Hyeres
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Port
Toulon, France
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$79.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
The French Riviera is full of surprises. From its soothing Mediterranean breezes to its coastline with long stretches of coves and beaches, and its fascinating historical legacy. Iconic seaside villages are everywhere, and the 3,000-year-old hamlet of Hyeres embodies the spirit and joie de vivre of the Cote d'Azur. This excursion is a combination guided and self-guided tour so you can experience Hyères at your own pace.
Your adventure begins as you board an air-conditioned motorcoach. Travel along a scenic coastal route. A short distance of the coast, you'll see the picturesque Hyeres Islands also named Iles d'Or (Golden Islands) -- Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant. These are protected natural areas with rich flora and fauna.
As you approach Hyeres, you'll be struck by the thousands of palm trees in and around the town. Seeds were brought here in the 19th century and the palms have grown profusely. Hyeres is known as the palm capital of the world. About 100,000 palm trees are exported each year, earning the town the nickname Hyeres Les Palmiers.
Follow your guide on foot through the medieval Old Town filled with shops and cafes. Hyeres was one of the first health resorts on the Cote d'Azur. Luminaries such as Queen Victoria, Robert Louis Stevenson and D.H. Lawrence were among the first visitors to vacation here. Meander along a labyrinth of narrow streets, past sienna-colored houses and storefronts, and proceed uphill. Your guide will point out a number of monuments dating back to the Middle Ages. In the main square sits the Chapel of St Blaise, built in the 12th century by the Templars. The Saint-Louis Church is an excellent example of 13th-century Romanesque and primitive Gothic style with its central stained-glass window, arched doorways, and plain exterior.
Climbing further uphill, you'll find Le Parc Sainte Claire -- an outstanding garden with fantastic views of the peninsula, the bay and the islands. Further on you'll see Le Castel Sainte Clair, the 19th-century home that once belonged to novelist Edith Wharton.
Finally, at the top of Hyeres you'll see the medieval castle. Overlooking the town since the 13th century, its statuesque remnants remain staunchly perched on the hill, nestled among the trees.
At the conclusion of your guided tour, you're free to explore Hyeres on your own.
With incredible imagery, history and taste sensations in mind, enjoy an idyllic drive back to ship.
Notes:
Hyeres has several hills. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. Shopping is limited in villages outside of the main touristic season.