Hyères

Day 1: Medieval Hyères, hill to sea

Ease into Hyères with a slow wander of the historic old town, climbing from the lively square to quiet lanes and panoramic viewpoints. Wear sturdy shoes: the cobbles are uneven and the gradients real, but the rewards are storybook streets, artists’ workshops and a sunset castle.

• Morning: Enter via Porte Massillon to Place Massillon for coffee and a look inside the Tour des Templiers (check what’s on; exhibitions rotate). If it’s Saturday, browse the market early before it gets busy. Tip: don’t drive up—park at Parking Clemenceau or Parking Denis and walk.
• Midday: Drift the Parcours des Arts (Rue des Porches, Rue de la Bourgade, side alleys); greet makers as you pop into ateliers. Note that many shops close 12:30–14:30—use that window for a leisurely Provençal lunch in the square.
• Afternoon: Climb to the collégiale Saint‑Paul to see the ex‑votos and the terrace view; detour to the lavoir below the church and a quiet stretch along Rue Barbacane by the ramparts. Continue into Parc Saint‑Bernard for Villa Noailles (free entry; check hours), where the architecture is as compelling as the contemporary shows—pick up the current programme.
• Evening: Push on to the castle ruins for golden‑hour vistas over the tiled roofs to the Îles d’Or, then descend for an apéro on Place Massillon. In summer, plan the uphill segments after 17:00 for shade; in cooler months, the old town feels wonderfully local after dusk.

Day 2: Art in the city and sea air on the peninsula

Today mixes museum‑hopping with a change of scenery on the Giens peninsula. You’ll sample Hyères’ design and photography pedigree in town, then follow the coast to a new museum set amid pine and sea.

• Morning: Start at La Banque, Musée des Cultures et du Paysage (central; check day-by-day hours—often 14:00–18:00, with morning openings mid‑week and Saturday). The old bank vault is a memorable gallery; combine with any exhibition inside the Tour des Templiers if scheduled.

By Air

• Toulon–Hyères Airport (TLN): 10–15 minutes by taxi/car to central Hyères; 20–30 minutes by local bus to the train/bus station. Small airport with mainly domestic and seasonal European routes.
• Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): about 1 hr 15–1 hr 30 by car (approx. 100 km). By public transport, expect roughly 2–2 hr 30 via shuttle/train to Marseille Saint-Charles, then TER/TGV to Toulon/Hyères.
• Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE): about 1 hr 30–2 hr by car (approx. 150 km). By train, 2–3 hr via Nice-Ville and Toulon to Hyères.

By Train

• Gare d’Hyères (Hyères station) is the terminus for local TER services.
• Frequent TER trains to Toulon (approx. 20–25 minutes) and Marseille Saint-Charles (about 1 hr 20–1 hr 40, often with a change at Toulon).
• Paris connections: TGV from Paris–Gare de Lyon to Toulon (around 3 hr 45), then TER to Hyères (about 20 minutes). In summer, limited direct TGVs may run to Hyères (around 4 hr 40–5 hr).
• Nice connections: TER via Toulon; typically 2–3 hr total depending on changes.

By Bus/Coach

• Hyères Gare Routière (bus station) sits by the railway station; main hub for local and regional services.
• Local network (Réseau Mistral) links Hyères with Toulon, the airport, Giens peninsula, and nearby towns.

Hyères is a crowd-light Provençal coastal city that trades blockbuster hype for quietly rich experiences—medieval lanes, modernist art, island nature, and a slow, local rhythm.

• Atmosphere: Sun‑warmed medieval lanes climbing to castle ruins, palm‑shaded squares, and an easy rhythm of morning markets and sunset apéros—without the coastal crush.
• Culture & creativity: Centuries sit side by side: Tour des Templiers and Collégiale Saint‑Paul meet modernist Villa Noailles and the Parcours des Arts’ working ateliers, where you chat to makers instead of queuing.
• Neighbourhoods & nature: Base in the Vieille Ville, wander up through Parc Saint‑Bernard to the Château d’Hyères for sea views, then slip to the Giens peninsula or ferry to Porquerolles for quiet coves and the Fondation Carmignac’s art‑in‑nature.
• Taste & value: Provençal flavours at the Saturday market, seafood and rosé on Place Massillon, and mostly free or modestly priced culture (Villa Noailles free; Tour des Templiers low‑cost) deliver authenticity and value over bling.

Love layered history, Mediterranean light, and a creative vibe without the crush of the big Riviera resorts? Then Hyères blends a medieval hilltop old town, cutting‑edge art and design, and easy access to beaches and islands. Expect a slower pace and authentic Provençal life, yet with world‑class culture on your doorstep.

