Toulon Hyères

Hyères’ city centre is often ignored by visitors, who head to its beaches and islands. However, the medieval old town, with its terracotta roofs and winding streets is a hidden gem. Behind its village facade, Hyères buzzes with small designers, artists, painters and boutiques. Beneath its city walls, sit, the 12th Century, Temple Knight Tower, and the Saint Paul Collegiate church, while the ruins of the 11th Century castle perch high above.

Hyères, is surrounded by sea. From its sun-drenched beaches of soft, white sand, to its many hidden creeks, the perfect spot is never far away. With so many beaches to choose from, it is possible to try a new one every day, whatever the wind direction and time. The 5km Almanarre beach, provides the best shelter from the wind and a perfect setting to watch the sunset. On the peninsula, the beaches of La Capte, La Badine and La Bergerie, are also good for days when the Mistral blows.

If splashing around in the water doesn’t appeal, then take a walk to the gardens of Hyères, dubbed “the city of palm trees,” due to the amazing number and variety of palms lining the streets. Flowers abound, in the public gardens and in the markets where producers sell roses, anemones and peonies, all year round.
Higher up, the town hosts the remarkable garden of Saint Bernard, which stretches downhill starting at the feet of the Villa Noailles. Let the scents of Myrtle, Rosemary and Acacia, drift down to you as you climb and look out for the awe inspiring sight of an almond tree, said to be three hundred years old!

The Provençal Markets of Toulon are well known and very popular. Here you will get a real sense of what daily life is like for the locals as they shop for fresh ingredients to prepare their traditional, home cooked meals. A sense of urgency pervades the hustle and bustle of market life and cries of, Bonjour, Merci, and Au Revoir, rent the air. There are several markets to choose from, but the Cours Lafayette ,is the most famous, selling fruit, vegetables, flowers and textiles.

Known as The Golden Isles, Porquerolles, Port Cros and Le Levant, will provide you with a holiday to suit all tastes. You can lounge on the white-sand beaches of Porquerolles and enjoy the island’s natural beauty on a long, scenic bike ride or you might prefer a wilder adventure. Why not explore the numerous hiking paths of Port-Cros, a protected isle with a wealth of underwater fauna. To make the most of the summer sun, you could visit the third island of Le Levant, with its naturist village and the natural reserve of les Arbousiers (arbutus trees). To get to the islands, boats leave from Tour Fondue and Saint-Pierre Marina.

Scuba diving in the beautiful, azure seas of Sanary-sur-Mer has become very popular and there are plenty of instructors on hand, to guide you. Those who have developed their diving skills in the sea at Sanary-sur-Mer include: Jacques Cousteau, Frédéric Dumas and Phillipe Thailliez (nicknamed Les Mousquemers: the musketeers). If you have an interest in diving, Frédéric Dumas Historical Diving Museum exhibits a unique collection of original diving equipment. The Museum also offers panoramic views across the bay.