The 12 most beautiful walks around Hyères
Hyères, this magnificent commune in the Var nestling between sea and hills, offers an exceptional playground for hiking enthusiasts. With its breathtaking coastal paths, heavenly islands and limestone outcrops, the region boasts a diversity of landscapes that will appeal to walkers of all abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced walker, the area around Hyères has some memorable itineraries in store for you, with the Mediterranean as your backdrop. Take a look at these 12 of the best walks around Hyères, and let us guide you as you explore the Var coastline and its natural treasures.
Also read the Hyères guide :
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- Top 5 best hotels to stay in Hyères
- The 20 most beautiful beaches in France
- 20 not-to-be-missed excursions around Marseille
- 26 must-do activities in the PACA region
- What to do on the island of Porquerolles
1. The Pointe des Chevaliers circuit
Let’s start this selection of the most beautiful walks around Hyères with a great classic of the Giens peninsula. The Pointe des Chevaliers trail is the western coastal path of this remarkable spit of land joined to the mainland by a double tombolo. This 7.6-kilometre hike, with a 229-metre ascent, takes you through spectacular coastal scenery, with a succession of secret little beaches, hidden coves and rocky points plunging into the turquoise waters.
The route passes through dense Mediterranean vegetation, dominated by pine trees that perfume the sea air. The scent of resin mingles with the sea spray to create an atmosphere unique to the Var coastline. The views over the sea are absolutely sublime, with the Isles of Gold as a backdrop, seemingly floating on the horizon. This is an easy hike, but you’ll need good shoes and plenty of water, as the sun can beat down hard on some exposed sections.
Please note: this trail, which is heavily wooded, may be closed in summer due to the risk of fire. Before setting off, check with the tourist office or the town of Hyères.
2. The eastern loop of the Giens peninsula
Let’s stay on the Giens peninsula for this second hike around Hyères, but change sides to discover the eastern side of the peninsula. This 9.3-kilometre loop, with just 104 metres of ascent, is more accessible and less crowded than its western counterpart. The route circles the eastern part of the peninsula, following the coastal path, taking in a succession of beaches and coves perfect for swimming.
This route is distinguished by its more peaceful and wild character. Less exposed to the mistral than the west coast, it is ideal for windy days. The waters here are generally calmer, inviting you to take a number of water breaks. The advantage of this path is that it is not subject to summer closures due to fire hazards, so you can enjoy walks around Hyères even in the height of summer. It takes around 2 hours 15 minutes to complete the route, but allow plenty of time if you want to stop regularly to take a dip in the Mediterranean.
3. From Hyères castle to Mont Fenouillet
A change of scenery for this walk, which begins in the historic heart of Hyères, on the hill of Castou, where the remains of the Château de Hyères sit enthroned. This 8.4-kilometre route, with a 253-metre ascent, takes you to the summit of Mont Fenouillet, which rises to an altitude of 291 metres. This is a moderately demanding walk that combines historical heritage with exceptional panoramic views.
The start from the medieval castle, a thousand-year-old edifice perched on its rocky outcrop, sets the tone for this walk through history and nature. The ascent to Mont Fenouillet passes through landscapes typical of the Var hinterland, alternating between fragrant garrigue and refreshing pinewoods. Once you reach the top, the reward is well worth the effort: a 360-degree panorama of the Giens peninsula, the Golden Isles (Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Ile du Levant), Toulon harbour and the immense blue Mediterranean. For those wishing to visit Hyères in a different way, this walk offers a unique perspective on the town and its natural environment.
Download the audio tour to discover Hyères on foot and on your own
Before or after your hike to Mont Fenouillet, take time to explore the historic centre of Hyères with theNavaway audio tour. This 4-kilometre route takes you to 18 of the town’s major places of interest, including the medieval castle, the Saint-Paul collegiate church and the charming Provencal streets. The app guides you through the thousand-year-old history of this city of palm trees, helping you to understand why Hyères was a popular health resort from the 19th century onwards. Download the Navaway app to enjoy an interactive and enriching visit, ideal for complementing your walks with a cultural immersion in this town of remarkable heritage.
4. The old salt marshes of Hyères
For a break from the more sporty walks around Hyères, the old salt pans offer an easy 5.3-kilometre walk with just 16 metres of ascent. This walk takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and is more of a contemplative stroll than a real hike, but it fully deserves its place in this selection for the originality of its landscapes.
