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Hyères

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Var

Hyères - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Var
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In Var, there is a town with 2,400 years of history. This place is Hyères, some twenty kilometres east of Toulon. Known as "the palm tree town", Hyères has lost none of its historical charm. To explore, wander the picturesque side streets of the old medieval town perched on the Castéou hill.

Enter through the Porte Massillon gate, which marks the entrance to the historic centre, then wander around to see old houses with colourful façades, brightly coloured market stalls or a vaulted passage under the old ramparts. At the top of the hill is the castle of the Lords of Fos, built in the 11th century. The town developed around it as time went by. Now in ruins, the medieval fortress offers visitors stunning views over the Bay of Hyères and the Maures Massif!

For a well-deserved break, head to the beautiful Place Massillon where you can sit out on one of its pleasant café or restaurant terraces.

As far as religious heritage is concerned, you can choose between the 12th-century Chapel of St. Blaise, also known as the Templar Tower, which has been converted into an exhibition space, and the 13th-century Church of St. Louis in the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Inside the latter are 19th-century organs, a beautiful stone altarpiece, a marble Madonna and a Christ on the cross from the 17th century. The Collegiate Church of St. Paul, meanwhile, is in the Provençal Romanesque style and dates from the 12th century. It possesses one of the biggest collections of ex-votos in the country and is enhanced by splendid stained glass windows and altarpieces.

Hyères also has some wonderful gardens and parks. Don't forget to take a stroll in one of its remarkable gardens, such as the Saint-Bernard Park with its exotic and Mediterranean plant species, located in the heights of the medieval city, or the Olbius Riquier Park featuring colourful flowerbeds, palm trees and exotic plants. You also have the Sainte-Claire Park which overlooks the town, with subtropical species flowering all year round. You'll be treated to many delightful colours and scents! Finally, the garden of the Villa Noailles is a must-see: in addition to its Cubist area and Mediterranean garden, you'll find an avant-garde residence from the 1920s where patterns of cubes mingle with light effects.

South of the town centre, a stone's throw from the sea, the archaeological site of Olbia is the only preserved site of its kind on the Mediterranean coast. An exceptional place, therefore, where excavations have unearthed thermal baths, cobbled streets, sanctuaries and dwellings, and established that the settlement dates back to the 4th century BC. From May to October, put on a mask, flippers and snorkel to explore the underwater archaeological trail and admire the wonders of this protected area!

Continuing eastwards, the Hyères salt marshes promise landscapes of rare beauty. The fauna and flora are particularly abundant: more than 200 species of birds and 300 varieties of plants. A joy for nature-lovers…

Finally, to round off your visit to Hyères, head to one of the town's pleasant beaches. The long, beautiful expanses of fine sand, like those of L'Almanarre or La Capte, are ideal for swimming and sunbathing!

Additional information
Hyères

Hyères-les-Palmiers is one of the most common areas of France, with 30 km gap between the two ends: the Giens peninsula until the second Borrel. Equipped with 13 238 hectares of which only 1 / 3 is urban and 1 284 hectares of land island Hyères-les-Palmiers offers a remarkable variety of landscapes, 39 km of coastline divided between non-concrete sandy beaches and rocky coves , along a campaign Hyérois green and flourishing. Valley Sauvebonne and massive Borrels alternate with hills Fenouillet or those of the castle. The forest is 35% of the area of ​​the town with 4,300 hectares covered. Salt marshes also contribute to the uniqueness and beauty of the landscape Hyérois. Finally, the uniqueness of the city of palm trees is the fact that with his ten fractions in common: the Giens peninsula, the Port, the Ayguade, Capt, the Salins, the Borrell Sauvebonne, not to mention three islands, Port Cros, Porquerolles and Le Levant, real villages are created and give it an extension rich in diversity.

Things to see and do

The gardens planted with Mediterranean and exotic species, such as the Olbius Riquier park, the Sainte-Claire park or the Saint-Bernard park.

This extraordinary garden allows you to walk near the pond, to admire lawns and massifs of fragrant flowers. The botanical park of Sainte-Claire invites you to discover many rare subtropical species from South America and Australia.

At the foot of the famous Villa Noailles (art center), a wonderful panorama is offered to the visitors of the park Saint-Bernard, the city offers to your feet, then the gaze on the harbor and its islands. The park runs on different restanques and offers a small glimpse of the natural floral wealth of the soil.

