Hyères, France: A Family-Friendly Haven on the French Riviera

I recently visited Hyères, France and can attest to the charm and beauty of this Mediterranean paradise on the French Riviera! Located in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Hyères offers visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of southern France, while also providing ample opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

I visited Hyères as a super tired mom needing a relaxing week to myself! I booked a course with The Simple Life in Provence and artist Victoria Johnson.

In this blog post, I’ll share my top recommendations for things to do and see in Hyères, as well as some tips for where to stay and when to visit.

About Hyères on the French Riviera

First, let’s start with a bit of background on Hyères, France. Located on the French Riviera, Hyères is a historic city known for its medieval old town, stunning beaches, and proximity to the Îles d’Hyères (also known as the Golden Islands).

The city is easily accessible by car, train, or plane, and is a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

How to Pronounce Hyères

Hyères is pronounced “ee-AIR”. The accent is on the second syllable, and the final “s” is not pronounced.

As a native English speaker, I struggled with the pronunciation initially, but felt like a local saying Hyères correctly by the time I left!

Things to Do and See

Explore the Old Town

The old town of Hyères is a must-see for any visitor. This charming area is home to narrow streets lined with colorful houses, as well as several historic landmarks, including the Saint-Paul church and the 13th-century tower of the Templars. Take a stroll through the old town and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

Visit the Villa Noailles

If you’re a fan of modern architecture and design, don’t miss a visit to the Villa Noailles. This stunning Art Deco mansion was built in the 1920s for Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, and has since become a center for contemporary art and design. The villa is home to several exhibitions throughout the year, as well as a garden and swimming pool that are open to the public.

The views from this villa are stunning. It sits on the top of a mountain, overlooking the surrounding area and waterfront. 

Relax on the Beaches

One of the biggest draws of Hyères is its beautiful beaches. With miles of coastline to explore, you’re sure to find a spot that suits your style – whether you’re looking for a secluded cove or a bustling stretch of sand. Some of the most popular beaches in Hyères include La Capte, Almanarre, and Giens Peninsula. I swam and had a picnic on the Plage de l’Almanarre, and it was clean, clear water, surrounded by mountains.

In addition to the clear water and secret coves, did you know that flamingos come to roost in Hyères? You can spot massive flocks of these pink beauties in the shallows. 

Go Island-Hopping

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, take a ~30-minute ferry from Hyères to the nearby Îles d’Hyères. These three islands – Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Île du Levant – are known for their crystal-clear waters and unspoiled natural beauty. Of the three, Porquerolles is the most popular and boasts several beaches, hiking trails, and quaint villages.

When I visited Porquerolles with The Simple Life in Provence, we rented bicycles to cruise through the old roads and villages, along the rocky coastline, through the vineyards, and into the ancient pine forests. I’m moderately active, and I found biking to be a wonderful way to travel around the island. I swam on two beaches filled with crystal clear water, and views of ships moored in the bays. There were also several groups participating in scuba diving and sailing on small catamarans, which looked like another lovely way to spend the day.

Visit the Old Fortress

For a dose of history and stunning views, head to the old fortress in Hyères. This 12th-century castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city and the sea, and is home to a museum dedicated to the history of Hyères. From the top of the fortress, you’ll get a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

If you are here during Bastille Day, you can experience a display of fireworks from this hilltop.

Sample the Local Cuisine

No trip to Hyères is complete without sampling the local cuisine. The city is known for its fresh seafood, as well as its Provencal specialties like ratatouille and bouillabaisse. Some popular restaurants in Hyères include L’Atelier, La Daurade, and Les Jardins d’Artemis. If you want an all-inclusive provencal dining experience, I recommend staying with family-owned gastrohotel  The Simple Life in Provence.

Since I arrived in the summer, summer squash, zucchini, and tomatoes were a big part of my diet, as well as local rosé wine and Fred’s Aperol Spritz!

Visit the Kiddy Parc

This local theme park offers a lot of fun and adventure packed into a small destination. Kids will love the swinging pirate ship and parents will love the panoramic views of Hyères from the ferris wheel.

