Hyères

Hyères is a city of many faces, the first historic seaside resort on the French Riviera, which has managed to preserve its charm and authenticity. A city of art, flowers, and history, it invites you to wander between its perched medieval heart, its Belle Époque villas, and the Giens peninsula. But its true treasure lies offshore: three legendary islands that make Hyères a sanctuary of unspoiled nature.
The Old Town and Medieval Heritage
Overlooking the modern city, the medieval quarter is a stone labyrinth steeped in history.
Hyères Castle: The ruins of this 11th-century fortress offer the most beautiful panoramic view of the harbor. Strolling along the ramparts, you can take in the city, the salt marshes, and the islands.
Saint-Paul Collegiate Church: A jewel of Romanesque and Gothic art, it houses one of the most important collections of ex-votos in France, bearing witness to popular devotion throughout the centuries.
The Templars' Tower: Located on Place Massillon, this commandery tower recalls the presence of the military religious orders and marks the entrance to the daily market brimming with Provençal flavors.



Villa Noailles and the Exceptional Gardens

Hyères is the capital of gardening and a hub of avant-garde architecture.
Villa Noailles: A masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens, it was a meeting place for the Surrealists (Dalí, Cocteau, Man Ray). Today, it hosts the renowned International Festival of Fashion and Photography.
Parc Sainte-Claire and Jardin Olbius Riquier: Designated "Remarkable Gardens," these botanical gems showcase rare exotic species, tropical birds, and monumental greenhouses.
Flower Culture: As France's leading horticultural city, Hyères is fragrant with peonies, irises, and mimosa, exporting its colors and perfumes worldwide.

The Giens Peninsula and the Inland Sea
Unique in its geological formation, the Giens peninsula is connected to the mainland by two sandbars called tombolos.
The Almanarre Marsh: Between the two sandbars, the former salt marshes have become a bird sanctuary where flamingos and migratory birds find refuge in a lunar landscape.
The Almanarre Spot: World-renowned among windsurfers and kitesurfers, this 4-kilometer beach offers exceptional wind conditions in a wild and unspoiled setting.
The Village of Giens: An authentic little fishing port (the port of La Madrague) where time seems to stand still amidst the colorful fishing boats and crystal-clear waters.

The Golden Islands, a Mediterranean Paradise
Off the coast, the Îles d'Or archipelago offers a breathtakingly pristine spectacle.
Porquerolles: The most famous, with its white sand beaches (like Notre-Dame beach) and eucalyptus forests. Cycling is the best way to explore, winding between the vineyards and Fort Sainte-Agathe.
Port-Cros: Europe's first marine national park, it's a sanctuary for marine life. Its underwater trails allow you to explore abundant biodiversity in turquoise waters.
Île du Levant: Known for its naturist village of Héliopolis and its lush vegetation, it offers an experience of total freedom in a wild and rugged setting.

Hyères Lifestyle and Local Products
Hyères is also a culinary delight, offering a blend of seafood and local flavors.
The Îles d'Or Market: A must-see for savoring lavender honey, local olive oils, and the famous Solliès fig, the star of the market stalls.
Côtes de Provence Wines: Hyères' vineyards, often located by the sea, produce rosés of great finesse, bursting with sunshine and minerality.
Seafood Gastronomy: From traditional bouillabaisse to grilled fish on the Saint-Pierre harbor, Hyères' cuisine celebrates the freshness of daily catches.
Conclusion
Hyères is also a culinary delight, offering a blend of seafood and local flavors.
The Îles d'Or Market: A must-see for savoring lavender honey, local olive oils, and the famous Solliès fig, the star of the market stalls.
Côtes de Provence Wines: Hyères' vineyards, often located by the sea, produce rosés of great finesse, bursting with sunshine and minerality.
Seafood Gastronomy: From traditional bouillabaisse to grilled fish on the Saint-Pierre harbor, Hyères' cuisine celebrates the freshness of daily catches.
Provence Méditerranée Tourist Office | Hyères Office
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