The medieval old town, the castle, the templar tower, the Saint-Louis church, the Saint-Paul collegiate church.

The route of the artisans in the old town to discover.

Leisure activities

Last nameActivity typeRateCity
Giant paddle board hire and drinks at sunset
Entertainment19 € Hyères
La Maison du Boomerang, studio and shop
Arts and CraftsFreeHyères

Places of interest

Leisure centres
Monuments
Natural sites
Performance halls
Transport

Events and festivities

Festival'Hyères: concerts and shows in July and August at the track to the beach.

Hyères the medieval Hyères plunged back into medieval times and celebrates the arrival of St. Louis on his land.

International Festival of Arts and Fashion: gathering of young designers, fashion professionals, photographers ... (Late April).

French Sailing Olympic Week (late April).

Festival of video games and manga (late May).

Children's festival: entertainment, workshops, shows to the attention of children (late December).

Villa Noailles : Marie Laure Paintings'
International Art Exhibition
European Days of Crafts
Spring Favour Festival
World cup Sailing
Book Festival in Hyeres
Cork Days
Pivoine Flower Exhibition in Villa Noailles
Porquerolle's Race
Manufacto, the Factory of Know-how

Photos

Central Square Hyères (© J.E)
Central Square Hyères (© J.E)
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Isle of Port-Cros
Isle of Port-Cros
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Almanarre beach, looking Hyères (© J.E)
Almanarre beach, looking Hyères (© J.E)
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Parc St-Bernard (© J.E)
Parc St-Bernard (© J.E)
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Villa Noailles (© J.E)
Villa Noailles (© J.E)
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Hyères seen gardens Noailles (© J.E)
Hyères seen gardens Noailles (© J.E)
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Church of St. Paul, seen from Castel St. Clair (© J.E)
Church of St. Paul, seen from Castel St. Clair (© J.E)
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Small port of Niel Giens
Small port of Niel Giens
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Beaches of Porquerolles
Beaches of Porquerolles
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Large fountain in the middle of an intersection (© Jean Espirat)
Large fountain in the middle of an intersection (© Jean Espirat)
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Church of Porquerolles
Church of Porquerolles
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Porquerolles island magic
Porquerolles island magic
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Our Lady of Consolation
Our Lady of Consolation
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pedestrianized streets Hyères
pedestrianized streets Hyères
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Villa Noailles
Villa Noailles
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Almanarre beach - Giens
Almanarre beach - Giens
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Isle of Port-Cros view of the boat (© J.E)
Isle of Port-Cros view of the boat (© J.E)
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Port-Cros (© J.E)
Port-Cros (© J.E)
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Port-Cros (© J.E)
Port-Cros (© J.E)
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Port-Cros (© J.E)
Port-Cros (© J.E)
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Port Cros - The colorful little harbor (© J.E)
Port Cros - The colorful little harbor (© J.E)
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Port-Cros - View from the path of the strong (© J.E)
Port-Cros - View from the path of the strong (© J.E)
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Port Cros - The port saw the strong path (© J.E)
Port Cros - The port saw the strong path (© J.E)
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Coastline Giens
Coastline Giens
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Port-Cros - ridge path (© J.E)
Port-Cros - ridge path (© J.E)
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Port-Cros seen from the beach (© J.E)
Port-Cros seen from the beach (© J.E)
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Port-Cros - Baie de la Palud (© J.E)
Port-Cros - Baie de la Palud (© J.E)
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Port-Cros - Rock Rascas (© J.E)
Port-Cros - Rock Rascas (© J.E)
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Port-Cros seen from the north coastal path (© J.E)
Port-Cros seen from the north coastal path (© J.E)
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Port-Cros saw the trail of the Golden Apple (© J.E)
Port-Cros saw the trail of the Golden Apple (© J.E)
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Tower Museum (© J.E)
Tower Museum (© J.E)
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Porte Saint Paul, entered the Top (© J.E)
Porte Saint Paul, entered the Top (© J.E)
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Hyères seen gardens Noailles (© J.E)
Hyères seen gardens Noailles (© J.E)
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Panorama from the old castle (© J.E)
Panorama from the old castle (© J.E)
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Old Castle Hyères (© J.E)
Old Castle Hyères (© J.E)
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The Fenouillet (© J.E)
The Fenouillet (© J.E)
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Panorama from the top of Fenouillet (© J.E)
Panorama from the top of Fenouillet (© J.E)
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Panorama Southeast, from the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
Panorama Southeast, from the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