• History lovers: Wander cobbled lanes to the Templar Tower, Collégiale Saint‑Paul and castle ruins, with panoramas that rival Nice yet feel more intimate.
• Art & design fans: Explore Villa Noailles, the Parcours des Arts studios and pop‑up shows in the Tour des Templiers, then hop to Fondation Carmignac on Porquerolles.
• Scenery seekers: Climb to the castle or Saint‑Paul terrace for widescreen views over the Îles d’Or and a coastline that’s as photogenic as Cannes but far calmer.
• Active travellers: Hike Parc Saint‑Bernard, cycle car‑lite Porquerolles, or kayak and paddleboard around the Giens peninsula.
• Foodies: Graze the Saturday market at Place Massillon, sip local rosé at apéro, and savour Provençal seafood that’s fresher and better value than Monaco.
• City‑breakers: A compact, walkable centre with pedestrian lanes, café terraces and cultural hits—big on character, lighter on crowds than Nice or Cannes.

Hyères blends a storied medieval hill town with avant-garde art and island light. Here are the unmissable highlights to make the most of your visit.

• Walk the cobbled lanes of the Vieille Ville from Porte Massillon to Collégiale Saint‑Paul, pausing on its terrace for town‑to‑sea vistas.
• Explore the Parcours des Arts to meet artisans in working ateliers along Rue des Porches and Rue Saint‑Paul.
• Visit Villa Noailles, the Mallet‑Stevens modernist icon turned national art centre, for cutting‑edge fashion, design and photography.
• Take the ferry to Porquerolles to tour the Fondation Carmignac’s galleries and sculpture park amid pines and turquoise coves.
• Hike up through Parc Saint‑Bernard to the château ruins for panoramic 360° views over rooftops, salt pans and the Îles d’Or.

Hyères blends a storied medieval hill town with avant-garde art and island light. Here are the unmissable highlights to make the most of your visit.

• Walk the cobbled lanes of the Vieille Ville from Porte Massillon to Collégiale Saint‑Paul, pausing on its terrace for town‑to‑sea vistas.
• Explore the Parcours des Arts to meet artisans in working ateliers along Rue des Porches and Rue Saint‑Paul.
• Visit Villa Noailles, the Mallet‑Stevens modernist icon turned national art centre, for cutting‑edge fashion, design and photography.
• Take the ferry to Porquerolles to tour the Fondation Carmignac’s galleries and sculpture park amid pines and turquoise coves.
• Hike up through Parc Saint‑Bernard to the château ruins for panoramic 360° views over rooftops, salt pans and the Îles d’Or.

Hyères tastes of the Mediterranean: sea‑fresh fish, sun‑ripened produce, and herbs. Its old‑town cafés and Saturday market set the rhythm, while sunset apéros flow from shady squares to beach bars. Expect simple, flavour‑first Provençal cooking with a creative, coastal twist.

• Bouillabaisse (or soupe de poissons) – rich Provençal fish stew served with garlicky rouille and croutons, showcasing local catch. Best savoured in harbour bistros on the Giens peninsula or tucked‑away old‑town restaurants.
• Grand aïoli – a generous platter of cod, seasonal veg and eggs with silky garlic mayonnaise; the pure taste of Provence. Join the convivial Friday aïoli lunches on lively terrace cafés.
• Fougasse provençale – olive‑studded, aromatic flatbread perfect for snacking as you wander. Grab one from a boulangerie and browse the bustling Saturday market around Place Massillon.
• Rosé de Provence (La Londe & Porquerolles) – crisp, saline rosé that pairs with everything from seafood to tapenade. Sip it for apéro on café terraces in the old town or at relaxed beach bars at dusk.

Choosing where to stay in Hyères is all about picking the right base: medieval hilltop, beachside, wild peninsula, or a car‑free island. Each area has a distinct mood and logistics (think steps, parking, or ferry times), so match the vibe to your plans.

• Vieille Ville (Old Town) — Steep, cobbled lanes beneath the castle, artisan studios and lively Place Massillon; best for history lovers and photographers, but not ideal for pushchairs or limited mobility.
• Centre‑ville (Town Centre) — Flat, convenient hub for buses, markets and dining on Belle‑Époque boulevards; suits first‑timers, short stays and budget‑minded travellers.
• Giens Peninsula (Giens, Port du Niel & l’Almanarre) — Pine‑scented headland with calanques and sunset views, plus top kitesurfing; ideal for beach days, hikers and a quieter village feel.
• Porquerolles Island — Car‑free with turquoise coves, bike paths and the Fondation Carmignac; perfect for slow travel and nature‑minded couples, but requires ferry timing and advance bookings in summer.

