Town centre and Old Town
Markets, restaurants, Villa Noailles, historic streets and town life are all within walking distance.
Choose this area for culture, evenings out and a town break without a car.
Le Var · Old Town, Giens and the Îles d’Or
France travel guide
Hyères
Medieval lanes, palm trees, beaches, salt marshes and the islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant – one of the most varied destinations on France’s Mediterranean coast.
Hyères is far more than a seaside resort. On the hillside, a colourful old town is filled with markets, medieval gateways, ruins and Villa Noailles, while the harbour and coastline open onto sailing, diving and the islands of the national park.
South of the town lies the Giens Peninsula, with Almanarre, La Capte, secluded coves, coastal paths and ferries to Porquerolles. It is an easy place to combine culture, beaches and nature without changing base.
The Old Town and Villa NoaillesGiens and AlmanarrePorquerolles and Port-Cros
Best forIslands, sandy beaches, the Old Town, modern art, coastal paths and water sports
Ideal forFamilies, couples, active travellers, beach holidays and trips combining town and nature
Easy to exploreExplore the Old Town on foot, then take buses to the harbour, La Capte, Giens and Tour Fondue
A good base forPorquerolles, Port-Cros, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Le Lavandou and Toulon
Highlights
Find tours and activities
Experience Hyères
Journey from the medieval town and modernist Villa Noailles to Giens, the salt marshes, Almanarre and the boats serving some of the Mediterranean’s most distinctive islands.
Villa Noailles
Discover modernist architecture, design, photography, fashion and exhibitions on the hillside above the Old Town.
Giens and Almanarre
Follow coastal paths, swim in secluded coves, watch surfers at Almanarre and explore the village at the end of the peninsula.
Port-Cros National Park
Walk between forts, woodland and coves on a car-free island with protected landscapes and rich marine life.
The Hyères salt marshes
Look for flamingos and migratory birds at Salin des Pesquiers and Vieux Salins along peaceful walking and cycling routes.
Suggested itinerary
Hyères in 1, 3 or 5 days
Choose the length of your stay and combine the Old Town, beaches, art, Giens and the islands without making the transport more complicated than it needs to be.
A classic day in Hyères
In one day, you can enjoy a rewarding mix of the Old Town, gardens, architecture and Mediterranean atmosphere without travelling out to the islands.
MorningBegin at the market and Porte Massillon, then walk through Place Massillon and the historic streets climbing into the Old Town.
Late morningVisit Villa Noailles, then continue through Parc Saint-Bernard or climb towards the ruins of Château d’Hyères.
AfternoonPause in Jardin Olbius Riquier before continuing to Port Saint-Pierre or the beach at Les Pesquiers.
EveningChoose dinner in the Old Town, by the harbour or on the Giens Peninsula if you have a car or a convenient bus connection back.
Three days of town, peninsula and Porquerolles
A long weekend gives you time for the three essential sides of Hyères: the Old Town, the Giens coastline and a full day on an island.
Day 1The Old Town, Villa Noailles, Parc Saint-Bernard, Olbius Riquier and an evening in the centre.
Day 2The Giens Peninsula, Almanarre, the salt marshes, La Capte and a short coastal walk from La Madrague or Giens village.
Day 3Take a morning boat to Porquerolles, hire a bicycle or walk to the beaches, and allow plenty of time for the return journey.
Extra tipDo not try to combine Porquerolles and Port-Cros in one day. Each island deserves its own unhurried itinerary.
Five days in Le Var
With five days, you can explore Hyères in greater depth and add either a wilder island day or an excursion along the Var coast.
Days 1–2Explore the Old Town, Villa Noailles, the markets, harbour, Giens, Almanarre and the salt marshes.
Day 3Spend a day on Porquerolles with cycling, beaches, the village and either Fort Sainte-Agathe or Fondation Carmignac, depending on the season and opening times.
Day 4Visit Port-Cros with sturdy footwear and plenty of water for a full day between the harbour, forts, woodland and snorkelling areas.
Day 5Choose Bormes-les-Mimosas and Le Lavandou, or visit Toulon for its harbour, market and views from Mont Faron.
Find the right area
Where should you stay in Hyères?
Hyères is geographically spread out. Choose your area according to whether the Old Town, beach access, boats, peace and quiet or easy transport matters most.
The station and Olbius Riquier
Convenient for trains, the park, bus connections and hotels that are easier to reach than those in the upper Old Town.
A good choice for short stays and travelling without a hire car.Port Saint-Pierre and Les Pesquiers
The marina, restaurants, beach, activities and boats to Port-Cros and Le Levant create a distinct holiday atmosphere.
