Hyères, the most southerly town of Provence (and one of the sunniest), is on the same latitude as Cap Corse and Florence, Italy. This town and its peninsula have 39km of pristine sandy beaches and rocky inlets. The beach of Almanarre is popular for sailing and windsurfing. This exceptional holiday destination boasts 300 days of sunshine a year.
Although a prestigious tourist destination with its delightful port and yachting facilities favoured by the French sailing team, Hyères has preserved its rich historic history.
First built as a fortress on the Ligurian coast, the town of Olbia was founded around 350 B.C. In the 11th Century the town became an important centre for salt distribution and trade. It was in the town of Hyères, with its tropical vegetation and fabulous palm trees (the palm seeds were brought back from colonial expeditions in 1867), that the name “Côte d’Azur” was invented.
Formerly a winter holiday destination for the rich and famous, this flower filled stretch of the Var’s coast , the “Provence d’Azur” offers endless golden beaches and traditional villages. The islands of Porquerolles, PortCros and Le Lavant can be reached by regular ferry services.
Local activities include: sailing, fishing, scuba diving, tennis, go-kart, golf, horseback riding, casino, night-clubs, restaurants…. Neighbouring villages: Carqueiranne (8km), La Londe-Les-Maures (9km), Pierrefeu (13km), Le Lavandou (21km). The city of Toulon (18km).
The airport of Toulon/Hyères is located between the town and the beaches, Nice and Marseilles airports approximately 1 ½ hrs. By train the TGV from Paris stops at Toulon and Hyères (under 4 hours from Paris).