Choosing where to stay in Hyères is all about picking the right base: medieval hilltop, beachside, wild peninsula, or a car‑free island. Each area has a distinct mood and logistics (think steps, parking, or ferry times), so match the vibe to your plans.

• Vieille Ville (Old Town) — Steep, cobbled lanes beneath the castle, artisan studios and lively Place Massillon; best for history lovers and photographers, but not ideal for pushchairs or limited mobility.
• Centre‑ville (Town Centre) — Flat, convenient hub for buses, markets and dining on Belle‑Époque boulevards; suits first‑timers, short stays and budget‑minded travellers.
• Giens Peninsula (Giens, Port du Niel & l’Almanarre) — Pine‑scented headland with calanques and sunset views, plus top kitesurfing; ideal for beach days, hikers and a quieter village feel.
• Porquerolles Island — Car‑free with turquoise coves, bike paths and the Fondation Carmignac; perfect for slow travel and nature‑minded couples, but requires ferry timing and advance bookings in summer.

Travel to Hyères is straightforward, with a compact centre and good links, but a few details will make your planning smoother. Distances are short, yet hills and summer heat can affect timings. Here’s what to know at a glance.

• Affordability: Expect café lunches around €12–18, dinner mains €16–28, coffee €2–3 and a glass of rosé €4–6; mid-range hotels are roughly €110–180 per night in spring/autumn (rising to €170–280 in summer), apartments from about €80–150, and many cultural sights are free or low-cost.
• Transport: The old town is walkable (but steep and cobbled), buses and seasonal shuttles reach beaches and the Giens peninsula, a car helps for vineyard/village day trips, and ferries from La Tour Fondue run to Porquerolles (book ahead in peak season).
• Language: French is the main language, with English commonly understood in hotels, restaurants and museums, though basic French greetings are appreciated and some small shops may be French‑only.
• Safety & comfort: Generally very safe for families and solo travellers; take normal care with pickpockets at markets and in summer crowds, wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and steps, carry water/sun protection, and avoid driving into the old town.
• Crowds: July–August and festival weekends are busiest (Saturday market is lively), while April–June and September–October are pleasantly active without crush, and winter is quiet with lower prices and some reduced hours.

Travel to Hyères is straightforward, with a compact centre and good links, but a few details will make your planning smoother. Distances are short, yet hills and summer heat can affect timings. Here’s what to know at a glance.

• Affordability: Expect café lunches around €12–18, dinner mains €16–28, coffee €2–3 and a glass of rosé €4–6; mid-range hotels are roughly €110–180 per night in spring/autumn (rising to €170–280 in summer), apartments from about €80–150, and many cultural sights are free or low-cost.
• Transport: The old town is walkable (but steep and cobbled), buses and seasonal shuttles reach beaches and the Giens peninsula, a car helps for vineyard/village day trips, and ferries from La Tour Fondue run to Porquerolles (book ahead in peak season).
• Language: French is the main language, with English commonly understood in hotels, restaurants and museums, though basic French greetings are appreciated and some small shops may be French‑only.
• Safety & comfort: Generally very safe for families and solo travellers; take normal care with pickpockets at markets and in summer crowds, wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and steps, carry water/sun protection, and avoid driving into the old town.
• Crowds: July–August and festival weekends are busiest (Saturday market is lively), while April–June and September–October are pleasantly active without crush, and winter is quiet with lower prices and some reduced hours.

Seasonality in Hyères follows a classic Mediterranean rhythm: hot, busy summers; mild, quieter winters; and glorious shoulder seasons ideal for exploring. Plan around heat and crowds if you want to climb the old town or visit nearby islands.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct): Pleasant temperatures, softer light and manageable crowds; ideal for flânerie in the old town and arts events.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Hot and busy, buzzing evenings and packed beaches/islands; book ferries, restaurants and lodging well in advance.
• Winter (Nov–Mar): Mild to cool and very quiet; some venues reduce hours (e.g., Fondation Carmignac usually closed), while Villa Noailles and La Banque keep curated programmes.

