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Discovering the town of Hyères
The remains of Olbia
To learn all about the history of Hyères, you need to go back 2,400 years. A visit to the remains of the Greek port city of Olbia will take you on a fascinating journey back in time to the days of our ancestors, the Olbians. For the rest of the story, don't worry, we'll give it to you in rapid succession.
Stroll through the medieval city
Trace the history of Hyères by observing the monuments that remain in the medieval town, such as the Templar tower, to name but one. The town's ramparts still boast a number of fine entrances, including the Porte Barruc and Porte Massillon, adorned with a beautiful clock. The Fort du Pradeau (or Tour fondue) is a museum that tells you all about the region's natural environment.
Castles around Hyères
To visit the remains of a 10th-century castle overlooking the medieval town, head for the Colline du Castéou.
Do your kids love castles and want more? Take your pick: Fort Sainte-Agathe in Porquerolles, Fort de l'Estissac, Fort du Langoustier - you'll find a dozen or so in the vicinity of Hyères. In Port-Cros, Fort de la Vigie, built under Napoleon I, has since served as a writers' residence, welcoming Malraux and Gide, among others.
The salt route
Salt works play an important role in the history of Hyères. At the Pesquiers saltworks, two guided tours are available:
- the “Mémoire du sel” (Memory of salt) tour introduces you to the salt-maker's trade over the centuries.
- The “Au pays du sel” (In the land of salt) tour is designed for children.
If they're dragging their feet, bait them by assuring them that they'll see pink flamingos (and it's true). When they return, they'll be amazed to discover a new and unusual passion: salt.
Museums around Hyères
If you're an art lover, don't stop there: the Villa Noailles, now a center for contemporary art, was once home to Giacometti, Jean Cocteau and Man Ray. Its sumptuous garden is as delightful to visit as its collections.
If you're planning a cultural tour of the Var's museums, don't miss the Musée des Cultures et du Paysage. This unusual museum focuses on the evolution of the town and its coastline.
The Fondation Carmignac, meanwhile, will dazzle you with both its contemporary collections and its natural setting.
The Arts Trail
The “parcours des Arts” is an original idea developed by the town to visit the center while discovering local artists and craftsmen. Stroll through the pedestrian streets and visit the workshops that line them. You'll see the artists at work and discover their know-how and creativity.
For the best possible visit, ask at the tourist office for a map showing the location of workshops and stores.
Festivals
Numerous festivals take place throughout the summer in and around Hyères. Contact the tourist office or the reception desk of your Plein Sud hotel to find out more.
