Hyères is a renowned tourist town that attracts both French and foreign residents. With friends, alone or with the family, the destination has everything to please, whether you want to discover a sublime landscape or practice activities at sea. The sea is everywhere and it is easy to combine a discovery activity with a sports session. So what can you do during your stay in Hyères to make your holiday a success?
Discover Hyères and its wonders
Naturally, visitors will be able to explore such famous sites as the Golden Islands, with the well-known island of Porquerolles classified as a UNESCO heritage site. They can admire unique scenery and equally rare biodiversity. A stopover in Port-Cros will allow you to go hiking in an exceptional environment. And if you want to marvel at the transparent seabed, don’t hesitate to explore the underwater trails, which are accessible to both adults and children. Put on your mask and fins and immerse yourself in a magical world.
Lazing in the sun is also a popular activity here. Many beaches allow you to do so. The peninsula of Giens has beaches well sheltered from the wind: beach of Pesquiers, of the Capte or the Bergerie. The beaches are also starting points for hikes such as the Douaniers trail from the Madrague. You can reach the Darboussières beach and discover a unique view of the sea and its cliffs.
You can also follow the coastal path. This is the opportunity to discover charming and totally isolated coves.
Do you like nature? The Salins reserve is a must.
The destination also offers cultural activities such as a visit to the churches of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption or Saint-Pierre or the famous Tour Fondue, a unique place to relax at the end of the day while watching a sumptuous sunset. The old town is particularly beautiful and you can appreciate it by climbing to the ruins of the castle on the Casteou hill. You can take advantage of your city walk to do some shopping or enjoy the good local cuisine at a restaurant terrace.
Want more? Hyères will satisfy you. You can also discover the superb buildings dating from the Victorian era (the town was a very popular destination for the English): the Grand Hôtel de la reine, the Villa Saint-Hubert, the Villa Mauresque, the Godillot fountain or the Palais Lutetia.
Would you like to try kitesurfing in Hyères?
Water activities are among the things to do in the city. And among these, kitesurfing is an excellent choice to discover the city in a different way.
All you have to do is to contact one of the kitesurfing schools in the Bay of Almanarre, such as the KGG school. If you are already an experienced sportsman, it is also possible to be dropped off at sea, to practice as if you were alone in the world in a unique blue sea. This is the best way to kite without having to leave the beach, which is often crowded in summer.
To be able to go out to sea, you must however master the wind.
If you come to Hyères with your children, they can also discover this activity.
Offshore, you can face Sanary-sur-Mer, Toulon or the villages perched in the vineyards of Bandol such as Le Castellet or La Cadière d’Azur.
Is kitesurfing your passion?
Hyères can be your destination of choice. A dream setting, renowned kitesurfing schools, but also first class competitions await you.
The town is, in fact, a stage of the Engie Kite Tour under the patronage of the Fédération Française de Vol Libre associated with the Hyères Kite Association. More than 100 kiteboarders, professionals and amateurs, compete in the magnificent spot of Almanarre. You will be able to witness fierce competitions between the sportsmen who have to face powerful winds.
You can meet the best riders, such as Axel Mazella, Alexia Fancelli, both from the region or Poema Newland and Anaïs-Mai Desjardin.
The town also regularly organises the Final Freestyle Strapless Tour, the final of the French Kite Boarder Cross Cup and the Almanarre freestyle strapless contest. These national and international events will allow you to discover the champions of the discipline in an overexcited atmosphere.