Would you like us to call you back? It's free!
Green escapes at Plein Sud in Hyères
The unspoilt nature of the Hyères region
The Hyères region, located on the Var coast, offers an exceptional natural setting between sea and mountains. With its heavenly beaches, golden islands and wooded massifs, it is home to remarkable biodiversity. Nature reserves such as Les Salins and Parc National de Port-Cros make it a veritable sanctuary for Mediterranean flora and fauna. It's a place where enchanting landscapes meet ecological wealth.
The salt road
Follow the salt route and discover the history of the Hyères salt marshes. They are divided into two parts:
- the old salt pans
- the Pesquiers salt marsh
Ornithological tours are organized to observe some 200 species of birds. The 550-hectare Pesquiers salt marsh offers guided tours of the salt-maker's craft. Tours are organized around two routes, one for children and one for adults. For an educational and original walk in the heart of nature, follow the Pas du saunier, a 1.6 km trail accessible on foot or by bike.
The remarkable gardens of Hyères
Three of Hyères' green spaces have been awarded the “Remarkable Garden” label.
The Olbius Riquier garden
The Olbius Riquier garden is a former annex of the Jardin d'acclimatation in Paris. Within its 7 hectares of nature, you'll come across an exotic greenhouse, a pond, an aviary, a few farm animals and free-roaming peacocks.
Parc Sainte-Claire
Parc Sainte-Claire once belonged to the American novelist Edith Wharton. One of the natural charms of this 6500 m2 terraced garden is its panoramic view over the medieval town and the harbor of Hyères. Today, the site is the headquarters of the Parc National de Port-Cros.
Saint-Bernard Park
Let the Mediterranean essences of the Parc Saint-Bernard intoxicate you. This garden surrounds the villa of the Viscount de Noailles, who was a passionate botanist. It offers superb views of the peninsula and the Golden Isles. It also conceals a cubist-inspired triangular garden designed by Guevrekian.
Port-Cros National Park
Port-Cros National Park covers most of the Golden Isles archipelago. The park's 1,700 hectares are home to numerous bird colonies, including 144 species.
The flora is equally rich, with some endemic species. A number of marked trails, both on foot and by sea, enable visitors to observe the diversity of this fragile natural environment, which is so important to preserve.
In addition to preserving species, the park's mission is to educate visitors and raise their awareness of ecological issues. The site is part of the Natura 2000 network.
The Rayol estate
Otherwise known as the Garden of the Mediterranean, the Domaine du Rayol is located on the Corniche des Maures. This open-air plant museum, which has been awarded the “Patrimoine du XXe siècle” label (20th century heritage), features species from the world's Mediterranean biome. In the landscaped gardens, you'll find species from three continents, but all from similar natural and climatic environments. Once you've completed your world tour of colors and fragrances, put on your flippers: the estate also offers educational aquatic walks.
The natural area of La Garde and Le Pradet
The Espace Nature Départemental du Plan covers 135 hectares in the communes of La Garde and Le Pradet. It is one of the last wetlands on the coast, which explains its astonishing biodiversity. It is criss-crossed by 16 km of hiking and cycling trails, plus a 2.5 km equestrian trail. Discover the 200 species of birds that grace its arboretum and themed gardens. The rare plants and insects that live there require strict vigilance on the part of visitors.