Purchase tickets

Where to Stay in Hyères, France

When it comes to accommodations, Hyères has plenty of options to suit all preferences and budgets. Here are a few suggestions:

All-Inclusive Gastro Hotel

I enjoyed my entire stay in France thanks to my all-inclusive homestay with The Simple Life in Provence. This family-owned business is joyfully run by the Michaud family, and I can not put into words what a lovely, relaxing, and delicious time I had. Each meal was crafted with love and fresh ingredients from Provence.

Hotels in the Old Town

For those who want to be in the heart of the action, staying in the Old Town is the best option. There are plenty of charming hotels in the area, such as the Hotel du Soleil, which is located in a 19th-century building and features a beautiful garden.

Beachfront Hotels

For those who want to be close to the beach, there are several beachfront hotels to choose from. The Mercure Hyères Centre is a great option, as it offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Villas and Vacation Rentals

If you’re traveling with a family or a group of friends, renting a villa or vacation rental can be a great option. There are several beautiful properties available on websites like Airbnb and VRBO.

Camping and Caravan Sites

For those who prefer a more outdoorsy experience, there are several camping and caravan sites in and around Hyères. One of the most popular options is Camping Les Palmiers, which is located just a few steps from the beach.

How do you get to Hyères, France?

If you do not have a vehicle, then the best way to travel to Hyères is by train. Overall, taking the train is a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel to Hyères, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey through the French countryside.

Many of the train cars are air-conditioned, have bathrooms, offer free WiFi, and some offer dining.

Regional Trains

Hyères is easily accessible by train. I personally took this method, traveling south from Nice to Hyères. I changed trains once, from a regional train to a local train into Hyères. You can book tickets on the SNCF Connect website or app or at the nearest train depot. 

On the way out, we actually drove to the nearest major train station is Toulon, which is approximately 20 kilometers away. Unfortunately, there was a train strike or something going on, so the local train from Hyères wasn’t departing that day. 

High-speed Train from Paris

Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train (TGV) to Toulon from major cities such as Paris, Marseille, and Nice. From Toulon, you can then take a local train to Hyères.

Book train TGV tickets from Paris to Toulon with SNCF

Hyères Travel Tips

Traveling to Hyères can be a smooth and enjoyable experience if you plan ahead and know what to expect. In this section, I’ll provide some practical tips for traveling to Hyères, including information on when to visit and how to get around. 

Best Time to Visit Hyères, France

In my opinion, the best time to visit Hyères, France is during the summer season, which runs from June to September. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are at their best. However, keep in mind that this is also the busiest time of the year, so expect crowds and higher prices. Though the daytime is sunny, the evenings are dry and filled with the sounds of cicadas chirping in the background.

If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting Hyères during the spring or fall seasons. The weather is still mild, and the beaches are less crowded. Plus, you’ll be able to take advantage of lower prices on accommodations and activities.

Is Hyères France Worth Visiting?

As someone who visited Hyères in June 2022 for 5 days with no prior knowledge of the area, I can confidently say that this city is absolutely worth visiting.

I was blown away by the natural beauty, abundance of activities, and delicious food scene. There is truly something for everyone in Hyères, and I highly recommend adding it to your travel bucket list.

What department is Hyères in?

Hyères is located in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. The department is known for its beautiful coastline, rolling hills, and charming Provençal villages, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Conclusion

Overall, Hyères, France is a beautiful and charming destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the old town, or indulge in the local cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to do and see.

If you’re planning a family vacation, Hyères should definitely be on your list of destinations to consider. With its beautiful beaches, rich history, and friendly locals, it’s a destination that’s sure to create lasting memories. If you’re traveling within Provence, I recommend reading the Best 7 Day South of France Itinerary. This blog gives great tips on what to do in several regional towns.

And if you enjoy this tropical destination blog, then check out these other recommendations:

• Ao Nang, Thailand
• Hoi An, Vietnam
• Mui Ne, Vietnam
• Tampa, Florida, USA
• Uncommon Day Trips from Florence, Italy by Train

Thank you for reading, and I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Hyères, France!

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