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Panorama Southwest, since the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
Panorama Southwest, since the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
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Eglise Saint-Louis (Jean © Espirat)
Eglise Saint-Louis (Jean © Espirat)
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Nave of the Church of St. Louis (© Jean Espirat)
Nave of the Church of St. Louis (© Jean Espirat)
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Avenue Gambetta and palm trees (© Jean Espirat)
Avenue Gambetta and palm trees (© Jean Espirat)
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Fountain in a park (© Jean Espirat)
Fountain in a park (© Jean Espirat)
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Carrefour Victoria Avenue (© Jean Espirat)
Carrefour Victoria Avenue (© Jean Espirat)
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Collegiate Church Saint-Paul (© Jean Espirat)
Collegiate Church Saint-Paul (© Jean Espirat)
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Fenouillet door (© Jean Espirat)
Fenouillet door (© Jean Espirat)
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Porte Massillon (© Jean Espirat)
Porte Massillon (© Jean Espirat)
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Tour of the Templars (© Jean Espirat)
Tour of the Templars (© Jean Espirat)
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Tunisian Villa (© Jean Espirat)
Tunisian Villa (© Jean Espirat)
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Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
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Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
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Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
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Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
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Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
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Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
Olbius Riquier Park (© Jean Espirat)
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Second entry threshold in the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
Second entry threshold in the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
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Second gazebo in the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
Second gazebo in the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
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Third gazebo in the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
Third gazebo in the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
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Fourth gazebo in the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
Fourth gazebo in the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
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Staircase access to the gate northeast of the castle (© J.E)
Staircase access to the gate northeast of the castle (© J.E)
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View the farmyard of the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
View the farmyard of the old castle (© Jean Espirat)
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A quadrangular castle towers (© J.E)
A quadrangular castle towers (© J.E)
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Key old vault, St. Catherine Street (© J.E)
Key old vault, St. Catherine Street (© J.E)
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Fontaine Wallace (© J.E)
Fontaine Wallace (© J.E)
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Information on the Wallace Fountain (© Jean Espirat)
Information on the Wallace Fountain (© Jean Espirat)
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The Romanesque house (© J.E)
The Romanesque house (© J.E)
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The Romanesque house (© J.E)
The Romanesque house (© J.E)
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Park and Castel St. Clair (© J.E)
Park and Castel St. Clair (© J.E)
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Door Barruc (© J.E)
Door Barruc (© J.E)
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Porte des Princes (© J.E).
Porte des Princes (© J.E).
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Rue Sainte-Catherine (© J.E)
Rue Sainte-Catherine (© J.E)
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Rue des Porches (© J.E)
Rue des Porches (© J.E)
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Villa Noailles (© J.E)
Villa Noailles (© J.E)
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Villa Saint Hubert (© J.E)
Villa Saint Hubert (© J.E)
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Statue of St. Catherine, St. Catherine Street (© J.E)
Statue of St. Catherine, St. Catherine Street (© J.E)
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Roches cups, rue Saint-Pierre (© J.E)
Roches cups, rue Saint-Pierre (© J.E)
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Parc St-Bernard (© Jean Espirat)
Parc St-Bernard (© Jean Espirat)
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Our Lady of Consolation - Summit Hill Costebelle (© J.E)
Our Lady of Consolation - Summit Hill Costebelle (© J.E)
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Our Lady of Consolation (© J.E)
Our Lady of Consolation (© J.E)
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Nave of Our Lady of Consolation (© J.E)
Nave of Our Lady of Consolation (© J.E)
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Statue of the Virgin, painted wood - Our Lady of Consolation (© J.E)
