Hyères is one of the Côte d'Azur's oldest winter resorts. The town stretches from the ruins of its castle down to the palm trees of the lower town, then continues along the coast, from the Giens peninsula to the salt marshes in the east, facing the Golden Islands.
Choosing where to stay in Hyères means choosing between town, sea and countryside. We have hand-picked the places in this guide; find the full list on our page of places to stay in Hyères.
Which neighbourhood to choose in Hyères
The municipality is large, so distances matter:
- The town centre and old town: markets, restaurants and the station within walking distance; the only area where you can manage without a car.
- The Giens peninsula: the beaches of La Capte, Almanarre and La Madrague, the village of Giens and the ferry terminal for Porquerolles.
- The seafront, from L'Ayguade to Les Salins: the port, sandy beaches and a seaside pace of life.
- The hills and countryside: vineyards, olive groves and houses with pools, as in Les Borrels to the north-east.
For an off-season weekend, the town centre wins: you can have dinner and walk back. For a week in summer with the family, a house with a garden and parking makes life easier.
In the town centre and just beyond
A guest room in the heart of town and two houses with pools in residential neighbourhoods.
Chambres d'hôtes Le Regent
On Avenue du Général-de-Gaulle, right in the town centre, this place puts the old town and markets within walking distance. The rooms are air-conditioned and breakfast is continental. Ideal for a car-free stay, it is less suited to anyone dreaming of a garden and pool.
Petite maison cosy
An independent house in a residential neighbourhood, with a private pool, a terrace overlooking the garden and a fully equipped kitchen. Free parking makes trips between the beach and old town easy. A self-contained base for a couple, provided you have a car.
Gîte Encore Un Soir
West of town, on the road to Toulon, this holiday home comes with a private pool, hot tub, garden, terrace and fully equipped kitchen. Free parking is a real plus in an area best explored by car. Come for evenings by the water rather than a stroll around town.
On the Giens peninsula
Connected to the mainland by two sandy strips, the peninsula faces the sea: two houses for making the beach part of everyday life.
villa avec 200m de jardin privé la sablhyeres
In La Capte, on the eastern sandy strip of the peninsula, this two-bedroom house has a private garden, terrace and barbecue for dining outdoors. The beaches are close by, and free parking saves you from searching for a space in summer. It suits a family or two couples.
Maisonnette presqu ile de Giens
On the road to La Madrague, on the western side of the peninsula, this independent cottage sleeps four in two bedrooms and has a garden, terrace and air conditioning. The fully equipped kitchen and free private parking make it a convenient base for reaching Tour Fondue and Porquerolles. There is no pool: here, the sea is the main attraction.
In the Borrels hills
North-east of town, the hamlets of Les Borrels are scattered across wooded, vine-covered hills, far from the summer bustle of the coast.
La Borréliane
A guest room about ten kilometres from the centre, with an outdoor pool, garden and terrace; the air-conditioned room overlooks the pool. Continental breakfast and free private parking make this a stay designed for relaxation. A car is essential: reaching the beaches and old town means driving each day.
What to see in Hyères
Start at Porte Massillon, the entrance to the old town, then head to Place Massillon, overlooked by the Templar Tower. Higher up, the Saint-Paul Collegiate Church houses a rich collection of ex-votos, while the lanes climb towards the castle ruins, with views over the peninsula and islands.
On the hillside, Saint-Bernard Park surrounds the Villa Noailles, built by Robert Mallet-Stevens in the 1920s for Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles and now an arts centre. In the town centre, La Banque, Museum of Cultures and Landscape, tells the story of the town and its coastline through the eyes of artists.
On the peninsula, the Route du Sel runs for around 4 km along the Pesquiers salt marsh, where flamingos are often spotted. At Almanarre, the ruins of Olbia, an ancient Greek trading post, face the sea.
The Golden Islands
- Porquerolles: boats leave from the port of Tour Fondue, at the tip of the peninsula; explore the island's cycle routes, coves and trails, much of it part of Port-Cros National Park.
- Port-Cros: about an hour by boat from Hyères port, this island is almost entirely protected.
When to visit Hyères
Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant seasons: the sea is still warm enough to swim in September, and the islands become quieter. Summer is lively, with visitor numbers controlled on Porquerolles; it is best to book your boat and accommodation early. The mild winter suits walkers, but the Route du Sel is closed to cars from November to April.
In recent years, Villa Noailles has hosted the International Festival of Fashion, Photography and Accessories in October, with exhibitions continuing for several weeks afterwards.
Getting there and getting around
Toulon-Hyères Airport, at the entrance to the peninsula, offers flights including services to Paris-Orly. Hyères station is served by TER trains from Toulon and some TGV services.
Route 67 on the Mistral network connects the town centre, station, La Capte and Tour Fondue, where boats leave for Porquerolles; services are more frequent in summer. For the countryside, a car is the most practical option.
Hyères is part of our guide to where to stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Heading east? See also where to stay in Le Lavandou, another gateway to the Golden Islands, as well as where to stay in Sainte-Maxime and where to stay in Saint-Raphaël.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions before a stay in Hyères.
Which is the best neighbourhood to stay in Hyères?
For a first visit without a car, choose the town centre: the old town, restaurants, station and buses to the peninsula are all within easy reach. Beach lovers may prefer the Giens peninsula, near the ferry terminal for Porquerolles. For peace and quiet, a pool and more space, head for the hills, such as Les Borrels, and be prepared to rely on a car day to day.
Can you visit Hyères without a car?
Yes, if you stay in the town centre. Hyères station is served by TER trains from Toulon and some TGV services, while Toulon-Hyères Airport is at the entrance to the peninsula. Route 67 on the Mistral network links the centre, station and Tour Fondue, where boats leave for Porquerolles. For country houses and the hills, however, a car is almost essential.
How do you get to Porquerolles and Port-Cros from Hyères?
Boats to Porquerolles leave from the port of Tour Fondue, at the tip of the Giens peninsula, which you can reach by car or bus. To get to Port-Cros, board at Hyères port; the crossing takes about an hour. In summer, visitor numbers on Porquerolles are controlled: book your crossing, set off early and check the timetable, which changes throughout the year.
When should you visit Hyères?
Spring and early autumn offer the best balance: mild weather, sea temperatures still suitable for swimming in September and quieter islands. Summer is hot and lively. The mild winter is good for walking, but the Route du Sel is closed to cars from November to April. In recent years, Villa Noailles' fashion festival has taken place in October, so book early if visiting then.
Is Hyères a good destination for a family stay?
Yes, especially if you rent a house with a kitchen, garden and parking, on the Giens peninsula or in a residential neighbourhood. The sandy beaches at La Capte are easy to reach, and the Golden Islands are best explored by bike or on foot. A private pool is a good alternative to crowded beaches during the hottest part of the day. Check the sleeping arrangements and house rules before booking.
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