Just a 20-minute ferry ride from the peninsula of Hyères will take you to the different world of the island of Porquerolles. Its popularity is due to the many ways it pleases its visitors.
Ile de Porquerolles, Côte d'Azur
The largest and most visited of the three Iles d'Or that's a joy to visit any time of year
Do you want to spend a leisurely day on a half-moon beach and swim in the blue water? Rent a bicycle and discover the fjord-like inlets on the southern shore? Walk through the pine forests and vineyards? Let yourself be pampered at the famous Mas du Langoustiers? Plan your trip and take the ferry (or a helicopter for Langoustiers).
The popularity of Porquerolles comes at a price. In the busy summer months the island is invaded by day trippers. The ferry boats from La Tour Fondue (near Hyères) sail back and forth. They operate on a first come, first served basis. There are other and longer ferry trips from Croix-Valmer or Lavandou. These you can book in advance, to be sure of a place. If you want to rent a bicycle in the busy times, it's advisable to book those in advance too. The contacts can be seen on the Porquerolles website (see below).
As with most of southern France, you would do best to visit the island in the off-season. Particularly in spring, Porquerolles presents itself at its best. The fern, rockrose and myrtle are in bloom. The scents will delight you on your bike ride or long walk.
Its climate in the off season is one of the best in France. Last May, when we visited the island, we left a rainy mainland behind and found a sun-filled Porquerolles. The sea temperature was inviting enough for a swim. The colour of the water was a bright turquoise. For a moment we thought we were in the Caribbean.
Events in Hyeres
Events in Hyeres
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Hyeres
The history of the island is as turbulent as that of many islands, certainly those as strategically located as Porquerolles. From Roman times until 1531 it was the domain of pirates. Then the French King stepped in and established an important garrison.
The fortress Saint Agathe is an imposing witness of those days. (It's worth while to visit the fortress, if only for the magnificent view of the island and the strait of Hyères.) During the French revolution the island was sold to private owners, the last one Monsieur François Fournier, who, on his honeymoon in Antibes in 1912, saw a notice of the island's auction. He bought it as a present for his bride. It was Fournier who planted the vines for the reputed wine of Porquerolles. In 1971 the government bought the island back and designated it as a protected place.
Sights & Attractions in Hyeres
The other two Iles d'Or, Ile du Levant and Ile de Port-Cros, have their unique appeal. Port-Cros is a national park. It draws nature lovers and hikers who prefer a very special and quiet environment. Le Levant is famous for its nudist colony, Héliopolis. And, the French navy has an important base on the island, a peculiar combination. Only in France!
Dining in Hyeres
Restaurants in Hyeres
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Chez Bruno Restaurant
Elegant Michelin star restaurant, a heaven for those who love truffles
This charming restaurant is located around 30 minutes from Frejus and the French Riviera and is a must visit for lovers of truffles and gastronomic French cuisine.
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
Ideal for truffle lovers who are looking for a gourmet experience
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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Ferme Auberge Terre de Mistral Restaurant
A restaurant located in amongst vines and olive trees
The Auberge is part of a large vineyard and olive grove. Producing fine ingredients on site means they are fresh when they arrive at your table.
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L'Auberge Provencale
Great quality cuisine and a wonderful atmoshpere
Located just south of Aix this newly refurbished restaurant serves great quality food at an affordable price.
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La Table de Beaurecueil Restaurant, Beaurecueil
Unique setting with the Sainte-Victoire mountain view
Nestled in an old farmhouse of the nineteenth century, the restaurant decor combines both contemporary and classic style.
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Le Saint Esteve Restaurant
Fine dining in an unrivalled setting of natural beauty
Located in a stunning park stretching over several hectares, this restaurant lies within a hotel with real Mediterranean charm.