Statue of the Virgin, painted wood - Our Lady of Consolation (© J.E)
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Stained glass windows of Our Lady of Consolation (© J.E)
Stained glass windows of Our Lady of Consolation (© J.E)
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Monument of naval aviation, on the hill of Costebelle (© J.E)
Monument of naval aviation, on the hill of Costebelle (© J.E)
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Panorama on saline and beach Almanarre Costebelle since (© J.E)
Panorama on saline and beach Almanarre Costebelle since (© J.E)
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Panorama near the tombolo Almanarre Costebelle since (© J.E)
Panorama near the tombolo Almanarre Costebelle since (© J.E)
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Coastal path between Hyères and La Londe (© J.E)
Coastal path between Hyères and La Londe (© J.E)
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Coastal path between Hyères and La Londe (© J.E)
Coastal path between Hyères and La Londe (© J.E)
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entry threshold into the site of ancient Olbia (© J.E)
entry threshold into the site of ancient Olbia (© J.E)
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ancient habitats Olbia (© J.E)
ancient habitats Olbia (© J.E)
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Olbia. Remains of Roman shops. (I)
Olbia. Remains of Roman shops. (I)
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Olbia - Island of Roman shops (© J.E)
Olbia - Island of Roman shops (© J.E)
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Olbia - habitat islands and Roman shops (© J.E)
Olbia - habitat islands and Roman shops (© J.E)
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Olbia - ornamental Drawing, present on site (© J.E)
Olbia - ornamental Drawing, present on site (© J.E)
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Olbia - The ancient public well (© J.E)
Olbia - The ancient public well (© J.E)
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Olbia - The Roman Baths (© J.E)
Olbia - The Roman Baths (© J.E)
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Olbia - Greek Wall, cyclopean blocks (© J.E)
Olbia - Greek Wall, cyclopean blocks (© J.E)
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Olbia - Ruins of the ancient abbey of St. Peter Almanarre (© J.E)
Olbia - Ruins of the ancient abbey of St. Peter Almanarre (© J.E)
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Olbia - Ruins of Roman shops (© J.E)
Olbia - Ruins of Roman shops (© J.E)
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Olbia - Ruins of Greek sanctuaries (© J.E)
Olbia - Ruins of Greek sanctuaries (© J.E)
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Hyères (© Frantz)
Hyères (© Frantz)
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Tour of the Templars (© Frantz)
Tour of the Templars (© Frantz)
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Hyères (© Frantz)
Hyères (© Frantz)
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Hotel Lutécia (© Frantz)
Hotel Lutécia (© Frantz)
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Hotel Lutécia (© Frantz)
Hotel Lutécia (© Frantz)
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Coastal Landscape (© Frantz)
Coastal Landscape (© Frantz)
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Castel St. Clair (© J.E)
Castel St. Clair (© J.E)
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Castel St. Clair (© J.E)
Castel St. Clair (© J.E)
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Anglican Church (© J.E)
Anglican Church (© J.E)
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Information Castel St. Clair (© J.E)
Information Castel St. Clair (© J.E)
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The laundry covered Hyères (© J.E)
The laundry covered Hyères (© J.E)
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West Tower of the castle St. Clair (© J.E)
West Tower of the castle St. Clair (© J.E)
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Almanarre beach, looking Giens (© J.E)
Almanarre beach, looking Giens (© J.E)
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The laundry covered Hyères (© J.E)
The laundry covered Hyères (© J.E)
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Information on the stones with cups (© J.E)
Information on the stones with cups (© J.E)
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Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Beach of the Salt Road: near Carqueiranne, there is a unique place, it is the Tombolo, which allowed the establishment of salt marshes and a flamingo nature reserve.

Also nearby is the beach of Almanarre. Spot surf, windsurf and kite surfing, it is the meeting place for all lovers of winter and winter sports, at its edge you can not miss this somewhat Hawaiian atmosphere of board fins and other floral jerseys. Swept by the mistral nearly a hundred days a year, it is one of the most favorable places of the coast for this kind of practices. Moreover, every year it hosts the world cup of funboard and kite surfing. However, the Almanarre is also a family beach. Parking is rather difficult along the road during busy summer. A privileged place where the beach keeps all its authenticity: large spaces and clear water. In addition, a few tens of meters from this beach, the archaeological site of Olbia is offered to you through sumptuous palmated excursions during which you will be able to observe the wreck of the Tartane (XIX), or the mother-of-pearl hidden in the posidonia meadow...

F1 Grand Prix at Le Castellet, Paul-Ricard, in June.

Restaurants

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