Hiking in Hyères remains the best activity to discover all the beauties of this Var city and its surroundings: island and peninsula, beaches and salt flats, but also limestone reliefs make up various pedestrian paths, always with a backdrop, the Mediterranean Sea .
A spa resort since the early hours of tourism, Hyères has always had a vocation for relaxation and well-being. It must be said that the setting lends itself to it: the territory of the town and its surroundings, very varied, is not only a call to idleness but also an invitation to hiking, and there is so much to do for the hikers! From the flat and easy route, to the longer hike that accumulates elevation gain, there is something for everyone, and all levels, with hiking around Hyères.
We are in the Mediterranean, the hiking season is optimal from April and this up to October, with many days of walking ahead of you. On nice winter days, the coolness of the air keeps the atmosphere pure for perfect visibility, with few people on the trails.
Be careful, though, when hiking in the height of summer – the risk of fire is real, especially when the wind is blowing hard, and some trails may be closed to you. Always bring water and something to protect yourself from the sun, which is essential for hiking in Hyères in complete safety.
The most beautiful hikes around Hyères
1. The Pointe des Chevaliers circuit
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Let’s start with a great classic of hiking in Hyères, on the Giens peninsula: the latter belongs to the municipality of Hyères, but is separated from the mainland by a double pillow, which places it 25 minutes by car center.
The Pointe des Chevaliers circuit corresponds to the western coastal path of the peninsula: an unmissable and spectacular excursion, short but with a difference in height (provide good shoes, and the water reserve for the entire route), where you can see small and hidden beaches inlets, islets and rocky points, all immersed in the scent of pine trees… Simply superb!
Very wooded, this path is likely to close in summer due to fire risk, find out before you leave.
2. The eastern bend of the Giens peninsula
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We stay a little longer on the Giens peninsula, for another excursion not to be missed in Hyères. This time it is a matter of touring the eastern part of the peninsula, with many stops along the small beaches that dot the route. A magnificent layout.
Very pleasant and without major difficulties, this route is also less frequented than the previous one, and is not subject to closures due to fire risk.
3. From the castle of Hyères to Mont Fenouillet
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Let’s change sectors with this excursion to Hyères which begins in the historic heart of the city, on the hill of Castéou where the remains of the castle of Hyères are enthroned. The goal is to reach the summit of Mont Fenouillet, 291 meters above sea level.
Obviously the route climbs a little, but up there the efforts are rewarded by a splendid view over Hyères and its region, with the Giens peninsula, the Golden Islands (Porquerolles, Port Cros and the Ile du Levant) , the port of Toulon and the great blue of the Mediterranean before your eyes.
4. The ancient salt flats of Hyères
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This very easy level excursion to Hyères is more of the order of a nice walk, but you will be amazed in this flat and surprising scenery of ancient salt flats. A natural area that today is home to numerous species of birds, including flamingos.
The trail, which starts at 12 minutes from the center of Hyères, it runs along the pleasant beach of Vieux Salins, where the bathing suit remains optional for vertigo.
5. Fort de la Gavaresse from Le Pradet
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A 20 minutes by car, this excursion around Hyères starts in Le Pradet, near the Garonne beach. The route takes you to discover the small massif of Colle Noire, crossed by numerous paths, with a climb to Fort de la Gavaresse from where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the surroundings and the sea.
6. From Argentière beach to Fort Brégançon
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Among the beautiful hikes around Hyères, this route will delight lovers of coastal paths, who like to take a break for a swim, or more, along the way. Bring a bathing suit, but above all comfortable shoes, because the stony path can be technical in some places.
Starting from Argentière beach (20 minutes by car from Hyères), the route follows the splendid Var coast, through the preserved landscapes of the Port-Cros National Park. Along the way, we cross several beautiful beaches, before reaching the mythical fort of Brégançon. I return by the same path, which is difficult to tire of.
7. Mont Fenouillet from La Crau
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Here is a variant to climb to the top of Mont Fenouillet, starting from La Crau, a less than 15 minutes in the car. The trail is largely wooded and hilly, surrounded by nature, and you will be rewarded for your efforts by beautiful views of the surroundings, Hyères, the Var coast, the Massif des Maures …
This hike around Hyères is aimed at motivated and durable walkers, because it combines a noticeable drop in altitude with a considerable number of kilometers – beware, and bring water!
8. Stroll through the La Castille Foundation
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Still in the La Crau sector (15 minutes by car), this excursion around Hyères is both easy and pleasant, accessible to all.
From the La Castille Foundation, this graceful loop allows us to discover the wine-growing aspect of the region, first following the refreshing course of the Gapeau, then along the vineyards. An invigorating excursion, in the form of a walk.
9. Around La Londe-les-Maures
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A 15 minutes by carthe interest of this excursion around Hyères is to explore the varied territory of La Londe-les-Maures.
Departure from the city center, before crossing hills and vineyards in the countryside, to then reach the seafront with the beaches and the small port of Miramar with seaside accents. The route is flat, of easy level.
10. Around Lake Trapan
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Since the lake is forbidden for bathing, the main interest of this excursion around Hyères lies more in the viewpoints that open onto the surroundings: the Var coast, the Brégançon fort, the Golden Islands, the Hyères plain. , etc.
A nice walk in a splendid southern setting, in the heart of the typical landscapes of the Var hinterland.
The most beautiful excursions in Porquerolles
Before the golden islands off Hyères, Porquerolles, like all this small archipelago, is annexed to the city. To get there is easy, the shuttles (for a fee) make the connection from the pier of the Fondue tower, on the Giens peninsula. To count 25 minutes by car plus the small intersection to reach Porquerolles: then the beautiful paths of the island are yours …
11. The western loop of Porquerolles
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Hiking in Hyères is also done in the islands: directly from the Porquerolles pier, you can continue with this coastal path that crosses the entire west of the island, through paradisiacal landscapes.
Plan a day trip to take the time to walk at your own pace along the rocky points while enjoying the beaches and coves encountered along the way (Silver beach, Grand Langoustier beach, Calanque du Bregançonnet, etc. ).
12. The central loop of Porquerolles
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Among the hiking grounds around Hyères that are very popular with hikers, Porquerolles has enough trails to go around the island if you feel like it.
Shorter and more accessible for a day trip, this route offers a good overview of Porquerolles at its wildest part. After crossing the island from the pier, you reach the southern coast, rocky, cut and preserved, in one word magnificent.
