Hyères les Palmiers and Porquerolles Island: a heavenly pairing in the Mediterranean
Imagine a place where majestic palm trees, golden beaches, and the remains of a thousand-year-old past intertwine, all under a bright azure sky. Welcome to Hyères les Palmiers, a town set between land and sea, where history and nature come together. And if that weren’t enough to pique your curiosity, set sail for the island of Porquerolles, a true island paradise. Together, these two jewels of the Mediterranean are an unmissable day-trip or overnight destination just one hour’s drive from Cotignac. Follow us on this adventure to the heart of the Côte d’Azur, where every turn reveals unimagined treasures.
Hyères les Palmiers: A village with Provençal charm
Hyères is a city full of charm, blending its rich historical heritage with lush nature. Strolling through its streets, you will be transported to another era, with medieval remains and buildings recalling the past grandeur of this Provençal town.
A Historical Journey from Antiquity to the Middle Ages
Among the many sites to visit in Hyères, the Tour des Templiers is a very special historical monument. Dating from the 12th century, it dominates the old town and offers a glimpse into the medieval era. A few steps away, the ramparts and the castle of Hyères are another testimony to the prestigious past of the city. These fortifications, built in the Middle Ages, offer a breathtaking view of the sea, and are a must for all those who wish to get stuck in to medieval history.
Not far from the Tour des Templiers, the Parc Saint-Bernard, with its terraced garden, is a true haven of peace for those who wish to enjoy the beauty of Mediterranean plants, while admiring a panoramic view of the sea.
For archaeology enthusiasts, the site of Olbia, located near the city, is a fascinating visit. This ancient Greek trading post, founded in the 4th century BC, reveals remarkable remains, which allow you to step into the commercial and cultural histories that have marked this region through the ages.
La Villa Noailles: An icon of modernist architecture
At the top of Hyères, nestled among the hills, is the famous Villa Noailles, a true masterpiece of modernist architecture. Built in 1923 by the architect Robert Mallet-Stevens for the patron couple Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, this villa was avant-garde for its time. Inspired by the concepts of Bauhaus and the Cubist movement, it stands out for its clean geometric lines, innovative shape, and the use of modern materials such as reinforced concrete.
This place was not only a residence, but also a centre of creation and art where the greatest names in 20th century art and design rubbed shoulders – such as Man Ray, Giacometti and Cocteau. Today, Villa Noailles is a center of contemporary art, hosting major cultural exhibitions and events, such as the famous International Fashion and Photography Festival. A visit to this unique place not only allows you to delve into the history of modernism, but also to admire works of art and contemporary creations while enjoying the panoramic view of Hyères and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Var’s most beautiful beaches
Hyères also has an exceptional coastline with its fine sandy beaches and rocky coves. Almanarre Beach, 5 km long, is a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers, thanks to its constant winds. It is also an ideal spot for a simple family swim.
But the real pearls of the Hyères coastline are just a short boat ride away: the ‘Golden Islands’ (Iles d’Or) – real gems with their crystal-clear waters, empty beaches and wandering hiking trails. Port-Cros, an island entirely protected as a national park, offers a wild and unspoiled setting, perfect for nature lovers, where you can explore its exceptionally rich trails and seabeds. For the more curious, the Levant Island, known for its Héliopolis naturist village, offers a more confidential atmosphere, with trails lined with Mediterranean vegetation and secret coves. But the star of the Golden Islands, the largest and most famous of the three, is the island of Porquerolles.
Porquerolles: A haven of unspoiled nature
The island of Porquerolles, just 20 minutes by boat from Hyères, is a paradise for nature lovers. This island offers unique biodiversity and varied landscapes. Here, the beaches stun every visitor with their beauty, their turquoise waters and lush Mediterranean vegetation.
A picturesque village in the heart of the island
The small village of Porquerolles – with its houses with colourful facades and its alleys lined with bougainvillea – embodies Mediterranean charm in all its splendour. Located a few steps from the port, this typical village invites you to stroll about in thrall of its discovery. You will pass by shaded terraces – perfectly for lingering over a morning coffee or an evening glass of local rosé. The peaceful atmosphere that reigns contrasts pleasantly with the tourist bustle of other coastal towns. Stroll on the Place d’Armes, the vibrant heart of the village, where local producers’ markets are held regularly, and soak up the friendly and authentic atmosphere. The cobbled streets that wander past the small shops of artisans and regional products, lined with cypresses and palm trees, offer a journey back in time, recalling the time when Porquerolles was just a simple fishing port.
Dreamy beaches
The island of Porquerolles is renowned for its heavenly beaches that seem to have come straight out of a postcard. Among them, Notre-Dame beach is undoubtedly the most iconic. Nestled in a cove lined with pines and holm oaks, this beach has been voted several times as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Accessible after a bike ride or walk through the wild nature, Notre-Dame beach offers a dream setting to recharge your batteries.
For those looking for a little more peace and quiet, Argent beach offers a wilder and more preserved atmosphere. With its shallow waters and dazzling white sand, it is ideal for a family swim or to explore the seabed by snorkelling. Surrounded by nature, this beach is a true haven of peace where the Mediterranean vegetation, between umbrella pines and shrubs, descends to the sea, creating a natural setting that invites true relaxation and contemplation.
Villa Carmignac: A Fusion of Art and Nature
A visit to Villa Carmignac is a must while exploring the island. Located in the heart of Porquerolles, this contemporary art foundation blends harmoniously into its natural surroundings. Created by collector Édouard Carmignac, the villa houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by greats such as Warhol, Basquiat, and Matisse.
But it is above all the unique experience of the Villa that makes it so special: the gallery, partially underground, seems to emerge from the earth, while its rooms bathed in natural light allow for a total immersion in art. In addition, the surrounding garden, a mix of sculptures and Mediterranean flora, offers visitors an artistic stroll in an enchanting setting, where art and nature meet in perfect harmony.