Nightlife in Hyeres
Bars & Clubs in Hyeres
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Mistral Nighclub
Trendy club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, international DJ's & acts
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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Le Scat Nightclub
Jazz club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, live music & a great atmosphere
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
A bar & restaurant in the centre of Aix
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
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Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
Popular riverside spot for a drink and a bite to eat
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
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21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, Saint Remy de Provence
Wine and champagne bar with a terrace
This bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
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La Cave des Pas Sages
Popular wine bar with live music, 15 mins form the Palais des Papes
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
Things to do in Hyeres
The island is 7km long and 2.5km wide. A typical day visit might include an early arrival, the purchase of picnic ingredients in the village square, a walk to the southern shore over the slightly hilly paths (the highest point is 140m), a lunch there and a leisurely stroll back to one of the beaches on the northern shore, for a swim and a sunbathe.
Things To Do in Hyeres
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Le Village des Tortues, Carnoules
Nature reserve and rescue centre for tortoises and turtles
Visit tortoises from all around the world in this unique park.
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AGS Formule 1 Driving Courses, Gonfaron - Provence
Experience the thrill of Formula 1 driving
AGS FORMULE 1 offers you the opportunity to experience, with one of the school drivers at the wheel, the unique sensation that is taking part in something really special. AGS also offers a range of courses for all levels.
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Grimaud Karting Loisir, Grimaud
Great karting track close to the popular St Tropez
Together with electronic timing, GKL offer you top equipment and professional support for your karting experience.
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Dolce Fregate Golf Course, St Cyr-sur-Mer
A Ronald Fream designed 18-hole course in a breathtaking environment
The Dolce Fregate Provence golf course is located at Saint Cyr sur Mer. It is ideally situated at the heart of Bandol AOC vinyeards and olive trees, overlooking the extraordinary Mediterranean Sea.
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Circuit Paul Ricard Car racing, Le Castellet
Multi GT driving sessions, and more...
Who never dreamt to drive on a race track a Ferrari F458 Italia, a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Porsche 997 GT3 RS or an Audi R8 V10? This dream is now accessible thanks to the Multi GT driving sessions organized by ORECA and the Circuit Paul Ricard.
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Plaine des Maures Natural Park
Remarkable Provençal natural site home to the Hermann's tortoise
La Plaine des Maures is the first natural park in the Var department, to the north west of Saint Tropez. It is renowned for it's umbrella pines and cork oak trees, and is rich in fauna and flora.
Watersports in Hyeres
Watersports in Hyeres
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Sunforce Watersports, Ramatuelle
Providing all watersports in the beautiful Pampelonne bay
Sun Force is located on the famous Pampelonne beach. Its owner, Pierre Tourneq, has been running this business for over 30 years, surrounded by a fully qualified team.
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Cable Wakeboarding, Le Muy
Wakeboarding cable park where you can learn the ropes in Le Muy
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
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Aquadomia Scuba Diving, Marseille
An opportunity to enhance your skills with quality diving courses
No matter what your level is, Aquadomia offers you the chance to enhance your skills with quality diving courses... and to discover underwater splendors from the archipelago of Riou to the islands around the bay of Marseille.
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Lac de Saint Cassien Watersports
Natural lake for boating, canoeing & sailboard rental
A lovely natural lake surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Var. The lake is perfect for a pedaloe trip rather than an adrenaline filled water sport, but it means it is perfect for families!
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Lac de Sainte Croix, Gorges du Verdon
Beautiful lake in the Gorges du Verdon
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
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Aventure et Nature Watersport, La Palude sur Verdon
The best way to explore the Verdon Gorge!
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
Holiday Rentals in Hyeres
Holiday Rentals in Hyeres
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Mahé Villa, La Mole
6 bedroom Villa in La Mole. Sleeps 12
Luxurious villa for rent with 2 private pools in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
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Le Chateau Villa, La Mole
8 bedroom Villa in La Mole. Sleeps 16
15 minute drive to Port de Saint-Tropez with Restaurants & Shops
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La Ruine Villa, Grimaud
3 bedroom Villa in Grimaud. Sleeps 6
Located just outside charming Grimaud in the picturesque hamlet of Val de Gilly is la Ruine.
