Visit the old town of Hyères 2400 years of history
Hyères city center
The old town, perched on a hill and dominated by the ruins of the medieval castle of the Lords of Fos, is well worth a visit. As soon as you take your first steps, you’re transported to another era. The colorful facades and stone arches reveal the town’s medieval history. Narrow passageways lead to lively squares where restaurants and local craft stores mingle.
5 good reasons to visit Hyères
- Climb up to the castle for one of the city’s finest views
- Terrace seating in an Italian-style square
- Stroll through the narrow streets, wandering from stall to workshop
- Feel the atmosphere of Provence. Photograph it.
- Lose yourself in the gardens, intoxicated by the scent of Mediterranean plants
Provence atmospheres
From the Saint-Paul collegiate church and its ex-votos, to the Saint-Louis church, the Villa Noailles and the remains of the château, allow an average of 1h30 to explore the medieval town. Admittedly, access on foot can be steep, but the warm ambience, southern smells and Provencal colors soon make you forget the physical effort. On Saturday mornings, the Îles d’Or market gives pride of place to local produce. Seasonal fruits, tapenade, soaps: fill your basket in the old town of Hyères.
Our advice
Réservez Hyères au fil du temps ou À l’école des chevaliers : deux thématiques de visites guidées, la première pour tous les publics, la seconde à destination des 6-12 ans et leurs parents, pour plonger dans l’histoire médiévale de Hyères et parcourir son entrelacs de ruelles accompagnés par notre guide-conférencière.
EN SAVOIR +
The remarkable gardens of Hyères
Au cœur de la vieille ville se cachent deux jardins verdoyants : le parc Saint-Bernard et le parc Sainte-Claire. Le premier fut imaginé par la romancière Édith Wharton, le second par le Vicomte de Noailles, mécène et botaniste passionné.
Ils surplombent la ville et enchantent les visiteurs avec des essences exotiques et méditerranéennes rares. Une touche de sérénité dans la ville.
The Villa Noailles, queen of creativity
Built in the 1920s by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens for the Vicomte and Vicomtesse de Noailles, the Villa Noailles embodies the artistic avant-garde and innovative spirit of its era. Today, its modern design is a source of inspiration for many artists, designers and creators. It is the scene of memorable artistic encounters, where creative minds push back the boundaries of art and architecture. Sometimes surprised, often impressed: the Villa Noailles leaves no one indifferent.
Focus on
The parcours des arts
How do you combine the pleasure of a heritage visit with atypical window-shopping? Hyères invites you to stroll along its winding streets, its town gardens, wash houses and shady squares, following the itinerary of the arts trail, so that architectural heritage and the enthusiasm of artistic creation resonate throughout your visit.
Stained glass artists, painters, potters, upholsterers, dressmakers, calligraphers, textile designers, illustrators, sculptors: in the heart of the town, dotted around the narrow streets of Hyerois, art studios welcome you all year round to share their passion for creation.
Frequently asked questions
What to see in the heart of Hyères?
The heart of Hyères reveals medieval streets, squares, artisans, cafés, perched gardens and historic heritage. An ideal way to discover the Provencal atmosphere of the old town. You can download a map of Hyères.
Why visit the old town of Hyères?
La vieille ville de Hyères séduit par son charme médiéval, ses ruelles pavées, ses vues sur la ville et ses lieux culturels comme la Villa Noailles et les jardins remarquables.
Where to walk in the historic center of Hyères?
Depuis la porte Massillon, flânez dans les ruelles du centre historique jusqu’à la collégiale Saint-Paul, la tour des Templiers, les jardins Saint-Bernard et Sainte-Claire.
Is the heart of Hyères a good place for a stroll?
Yes, the heart of the town is best discovered on foot. Its narrow streets, staircases, passageways and terraces invite you to take a stroll through its heritage, artisan boutiques and Provencal atmosphere. The “parcours des arts” offers an interesting tour of the stores. Download the brochure.
What to do around downtown Hyères
Autour du centre-ville, découvrez la Villa Noailles, les jardins perchés, les marchés, les expositions et les visites guidées pour explorer l’histoire de Hyères sous un autre angle.