Things to do in Hyères | The French Riviera’s Hidden Gem
Hyères offers a refreshing contrast to the busier towns of the Côte d’Azur – a long-time favourite with French families, yet often bypassed by visitors rushing to the coastal resorts of Saint-Tropez, Nice, or Cannes. Here, palm-lined boulevards meet a medieval old town, and the air carries the scent of sea air, pine and bougainvillaea.
With a Mediterranean climate and ferries linking its port to three idyllic islands, Hyères is a place to savour the slower pace of the South of France. Think lazy mornings at the market, windswept coastal walks, and swims in tranquil bays.
Whether you’re here for a weekend break, a family holiday, or a stop on a wider Provence itinerary, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this charming pocket of France.
A Brief History of Hyères
Wearing the marks of both Greek and Roman settlements, the old town of Hyères attracted its early occupants with its hilltop location and sheltered bays – the hilltop castle was the ideal spot for watching over the coast. Later, it was home to several Kings of France.
In the 19th century, Hyères became one of the first health resorts on the French Riviera. Aristocrats, artists, and writers were drawn here for its agreeable winter temperatures and soft light. They filled the town with grand villas, lush gardens and a Belle Époque elegance that you can still witness today.
This is also when the iconic palm trees were planted – thousands of them now adorning the lower town of Hyères and earning it the nickname of Hyères-les-Palmiers.
Best Things to do in Hyères
From medieval lanes to stunning beaches and island-hopping adventures, Hyères has a way of keeping you busy without ever feeling rushed. Here are the experiences that capture the best of this sunny corner of the Riviera.
Explore the Old Town
The heart of Hyères, with its maze of cobbled streets and pastel-coloured buildings, feels more like a village than a city with over 50,000 residents. Walk through the arched city gates to discover this medieval town, and take your time to discover its quieter lanes and hidden courtyards.
Weave your way through to the Tour de Templiers, stopping to browse the boutiques selling Provençal linens and hand-painted ceramics along the way. At the foot of the tower, cafe tables spread out in the square – the perfect spot to stop for a refreshing drink before continuing your exploration uphill.
Climb up through the narrow lanes, stopping to appreciate the view as it reveals itself to you. If you’re eager, keep going until you reach Castel Sainte-Claire and its sprawling garden. Paths will lead you from here to the ruins of the Château d’Hyères at the top. While the ruins themselves aren’t the most captivating, the views over the city and coast below make it worth your while.
Visit Villa Noailles
Above the old town, on your way up to the Chateau, Villa Noailles is a slice of 1920s modernism, designed by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens for the art-loving Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles. Back then, it was a playground for the avant-garde; today, it’s one of Hyères’ most loved cultural spaces.
Each Autumn, it buzzes with creative energy during the International Festival of Fashion & Photography, drawing designers and photographers from around the globe. Even if you’re not here for the festival, it’s worth coming just to wander the geometric halls, take in the ever-changing exhibitions, and pause in the gardens to appreciate the views of Hyères from above.
Explore the Giens Peninsula
The Giens Peninsula feels a bit like a well-guarded secret on the French Riviera. A long, narrow strip of land stretches out into the Mediterranean before fanning out into a craggy headland that’s bordered by pine forests and rocky coves. Lace up your walking shoes and follow the Sentier du Littoral, a coastal trail that wraps around the peninsula and showcases the natural beauty of the area.
Just inland, salt flats add a splash of pink and become a feeding ground for flocks of flamingos in Spring and Autumn. This is an area of the Riviera that’s windswept, wild, and perfect for a laid-back beachy holiday.
Relax on the Beaches
Speaking of beaches, Hyères is home to over 35km of coastline – meaning you’ll find everything from wild & windswept beaches, to calm family-friendly bays, and even a few secret coves if you’re willing to explore.
Want space to spread out? Head to Plage de l’Almanarre. Between sea and salt flats, this almost 5km beach is among Europe’s best spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing. If you’d rather keep your hair dry, head to the eastern side of the peninsula, where beaches such as Plage de la Capte, Plage des Pesquiers, and Plage la Bergerie offer a calmer atmosphere for swimming and paddling.
