Things to do in Hyères: tips from your hosts
The Golden Isles, the salt marshes, the beaches and the old town: everything we love, less than thirty minutes from the villa.
Three reasons to stay longer
Porquerolles
White-sand beaches, pine woods and cycle paths: the island can be explored in a day. The boat leaves from La Tour Fondue, 25 minutes from the villa, and the crossing takes about twenty minutes.
Port-Cros
Europe’s first marine national park, the island is explored on foot. Don’t miss the underwater trail at La Palud beach, with fins and a mask.
The salt marshes
The Vieux Salins, at the end of our lane, and the Pesquiers salt marshes on the Giens peninsula are home to hundreds of flamingos. Come early in the morning or at sunset.
A day on Porquerolles
The plan we suggest to our guests on a first visit.
8.30 am, leave the villa
Breakfast done, cool box packed: a 25-minute drive to La Tour Fondue.
9.30 am, the crossing
About twenty minutes by boat. On arrival, rent a bike at the harbour.
Noon, Notre-Dame beach
One of the island’s most beautiful beaches, half an hour from the village by bike along a shaded track.
6 pm, back at the villa
A dip in the pool, then drinks under the olive trees.
A beach for every mood
From the Giens peninsula to Les Salins, Hyères is lined with beaches. Here are our favourites, all less than twenty minutes from the villa:
- Salins beach, a five-minute walk away: long, calm and perfect early in the morning.
- L’Almanarre, a kitesurfers’ paradise at the foot of the peninsula.
- The coves of Giens, along the coastal path: clear water and rocks for watching fish.
- L’Ayguade, for families: fine sand, shallow water and ice-cream shops.
Getting around without a car
By bike
Cycle paths lead to the harbour and towards the peninsula: we lend the bikes.
On foot
The coastal path follows the sea from Salins beach.
By boat
Boats all year round to Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant, more frequent in summer.
Planning your stay
What is the best time to come?
May, June and September: the sea is already warm, the islands are quieter and the days are long. In July and August, leave early in the morning for the islands.
Do we need to book the boat to the islands?
In July and August, it is best to book the day before. The rest of the year, tickets can be bought at the harbour. Antoine can arrange it for you.
What is there to see in the old town?
The medieval lanes around Place Massillon, the Villa Noailles and its exhibitions, the Saint-Bernard park, then the climb up to the castle for the view over the islands.
Can you see the flamingos all year round?
Yes, with larger groups from autumn to spring. Binoculars are available to borrow at the villa.
Ready for the islands?
Book your room: we will get the cool box ready.