France / Hyères - Sunniest waters of the Mediterranean
Quieter and less glamourous than other cities on the Cote d'Azur, Hyères manages to stand out thanks to the natural beauty of its islands and its peaceful old town
General Info
The most southern town in Provence, Hyères is also reputed for being one of the sunniest places (300 days of sunshine per year) on the Cote d’Azur and is otherwise known as the city of the palm due to the large number of palm trees that grow here (a great many are also exported).
With its position 15 km east of Toulon, 84 km form Marseille and 50 km from Saint Tropez, Hyères overlooks the Mediterranean from the foot of the Massif des Maures mountain. This combination makes it perfect as a Yacht Charter destination.
Travel & Arrival
This beautiful small town can be reached by land, sea and air. The airport Hyères/Toulon has international flights coming in from all over Europe with airlines like Air France, Jetairfly, Ryanair, Transavia and Aviaxess provinding service. The 6.5 km ride back to town via the D559 can be made by taxi or coach.
By road, the directions to take from Paris are the A7 highway, then the A8 and finally the A570 to reach Hyères. From Nice one should go along the A8 La Provencale and then head to A570 road.
The developed infrastucture of the region means you’ll be able to find daily links with the fast train TGV from Paris provided by SNC. There is another line coming in from Marseille.
Two ports, the Tour Fondue (at the end of the Giens peninsula) and the Port of Hyères provide access by water and there is even a taxi boat service and a number of Yacht Charter providers.
Avant & Apres Sail
Because this city used to be the favorite summer resort for celebrities, the intellectual elite and the rich, Hyères boasts an impressive architecture reminiscent of the 19th century that can still be seen today around the old town.
Some of the most important sites to see is the Commanderie des Templiers and the St. Louis Church. But the reason most people come here is warm climate and the beautiful scenery from the Iles d’Or (Porquerolles, Port Cross and Le Levant) which also act as a perfect haven for those who come to come here to sail, whether in their own yacht or one from a Yacht Charter company.
The many restaurants and brasseries of the region specialize in a number of cuisines like Provencal, French traditional, Mediterranean, Italian, Arab, not to mention fish specialties that always seem to be a hit with Yacht Charter gourmets.
Events & Actions
Although sailing is the most fun way to spend your time here, there are other water activities available for the public like fishing, scuba diving, boating trips, while on land one can always enjoy pastimes like sunbathing, horseback riding, tennis, golf, go-karting, wine tasting or a walk in the town’s numerous and beautiful parks and gardens.
The town’s affinity for sailing is proved by the events hosted here like the Sailing Tour of France which is a yearly pre-Olympic sailing competition where some of the most famous sailors come to show their mettle. Numerous regattas are also organized throughout the summer months but also during the off-season so there is plenty to do for you and your Yacht Charter crew.