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Ella Villa, Grimaud
5 bedroom Villa in Grimaud. Sleeps 12
Villa for rent on the French Riviera, close to Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime and a few steps from the beaches, this high standing property enjoys a beautiful 4,800m² land planted with trees with an infinity pool and a basin.
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Serena Villa, Sainte-Maxime
6 bedroom Villa in Sainte-Maxime. Sleeps 12
The Villa Serena is a property accessible to people with reduced mobility and is composed of 6 air-conditioned rooms with a panoramic view on the sea and the bay of Saint-Tropez.
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Lou Villa, Grimaud
5 bedroom Villa in Grimaud. Sleeps 10
Beautiful villa with swimming pool for seasonal rental in Grimaud - Villa Lou
Hotels in Hyeres
Hotels in Hyeres
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Abbaye de la Celle Hotel, La Celle
Alain Ducasse's delightful country inn & Michelin-starred restaurant
This traditional country inn is run by the Alain Ducasse empire, and offers 10 bedrooms & suites in an 18th century building in the heart of Provence's vineyards.
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La Bastide de Messine B&B, Brignoles
Entirely restored 'bastide' de Provence dating 1850 in beautiful grounds
The Bastide de Messine is an old country house of Provence, entirely restored, sitting in 7.5 acres of countryside with it's own swimming pool and views on the hills of La Celle and the village of Brignoles.
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Chateau de Nans Hotel, Nans les Pins
Charming chateau hotel in Provence - with gournet restaurant
A pretty, turreted, fairytale castle that has been turned from an old family home into a small hotel with 10 bedrooms. Located in peaceful surroundings, it provides an ideal escape from the hustle of the Riviera (not far away).
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Villa de Lorgues B&B. Lorgues
Elegant guest house in the market town of Lorgues
This 18th century townhouse has been renovated using traditional materials and beautiful furnishings to produce an elegant guest house with spa facilities in the heart of the medieval market town of Lorgues.
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Villa Josephine B&B
Stylish & romantic country guest-house in Provence
Villa Josephine is located in the middle of the Var region of Provence on the outskirts of the market town of Lorgues.
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Chateau de Berne Hotel
Luxury rural hotel with its own vineyard and an excellent restaurant
Set deep in the lush Var region of Provence, this country house hotel is set within a 550 hectare vineyard. So if food and wine are high on your agenda, then you may well want to consider a stay in the this charming Provencal hotel.
How to get to Hyeres
Transfers for Provence
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Marseille Taxis
Taxis in Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Avignon Taxis
Taxis in Avignon and the entire region
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Property For Sale in Hyeres
Property for Sale in Hyeres
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Villa for Sale | STZ260356
4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 237m² Villa in Var
A peaceful villa with unobstructed views of the countryside
Villa for Sale | STZ260356
€1,650,000 -
Land (Plot) for Sale | STZ250321
4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 250m² plot in Var
Contemporary villa with two building plots
Land (Plot) for Sale | STZ250321
€2,625,000 -
Villa for Sale | STZ250285
7 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 233.84m² Villa in Var
A Provencal villa at the foot of the village of Grimaud.
Villa for Sale | STZ250285
€2,690,000 -
Villa for Sale | stz260423
4 bedrooms, 255.05m², Villa in Gassin
Stunning renovated villa with sea views, located in a private domain.
Villa for Sale | stz260423
€5,775,000 -
Villa for Sale | STZ250324
5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 314.73m² Villa in Var
Exceptional provençal property in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Villa for Sale | STZ250324
€3,450,000 -
Hotel for Sale | STZ250294
12 bedroom, 614.69m² hotel in Var
Located just 100 meters from the sea, this unique property, currently operated as a charming 4-star hotel, enjoys a spectacular view of the sea and Saint-Tropez.
Hotel for Sale | STZ250294
€6,600,000





































































