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“I was only happy once, that was at Hyères.”
Robert Louis Stevenson
Hyères Les Palmiers: the Côte d'Azur's secret gem
Boasting some 7,000 palm trees, Hyères les Palmiers is a journey through the centuries. It has a small but remarkable Phoenician archaeological site of Olbia (400 BC). The ruins of the medieval castle with its impressive walls is a few minutes’ walk from the house.
This pretty medieval town offers multiple opportunities for exploring. The 12th Century tower of the Knights Templar offers a fantastic view of the town.
Hyères also has museum, a theatre, a cinema, a casino, four botanical gardens classified as “remarkable.” One of these exotic gardens, three minutes away from the house was created by the author Edith Wharton. Many writers have resided here including Robert Louis Stevenson, Joseph Conrad, Tolstoy, Alexandre Dumas who wrote some of their most famous works in Hyères.
The old medieval city is beautifully preserved and lively. Concerts, shows and children’s entertainment are plentiful in the summer.
"Hyères has it all, except the crowds"
A well-kept secret on the Côte d’Azur, Hyères les Palmiers was once the favourite destination of the British aristocracy who followed Queen Victoria here a winter season in 1892. Anne Pitt, sister of prime minister William, and the future George IV also visited. And while the Queen moved on further east towards Nice, many stayed and Hyères has an Anglican church and several villas built by the British, one of which Villa Magdala has recently become an art centre. Hyères attracted an artistic and literary crowd that included Stevenson, Alexandre Dumas and Tolstoy. Today it is a thriving town famous for its arts, flowers, markets and “douceur de vivre.”
The largest marine nature reserve in Europe
The house is 5km to some of the best beaches on the Côte d’Azur like the 5km long sandy Almanarre, La Capte and also the salt flats, home to a host of pink flamingos.
The coastal path around the Presqu’île de Giens is famed as of the most beautiful walks in the South of France.
Hyères is in the Parc National de Port Cros, the largest and oldest marine nature reserve in Europe. You can see dolphins, and even sperm whales.
You can take the ferry to the mythical island of Porquerolles and walk or rent bicycles (the have electric ones) and cycle through the pine forests.
Swim, sail and dive
You can charter a sail or motor boat, learn how to kite surf (the French Olympic and other teams train in Hyères), wind surf, kayak. You can snorkel or dive around the islands. Horse lovers can also ride through the wineyards and taste the wine.
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Great Rooms
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Top Destination
Culture
Less than 200 meters from the house is one of Provence's best-known art centres, Villa Noailles, a futuristic and modernist building created by architect Mallet Stevens in the 1920s. In 2024 we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Villa with concerts, exhibitions and various events.
Villa Madgala – Super charming art centre in a lovely park, built in the 19th Century by a British aristocrat.
La Banque Museum – Showing an impressive exhibitions.
There are several art galleries, but don’t miss La Nouvelle Galerie Massillon, where you can see works by Angie Brooksby Arcangioli and other artists.
Hikes
Joyful hike from the house 1h30 to the Chapelle du Fenouillet.
20 hikes around Hyères: See all hikes
The tour of the Giens peninsula is one of the most beautiful hikes in France! Allow about 4 hours. More info
Remarkable Gardens
- - Domaine du Rayol – Sublime, with a great restaurant (arrive early, no reservations).
- - Clos St Bernard – Garden of the Villa Noailles.
- - Castel Saint Claire – Garden planted by Edith Wharton, 5 minutes from the house.
- - Domaine d'Orvès – 15 minutes away in La Vallette.
Restaurants to Book
- - Café Léoube – Great for the whole day with day beds and a lovely beach shop.
- - Le Marais
- - Restaurant Tom Cariano (Hôtel de la Mer)
- - La Reine Jane – Superb brunch buffet on Sunday.
- - L’Abri Côtier – Excellent fusion cuisine.
In Town
- - My Sweet Alep – Syrian/Lebanese, Place Clemenceau.
- - Le Jardin
- - The Baraza – Sophisticated, good wine list.
- - Chez Soi – Good quality cuisine.
Shopping & Practical Info
Big market every Saturday morning on Place Clémenceau, Avenue des Iles d'Or and Avenue Gambetta. Smaller markets on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Supermarkets and specialty shops include Chrono Drive, Grand Frais, Leclerc, Marcel & Fils, and Le Ceps d'Or.
The Golden Islands
Departing from La Tour Fondue on the Presqu'île de Giens – book boats in advance: Boat info. For Porquerolles, book parking and bikes in advance. Visit the Fondation Carmignac and dine at Le Poisson Ivre.
Culture
Less than 200 meters from the house is one of Provence’s best-known art centres, Villa Noailles, a futuristic and modernist building created by architect Mallet Stevens in the 1920s. In 2024 we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Villa with concerts, exhibitions and various events.
Villa Madgala – Super charming art centre in a lovely park, built in the 19th Century by a British aristocrat.
La Banque Museum – Showing an impressive exhibitions.
There are several art galleries, but don’t miss La Nouvelle Galerie Massillon, where you can see works by Angie Brooksby Arcangioli and other artists.
Fashion
With the yearly fashion festival organised by the Villa Noailles, Hyères has become an unexpected Mecca for cutting-edge and high fashion.
In Banane d’Or, their outstanding downtown showroom, Kai Kuhne and Alejandro present a select collection of serval high end designer fashion brands, including Vivienne Westwood, as well as curated vintage fashion, objects and furniture.
Hikes
Joyful hike from the house 1h30 to the Chapelle du Fenouillet.
20 hikes around Hyères: See all hikes
The tour of the Giens peninsula is one of the most beautiful hikes in France! Allow about 4 hours. More info
Remarkable Gardens
- Domaine du Rayol – Sublime, with a great restaurant (arrive early, no reservations).
- Clos St Bernard – Garden of the Villa Noailles.
- Castel Saint Claire – Garden planted by Edith Wharton, 5 minutes from the house.
- Domaine d’Orvès – 15 minutes away in La Vallette.
Restaurants in the area to book
- Café Léoube – Great for the whole day with day beds and a lovely beach shop.
- Le Marais
- Restaurant Tom Cariano (Hôtel de la Mer)
- La Reine Jane – Superb brunch buffet on Sunday.
- L’Abri Côtier – Excellent fusion cuisine.
In Town
- My Sweet Alep – Syrian/Lebanese, Place Clemenceau. Delicious, casual, no table service.
- Les Minots de la Garrigue, fresh fish, inventive cuisine – 04 23 14 32 61
- Le Jardin
- The Baraza – Sophisticated, good wine list.
- Chez Soi – Good quality cuisine.
Shopping & Practical Info
Big market every Saturday morning on Place Clémenceau, Avenue des Iles d’Or and Avenue Gambetta. Smaller markets on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Supermarkets and specialty shops include Chrono Drive, Grand Frais, Leclerc, Marcel & Fils, and Le Ceps d’Or.
The Golden Islands
Departing from La Tour Fondue on the Presqu’île de Giens – book boats in advance: Boat info. For Porquerolles, book parking and bikes in advance. Visit the Fondation Carmignac and dine at Le Poisson Ivre.
The exotic île du Levant is 1 hour away on the freey from the port of Hyères and is home to one of France’s earleist nudist communities.
The island of Port Cros is wild and unspoilt. Lost in time is idyllic and charming hotel Le Manoir