Hyères: Culture, salt marshes and island nature

When looking for a hotel in Hyères, you can first consider which themes you want to shape your trip: ancient history, the historic centre, salt marsh landscapes, art, or nature experiences on the nearby islands. Olbia represents the area’s Greek past; the Salins d’Hyères combine wetlands with traces of salt production. Porquerolles has hiking trails, while Port-Cros has the La Palud underwater trail. These differences can help you choose the focus of your stay to suit your interests.

Archaeology: Olbia

The archaeological site of Olbia is the only fully preserved example, in terms of its layout, of a network of Greek colonial fortresses founded by Marseille from the 4th century BC onwards. A self-guided tour of the site takes 45 to 60 minutes. If you plan to visit Olbia, check before your visit whether the tour is currently available and whether the stated duration applies.

Salt marshes and coastal landscape

The Salins d’Hyères are a wetland complex comprising the Salin des Pesquiers and the Vieux Salins. They are of exceptional biological and landscape importance on the Mediterranean coast. The Vieux Salins cover 350 hectares and stretch for almost three kilometres along the coast east of Hyères. The Salin des Pesquiers was established in 1848; its nearly perfect grid layout and preserved saltworks buildings recall its industrial past. The two areas have different characteristics: the Vieux Salins stand out for their size and coastal location, while the Salin des Pesquiers is notable for its regular layout and preserved buildings.

Art and historic heritage

The signposted Parcours des Arts et du Patrimoine takes you through the historic centre of Hyères, where you can discover architectural, botanical, and urban heritage. The route also offers an opportunity to learn about traditional skills and artistic talent. La Banque, the Hyères museum, features almost 200 works in its permanent exhibition on the development of the landscape. As exhibition content may change, check the latest information before your visit. After several restoration campaigns, Villa Noailles became an arts centre.

Fort du Pradeau on the Giens Peninsula

Located at the end of the Giens Peninsula, Fort du Pradeau is an interpretation centre for Port-Cros National Park. The restored Batterie du Pradeau, also known as Fort du Pradeau, has been open to the public since late 2022 and houses the permanent exhibition “Rendre visible l’invisible”. Check the latest information about access and the exhibition programme before your visit.

Hiking trails, snorkelling, and birdwatching

Porquerolles has 54 kilometres of hiking trails. On Port-Cros, the La Palud underwater trail is a 40-minute snorkelling route in a protected marine area, with six explanatory buoys along the way. The trail is freely accessible to independent swimmers wearing fins, a mask, and a snorkel. Check sea conditions and access rules in advance. Regular shuttle boats and water taxis operate year-round from the port of Hyères or Tour Fondue to the nearby islands. Check schedules and operators before travelling.

Birdwatching also has its own dedicated offering: at Espace Nature, visitors can watch birds from the terrace with a nature guide from LPO PACA. Check the latest information about the guided tour programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Meounes-Les-Montrieux, Pourcieux, La Celle, Les Claux, La Mole, Baudinard-Sur-Verdon, Sillans-La Cascade, Sainte-Anastasie-Sur-Issole

For the regional travel overview: Var.