Seasonality in Hyères follows a classic Mediterranean rhythm: hot, busy summers; mild, quieter winters; and glorious shoulder seasons ideal for exploring. Plan around heat and crowds if you want to climb the old town or visit nearby islands.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct): Pleasant temperatures, softer light and manageable crowds; ideal for flânerie in the old town and arts events.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Hot and busy, buzzing evenings and packed beaches/islands; book ferries, restaurants and lodging well in advance.
• Winter (Nov–Mar): Mild to cool and very quiet; some venues reduce hours (e.g., Fondation Carmignac usually closed), while Villa Noailles and La Banque keep curated programmes.

Day 3: Porquerolles—art, nature and islands

Set aside a full day for Porquerolles, where contemporary art meets a protected Mediterranean landscape. Travel light, bring water and sun protection, and expect gentle sandy tracks best explored by bike or on foot.

• Morning: Catch an early ferry from La Tour Fondue (Giens) and hire bikes on arrival. Time your entry slot at Fondation Carmignac (advance booking essential in summer; typically closed Nov–Apr) and ride in via shaded pine paths.
• Midday: Explore the foundation’s subterranean galleries and sculpture garden (shoes off inside adds to the experience). Picnic in designated areas or eat at the café; the island is a national park—follow signage and stay on marked trails.
• Afternoon: Swap art for coast: cycle to a nearby beach for a swim or explore village lanes and coastal viewpoints before your return ferry (allow buffer time—queues build in July–August). If you’re island‑averse or visiting in winter, stay mainland for a slow castle‑to‑gardens loop and extra time at La Banque.
• Evening: Back in Hyères, join the apéro crowd on Place Massillon or check the town’s agenda for evening openings in the Parcours des Arts. Festival note: in late spring and early summer, Villa Noailles’ fashion and design exhibitions often run late; in July, the Olbia site hosts the MIDI music festival.

By Car

• From Toulon: A57 eastbound to Hyères (around 20–25 minutes).
• From Marseille: A50 then A57 (about 1 hr 10–1 hr 30, traffic dependent).
• From Nice/Cannes: A8 then A57 via Le Luc, or A8 to Toulon then A57 (about 1 hr 30–1 hr 45).
• Motorways are tolled. Summer and weekend traffic can be heavy, especially towards the Giens peninsula (ferry access to the islands).
• Old town streets are narrow/pedestrianised; use central car parks such as Parking Clemenceau or Parking Denis and continue on foot.

Who should go to Hyères?

Love layered history, Mediterranean light, and a creative vibe without the crush of the big Riviera resorts? Then Hyères blends a medieval hilltop old town, cutting‑edge art and design, and easy access to beaches and islands. Expect a slower pace and authentic Provençal life, yet with world‑class culture on your doorstep.

• History lovers: Wander cobbled lanes to the Templar Tower, Collégiale Saint‑Paul and castle ruins, with panoramas that rival Nice yet feel more intimate.
• Art & design fans: Explore Villa Noailles, the Parcours des Arts studios and pop‑up shows in the Tour des Templiers, then hop to Fondation Carmignac on Porquerolles.
• Scenery seekers: Climb to the castle or Saint‑Paul terrace for widescreen views over the Îles d’Or and a coastline that’s as photogenic as Cannes but far calmer.
• Active travellers: Hike Parc Saint‑Bernard, cycle car‑lite Porquerolles, or kayak and paddleboard around the Giens peninsula.
• Foodies: Graze the Saturday market at Place Massillon, sip local rosé at apéro, and savour Provençal seafood that’s fresher and better value than Monaco.
• City‑breakers: A compact, walkable centre with pedestrian lanes, café terraces and cultural hits—big on character, lighter on crowds than Nice or Cannes.

Hyères tastes of the Mediterranean: sea‑fresh fish, sun‑ripened produce, and herbs. Its old‑town cafés and Saturday market set the rhythm, while sunset apéros flow from shady squares to beach bars. Expect simple, flavour‑first Provençal cooking with a creative, coastal twist.

• Bouillabaisse (or soupe de poissons) – rich Provençal fish stew served with garlicky rouille and croutons, showcasing local catch. Best savoured in harbour bistros on the Giens peninsula or tucked‑away old‑town restaurants.
• Grand aïoli – a generous platter of cod, seasonal veg and eggs with silky garlic mayonnaise; the pure taste of Provence. Join the convivial Friday aïoli lunches on lively terrace cafés.
• Fougasse provençale – olive‑studded, aromatic flatbread perfect for snacking as you wander. Grab one from a boulangerie and browse the bustling Saturday market around Place Massillon.
• Rosé de Provence (La Londe & Porquerolles) – crisp, saline rosé that pairs with everything from seafood to tapenade. Sip it for apéro on café terraces in the old town or at relaxed beach bars at dusk.