A city guide of Hyères-les-Palmiers on the French Riviera
I took the train, on a Saturday morning, as usual, it was delayed due to an unattended luggage in Toulon. Walking from the station to the old town, I saw 19th-century villas with beautiful architectural details and ornate balconies. Their grand style from the 1900s sparked my curiosity. The name Victoria Road gave me a clue. I discovered that Hyères was one of the first resort towns on the French Riviera. 19th-century European aristocrats and artists wintered in Hyères for its mild climate. Queen Victoria was there, and Robert Louis Stevenson wrote a few books while in Hyères.
I can’t mention Hyères without the coast. Just a short distance away is the Presqu’île de Giens, a sandbar connecting an island to the mainland, giving you access to gorgeous beaches.
From Hyères, you can travel by boat to the îles de Hyères, also known as les Îles d’Or – Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Le Levant. They feel like a different world, just a short ferry ride away. Porquerolles is the most well-known, with stunning beaches and a charming village. Port-Cros is a national park, perfect for hiking and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Le Levant is a naturist island, so do your research if you’re planning a visit!
Read the full story on Substack
