Mari & Alex

VISIT

St. Tropez

For all designer goods, people (and yacht) watching, or just a day admiring architecture, we recommend the 1-hour drive to St. Tropez. Stay awhile and have lunch or dinner.

VISIT

Bormes-les-Mimosas

Nestled high above the coast and famous for its signature flowered walls, we recommend a day trip to Bormes-les-Mimosas. Don’t forget your hiking boots––this area is very hilly.

VISIT

Porquerolles

Hop on the ferry from Hyères to Porquerolles for a perfect day trip. The island is car-free, with bikes for rent right by the port and beaches that look straight out of a postcard. Pack a towel, sunscreen, and maybe a bottle of rosé — the last ferry back usually catches the sunset.

VISIT

Cassis & the Calanques

Cassis

If you have a car and want a bit of adventure, head to Cassis (about 1.5–2 hours away). The seaside town is beautiful, and you can take a boat tour through the Calanques — dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise coves that are absolutely stunning.

DO

Sunbathing

Plage de l’Almanarre
Hyères, France

For a classic beach day, head to Plage de l’Almanarre. It’s a long, sandy stretch with turquoise water and a few beach bars nearby. On windy days, you’ll see kite surfers gliding across the bay.

DO

Jet Ski Rides

Incentive Jet Plage de l’Estanci
Hyères, France

If you’re looking for a little adventure while you’re here, rent a jet ski and explore the coastline around Hyères! You can ride along the shore or join a guided tour out to the nearby islands like Porquerolles. Most places rent by the hour and make it super easy, even if you’ve never done it before.

SHOP

Le Marché de Hyères

Hyères, France

Spend a Saturday morning wandering the local market in the old town. It’s full of fresh produce, flowers, and Provençal specialties. Grab a coffee and croissant and soak in the lively weekend buzz.

DO

Explore the Old Town

Hyères, France

Take a stroll through Vieille Ville, the charming old town of Hyères. Its narrow, colorful streets wind past boutiques, cafés, and viewpoints overlooking the sea. It’s especially lovely in the late afternoon, when the light hits the pastel buildings and the whole place feels golden.

EAT

Les Tamaris - Chez Raymond

4 Bd de la Baleine, 83980 Le Lavandou, France

A Lavandou mainstay, seafood lovers will delight in the fresh catch fish. Have dinner here and then take a sunset walk on the beach across the road.

EAT

La Colombe

663 route de Toulon, Hyères, 83400, France

Sesame salmon tataki with a crunchy vegetable salad; turbot fillet, pan-fried chanterelles and a black garlic jus. With their generous, seriously Provençal cuisine, Pascal and Nadège Bonamy have elevated their restaurant at the foot of the Maurettes mountains to one of the best in the region.

EAT

Le Saint Gabriel

334 avenue de la République, Toulon, 83000, France

In the heart of Toulon, is chef Romain Janin’s bistro. The menu celebrates the food culture of Provence, putting a twist on fresh local ingredients: Tamaris mussels au gratin; wild prawn ravioli; egg mayonnaise with summer truffles; courgette flower fritters; lamb shoulder confit; textures of beef tongue. Each plate is brimming with generosity and suggests savoir-faire to spare. The atmosphere here is relaxed and friendly, with service provided by staff who move between the cast-iron bistro tables and rattan chairs in sailor-style stripy T-shirts.

EAT

Le Jardin

1 ruelle du Moulin, Bormes-les-Mimosas, 83230, France

Set in a picturesque little street in the old part of the village, this small restaurant initially charms you with its rustic appeal and delightful terrace, complete with fountain and pergola, and surrounded by greenery and flowers. In the kitchen, Riccardo Berto sprinkles his colourful Mediterranean dishes with Peruvian touches, informed by his experience as chef at L’Altiplano in Val d’Isère.