Hyeres ye, Hyeres ye: this old town brings on the charm
Many a British royal's preferred winter resort in the 18th and 19th centuries, Hyeres is the granddaddy of the communes along the French Riviera. These days, it's overshadowed by the younger, glitzier resorts, but this medieval town hasn't lost its luster. You might even rub elbows with celebrities and haute couture designers whenever there's a fashion or music festival in town. Wander the cobblestone streets of the charming Old Town, pop into the 19th-century quarter's casino and theater, and take a day trip to The Golden Isles just offshore—or just relax in your Hyeres vacation rental, especially if it's got breathtaking views over the Cote d'Azur.
Activities and attractions in and around Hyères
Do you want to discover things to do in the area? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable vacation rental, you'll want to experience everything that makes Hyères a fun place to get away. Here are some of the top attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Golf de Valcros (8.7 mi / 14 km)
- Azur Park (24.7 mi / 39.8 km)
- Gassin Golf Country Club (25.8 mi / 41.5 km)
- Kiddy Parc (2 mi / 3.2 km)
- Aqualand Saint Maxime (2.5 mi / 4 km)
- Valcros Golf (6.9 mi / 11.1 km)
Hyeres—let's see which way the wind blows
Your beach of choice in Hyeres may be affected by strong northwesterly winds, also known as the Mistral. When the Mistral blows, the 3-mile-long Almanarre Beach is ideal for wind-related activities like sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. For a calmer seaside outing, La Badine Beach and La Capte Beach are better options, both with shallow waters for the kids to splash around in. Minus the Mistral, Almanarre Beach can be great for family outings, too, although the largest beach in the 'hood gets pretty crowded in the summer. While you're sunbathing, keep your eyes peeled for flamingos, which make occasional appearances on the salt marshes opposite the Route du Sel.
You'll find that the weather's always fair in Hyeres
Hyeres enjoys a mild climate all year round, with warm summers and dry winters. July and August are the hottest months, with an average temperature of 72 degrees. August is also the best time for a dip in the sea. From December to February, average temps are in upper 40s, although the winter lows can drop below 40 degrees. Large crowds descend on the French Riviera in the summer, when the weather is at its finest. Consider booking your Hyeres vacation rental in the winter, when it's likely to sport a lower price tag.
Nature breaks—where do we go from Hyeres?
From your Hyeres vacation rental, head out to the Iles d'Hyeres or The Golden Isles, 3 islands off the Cote d'Azur coast. Porquerolles and Port-Cros are both serene and picturesque, and together form the Port-Cros National Park. Porquerolles has an ancient fort and a small village, as well as dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and trails that lead to crystalline coves. Port-Cros is more unspoiled, and you can go snorkeling from La Palud Beach. If you're keen to tan both your decolletage and your derriere, you can go to Le Levant instead, where shimmying out of your swimsuit is required in some parts of the island.
How to get to and around Hyères
The nearest airport is in Toulon (TLN-Toulon - Hyeres), located 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from the city center.
If you're traveling by train, the main station serving the city is Hyères Station.