, the accommodation also has private parking.

Haussmannian

Located 19 km from Toulon train station and 20 km from Toulon Zénith, L'Haussmannien Charme absolu offers accommodation in the heart of Hyères.

From

£130

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Practical information

⏰ When should you visit Hyères and the surrounding area?

Hyères attracts many visitors throughout the year.

Visitor numbers peak in summer, from late June to early September. At this time of year, the seawater temperature is optimal.

But you may be disappointed by the overcrowding.

To combine good weather with a quieter atmosphere, opt for the months of May and September.

Otherwise, winter has its charms, so it's nice to enjoy the sunny days on the Côte d'Azur.

🚌 How do I get to Hyères?

🚘 By road, the town of Hyères is accessible from the metropolises of Marseille and Toulon. The main access routes are the A570 motorway and Route Nationale 98.

🚈 If you choose to travel by train, the SNCF provides several connections from Paris to Hyères station. Several TGV trains run from Paris Gare de Lyon station, especially in summer.

Otherwise, change at Toulon then take a TER to Hyères.

✈️ Hyères is also linked to the capital by air, thanks to Toulon Hyères airport.

🚗 Where can I park to make the most of Hyères town centre?

There are several free car parks to the south of Hyères town centre. The most convenient is the Place Versin car park.

Once you've parked there, just head up Avenue Ambroise Thomas. You'll find yourself in the heart of the city of palm trees.

by Faustine PEREZ

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