Ideal for sailing, island trips and evenings by the water.La Capte and La Bergerie
Long sandy beaches, shallow water in several places, campsites and easy access to Giens and Tour Fondue.
Choose this area for a beach holiday and an easy daily routine by the sea.Giens village
Narrow streets, restaurants, coastal paths and easy access to Tour Fondue and the boat to Porquerolles.
A good choice for couples, active travellers and a quieter Mediterranean atmosphere.Selected places to stay
Hotels in Hyères
We have selected nine hotels ranging from two to four stars in the centre, near the station, by the harbour, in La Capte and on the Giens Peninsula. Compare locations, beach access and facilities.
Loading hotels …
The map shows our selected hotels in Hyères. Select a marker to see a photo and further information.
Camping and motorhomes
Camping in and around Hyères
The map prioritises campsites with their own websites around Giens, La Capte, Almanarre, L’Ayguade and the coast towards La Londe-les-Maures. The area is particularly well suited to beach holidays, cycling, boating and water sports.
The campsite map will load as you approach this section …
The Mediterranean just beyond the town
Beaches, salt marshes and coastal nature
Plage de l’Almanarre
This long beach on the western side of Giens is known for its open scenery, beautiful sunsets and excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
La Capte and La Bergerie
The beaches on the eastern side of the peninsula offer sand, often calmer water and easy access to restaurants, campsites and accommodation.
Salin des Pesquiers
Walk or cycle beside the wetlands and along Route du Sel, looking for flamingos, herons, avocets and other birds throughout the year.
Gastronomi
Food experiences in Hyères
Hyères cuisine combines fish and shellfish with Provençal vegetables, olive oil, aioli, tapenade, herbs, fruit and rosé wine from Le Var. Here are eight recommended addresses in the town, by the harbour and on Giens.
La Colombe
Seasonal, home-made cooking with fresh ingredients, combining Provençal flavours, Mediterranean influences and creativity.
Les Minots de la GarrigueModern Mediterranean cooking in the centre, rooted in local produce, fish and vegetables, with an informal bistro atmosphere.
La RascasseA refined restaurant at Hôtel Le Provençal in Giens, serving precise Mediterranean cuisine with sea views.
La CaravelleFish, shellfish and seafood at Port Saint-Pierre, with a terrace and classic harbour atmosphere.
La BastideA restaurant in La Capte serving Mediterranean food and seafood, close to the beach and the Giens Peninsula.
Coucou – GiensA relaxed beach restaurant in La Capte, serving food from morning until evening at tables close to the sand and the Mediterranean.
Le PradoA brasserie at Tour Fondue with seasonal ingredients and convenient dishes before or after the boat to Porquerolles.
La Table du Domaine de l’ÎleLocal dishes and estate wine beneath old pine trees on Porquerolles.
Islands and the Var coast
Four rewarding day trips from Hyères
Hyères is a natural base for two very different islands, flower-filled villages and a larger harbour city with markets, culture and panoramic views.
Boat from Tour Fondue
Porquerolles
Hire a bicycle or walk between the village, Fort Sainte-Agathe, vineyards and the sandy beaches of the north coast.
Best for: beaches, cycling and families Boat from Port Saint-PierrePort-Cros
Bring sturdy footwear and water for a day of woodland, forts, coastal paths and one of France’s most important marine protected areas.
Best for: walking, nature and snorkelling East along the coast roadBormes-les-Mimosas and Le Lavandou
Combine a flower-filled hilltop village with a harbour, beaches and boating along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Var coast.
Best for: villages, views and beaches A short journey westToulon and Mont Faron
Experience a Provençal market, the harbour, Old Town and sweeping Mediterranean views from the hills above Toulon.
Best for: markets, harbour and viewsExplore further
More to experience from Hyères
Use Hyères as a gateway to Le Var, the Côte d’Azur and the protected islands off Giens.
The region around Hyères
Le Var
Discover the villages, vineyards, beaches, harbours and coastal roads between Toulon, Hyères, Bormes-les-Mimosas and Saint-Tropez.
Read the Le Var guide →
Towns and coastal experiences
Côte d’Azur
See how Hyères fits into a wider journey along the Riviera, from Toulon and the Var coast to Cannes, Nice and Menton.
Read the Côte d’Azur guide →
National park and island life
Porquerolles and Port-Cros
Two islands with entirely different characters: sandy beaches and cycling on Porquerolles, wilder nature and walking on Port-Cros.
Discover the islands of France →Read more
Read our inspiring articles about France
Find inspiration in travel guides, touring itineraries and personal recommendations from across France. Discover towns, villages, food and wine experiences, nature and new destinations.