One of the most famous beaches in France, Plage Notre Dame on Porquerolles Island (a short 20-minute ferry ride away), is an oasis of white sand and turquoise water, surrounded by lush pine forest and dusty walking trails.
Discover the îles d’Hyères
Just off the coast of Hyères lie the so-called “golden islands” (îles d’Or) – three slices of paradise, each with its distinct personality. Jump on a ferry from the port, and within the hour, you’ll feel like you’ve slipped into another world.
Porquerolles Island is the largest and most famous of the trio. A car-free (save for a few local service vehicles) escape where bikes or your own two feet are the best mode of transport. White sand beaches fringe the island, with the aforementioned Plage Notre Dame stealing the limelight. Away from the coast, vineyards, historical fortifications, and art galleries await exploration.
Port-Cros is the smallest of the three islands, and it’s the least developed. Entirely a National Park, it’s ideal for anyone who loves hiking freely in nature. Snorkelling fans will appreciate the clear waters teeming with fish. You can even follow an underwater snorkelling trail at Plage de la Palud, which features underwater signposts introducing you to local marine life.
Île du Levant is known as the island for naturists. With its rocky coastline, hidden paths, and easygoing vibe, it’s perfect if you’re craving seclusion – or just want to see a wilder side of the Riviera.
Take Day Trips
As tempting as it is to stay in Hyères, its location makes it the perfect springboard for discovering more of the Côte d’Azur. Within a short drive, you’ll find hilltop villages bursting with blooms, lively seaside resorts, and even a naval city with a proud maritime past.
Bormes-les-Mimosas lies just 20 minutes from Hyères, and as cliché as it sounds, it’s the picture of Provençal perfection. Draped in bougainvillaea and ivy, its pastel shuttered houses climb up the hillside toward the majestic-looking town hall. The village is especially colourful when the Mimosas bloom in February, but it’s charming year-round – perfect for a leisurely wander and long lunch in Place Gambetta.
Le Lavandou is a lively seaside town on the coast beneath Bormes-les-Mimosas. With its palm-lined Promenade, colourful boats, and string of sandy shores, it’s a great spot for a family beach day. If you’re feeling energised, you can also walk from here along the Sentier du Littoral to hidden coves and spectacular viewpoints.
In the opposite direction, you’ll find Toulon, a port city with a rich naval history. France’s Mediterranean fleet is based here, and you can learn more at the Musée National de la Marine.
Beyond the harbour, Toulon is a vibrant Provençal city with a charming old town, popular markets, and a cable car that travels up Mont Faron, where views sweep across the bay and islands. It’s also a city that lives and breathes rugby – home to the RC Toulonnais team, one of the most celebrated in France. Don’t miss a match at the Stade Mayol while you’re there!
What to Eat in Hyères
Mediterranean flavours and seafood dominate the menus of Hyères. Some of the local specialities you’ll want to order include Bouillabaisse – a rich Provencal fish stew; Aioli – a garlicky mayonnaise served alongside fish, vegetables and eggs; or Fougasse – a soft, olive-studded bread that comes in a variety of shapes. And don’t forget to wash it down with the region’s own Cotes de Provence rose. You’ll find suggested vineyards to visit here.
Where to Stay
Choosing where to stay in Hyères will come down to what kind of holiday vibe you’re after. Those in search of a holiday like the aristocrats used to may like to seek out the Belle Époque hotels of the old town. For family-friendly getaways, look towards the Giens peninsula for island vibes on the mainland.
Lilou is a boutique hotel set in a beautiful Haussmannian-style building on the edge of the old town.
Le Hameau Des Pesquiers Ecolodge & Spa is a delightful and well-located place to stay on the Giens Peninsula.
Le Domaine de la Mer offers family-friendly accommodation a stone’s throw from the sand.
A getaway in Hyères is about embracing a slower pace and spending your days savouring the region’s history, nature and beauty. It’s a town that epitomises Riviera glamour, while also allowing you to get off the beaten path and discover hidden coves, island trails, and authentic Provencal moments.
