Hyères, the hidden French Riviera

Views over Hyères

Hyères: The Hidden French Riviera

I’ve been to the South of France before, and I had always heard great things about Hyères, yet had never actually stepped foot in this part of the country. I knew I had to see what all the raving recommendations and reviews of this part of the French Riviera were about; so off I went to see and explore all this magnificent gem of a town had to offer.

Within the first few minutes of arriving, I quickly understood why it has been named the ‘City of Palm Trees’ as well as knowing quite quickly that I would have nothing short of a beautiful time while here. From the natural beauty that seemed to fill every inch of Hyères to the plentiful options of what to see and do while here, I certainly knew I would be far from bored during my visit. Hyères is an international destination for water sports.

Just off the plane we started the first day by having light lunch by the sea with incredible views and taking in the calming pace of life.  Another highlight of this trip was exploring one of the four gardens that have been deemed the title of literal ‘remarkable gardens’ and with one breath of the sweet flowery air, I instantly knew why. From the overwhelming smells of rosemary, acacia and myrtle to the beautiful bunches of peonies and lavender I simply couldn’t get enough.

In Hyères Medieval City Center, I was able to get an up-close, and personal look at the ever-changing architecture of the neighbourhoods all lined with unique and adorable houses and villas and take in the atmosphere of the  quaint Saturday market. Once we indulged in a delicious lunch  and more Rose wine at one of the many cafes in town, I was able to hop on over to the famous modernist Villa Noailles; a famous art museum filled with international fashion collections, photography and plenty more permanent collections that were all a true privilege to see. The way the walls have been built to frame the magnificent views over the town is breathtaking.  The building itself has a fantastic story; it was a wedding present and some very illustrious guests spent time on this hilltop villa.

We wanted to make good use of the fabulous weather of the day and spend most of my time enjoying the gorgeous outdoors of the city and the views from the Castle St-Claire.  In Port Du Niel, a tiny fishing village, I was able to witness dozens of fantastic boats and capture it all through the several awesome pictures I took, I also had the best dish of this trip, Bouilla – a delectable fish soup. The last stop of this trip was Giens where we spent time at Hotel Provençal, which has fabulous views, breathtaking natural beauty and a splendid 50’s pool next to the sea. This place has an understated glamour, the genuine French Riviera and now my favorite French town of Hyères that I was lucky enough to explore and discover!

Hyères, Rue de Repos – the prettiest street ever!

Place Massillon

Hyères Saturday Street Market

Hyères is the most important producer of cut flowers in France.

Courgettes and flowers

A vibrant market

Provençal food delights

dried fish, octopus and rose wine by the sea at Le Pradeau Plage

Turbot, asparagus and truffles at Le Pradeau Plage

Fish and vegetables – light lunch at Le Haut du Pave, Place Massillon

Pissaladière , a Provençal dish, dough topped with of caramelised onions, olives, garlic and anchovies – this one was made with light puff pastry at Restaurant Joy in Hyères

Cherry Clafoutis, made with almonds – gluten-free, topped with cherries ice cream and caramelised almonds, Restaurant Joy in Hyères

 Crudités are traditional French appetizers
consisting of sliced or whole raw vegetables which are dipped in different sauces and Rose wine from the region.

bouilla – fish soup, not to be confused with Bouillabaisse  very tasty and delicious – at Port Du Niel – Restaurant ‘Le Niel’, Giens

Coupe Provencal  – with lavender ice cream and chantilly at Port Du Niel, Restaurant ‘Le Niel’, Giens Restaurants: Le Pradeau Plage 1420 avenue des Arbanais La cave Massillon 12 Rue Massillon, 83400 Tel. : +33 (0)4 94 65 24 33 Le Haut du Pavé Place Massillon Tel. : +33 (0)4 94 35 20 98 Joy 24 rue de Limans +33 (0) 494 20 84 98 Le Niel Paillotte Arbanaise Port du Niel Tel.: +33 (0)6 62 13 58 18

 Remarkable Gardens

 Villa Noailles

Villa Noailles

Giens and the Peninsula : 

Port Du Niel

Giens

Hôtel Provençal,panoramic view of the Hyères Islands

50’s Piscine Hôtel Provençal in Giens, Hyères

Hotel Provencal , Giens, Hyères

 
La Route du Sel – Salt Marches

the route du sel, a natural park in which you can watch flamingos

early morning aquatic exercise

Next post : On the way to Porquerolles Island