🦩 The Flamingos of Hyères
Just outside the town lies a vast protected nature reserve where hundreds of flamingos live.
You can walk or cycle freely along specially built paths that wind through the water and the salt flats.
If you’d like to see more, you can book a guided bird-watching tour in advance.
A guide will take you deeper into the area, where you can also spot other bird species — a paradise for nature lovers and photographers, especially in the early morning or at sunset.
📍 Tip: Start from the Parc Ornithologique or the Route du Sel and don’t forget your binoculars!
⚓ The Harbour of Hyères
The Port of Hyères is full of life: sailing yachts, motorboats, fishing vessels and cafés lined up along the waterfront.
At the far end of the port, you’ll find the docks, where boats come for their “check-up” — always fun to watch when the masts are being hoisted.
A little further on, the ferries depart for the islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant.
So why not combine a harbour stroll with a day trip to the islands?
☕ Our favourite moment: an early-morning coffee on the boulevard, as the boats gently sway in the golden light.
🏛️ The Old Town of Hyères
We recently rediscovered the old town of Hyères — and what a gem!
A maze of narrow lanes, artisan shops, art galleries, interior boutiques and plenty of welcoming terraces.
There’s even a garage with a special area for bicycles and e-bikes, ideal for those exploring the city on two wheels.
🚴 Cycling tip: The route from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Hyères-centre is a must-do.
You ride along the coast, through small villages, and finish with a drink on a sun-dappled Provençal terrace.
➡️ To extend your stay, explore our villas near Hyères — perfect for relaxing in the calm of the Côte d’Azur after a day at the harbour.
🧭 Practical Information
📍 Location: Hyères (Var, Côte d’Azur)
🚗 Distance from Sainte-Maxime: about 1 hour’s drive
🚴 Suggested cycling route: via Le Lavandou → La Londe-les-Maures → Hyères
🌿 Worth visiting all year: from January (mimosa bloom) to October (flamingos!)
💡 Useful Links
Guided walks – Birdwatching in Vieux Salins (LPO PACA)
Learn to Surf – Spin Out
Bike rentals in Hyères – Spin Out (Giens Peninsula)
Tourist Office of Hyères