These former salt marshes, located just 12 minutes from the centre of Hyères, have become a paradise for birds, particularly the pink flamingos that have made this remarkable wetland their home. The path winds its way between the pools, with their changing hues of pink, green and blue, creating a unique palette of colours as the seasons change. The route also skirts the beautiful Vieux Salins beach, perfect for a swim after the walk. This easy hike around Hyères is perfect for families with children or for those looking for an easy nature outing, while discovering a fascinating ecosystem.
5. Fort de la Gavaresse from Le Pradet
Just a 20-minute drive from Hyères, Le Pradet is an excellent starting point for this moderately demanding hike. The 7.1-kilometre, 284-metre ascent begins at Plage de la Garonne and takes you through the small Colle Noire massif, an area criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails.
The aim of this 2-hour walk is to reach the Gavaresse fort, a 19th-century military structure that once guarded the approaches to Toulon harbour. From the summit, the view of the Var coastline, the Hyères islands and the deep blue sea stretching as far as the eye can see is absolutely breathtaking. The path leads through typical Mediterranean vegetation, with the song of the cicadas accompanying your progress. This walk combines physical exercise, military heritage and exceptional sea views, making it one of the most beautiful walks around Hyères for intermediate walkers.
6. From Argentière beach to Brégançon fort
This is one of the longest walks in this selection, covering 18.8 kilometres and 150 metres of ascent. This moderately-difficult route takes around 4h30 to complete and will delight lovers of coastal paths who like to alternate between walking and swimming. The route starts from the Argentière beach, a 20-minute drive from Hyères, and leads to the legendary Fort de Brégançon, the presidential residence perched on its rocky islet.
The route follows the superb Var coast through the unspoilt landscapes of the Port-Cros National Park, a protected area where nature reigns supreme. The path is sometimes rocky and technical, and requires good hiking boots. Along the way, you’ll come across a number of pretty beaches inviting you to take a refreshing break. Don’t forget your swimming costume! The return journey takes the same path, but the beauty of the area means you’ll never tire of this exceptional coastal panorama. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and something to eat, as this walk around Hyères needs to be well prepared to be fully appreciated.
7. Mont Fenouillet from La Crau
For seasoned hikers looking for a challenge, this variant of the climb up Mont Fenouillet from La Crau is one of the sportiest walks around Hyères. With a distance of 19 kilometres and a total ascent of 745 metres, it takes around 5? hours of sustained walking to complete this demanding but rewarding route.
Setting off from La Crau, less than 15 minutes’ drive from Hyères, you approach Mont Fenouillet from a different direction to the one you take from the château. The trail is largely wooded and undulating, traversing Mediterranean nature in all its splendour. The pine forests provide welcome shade on hot summer days, while the open ridges offer magnificent views of the surrounding area. At the top, the panorama is well worth the effort: Hyères and the surrounding region spread out beneath you, from the Var coast to the Maures massif. This hike is for motivated, well-trained walkers. Don’t forget your water reserve, essential for this type of effort under the Provencal sun.
8. Walk around the Fondation La Castille
Back to gentler walks with this pleasant 4.8-kilometre loop with a 118-metre gradient, accessible to all. Located in the La Crau area, a 15-minute drive from Hyères, this walk takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and offers a more agricultural and bucolic view of the region.
The route starts at the Fondation La Castille and takes you through the wine-growing side of the Hyeres hinterland. The route first follows the refreshing course of the Gapeau, a river that meanders through the valley, before skirting the vineyards where the grapes for the Provence wines ripen. This easy hike around Hyères is ideal for a family outing or for those who want to walk without too much physical effort while enjoying the countryside. The atmosphere is invigorating, far removed from the tourist hustle and bustle of the seaside, allowing you to reconnect with authentic Provençal nature.
9. Tour of La Londe-les-Maures
Just a 15-minute drive from Hyères, the commune of La Londe-les-Maures offers an easy 9.5-kilometre walk with an 82-metre ascent, ideal for discovering the region’s diverse landscapes in around 2 hours 15 minutes. The appeal of this route lies in its variety: you will pass through the town centre, the hills and vineyards of the hinterland, and then the seafront.
The route starts in the heart of La Londe-les-Maures before escaping into the surrounding countryside. The hills planted with vines offer lovely views of the surrounding area, while the return journey along the coast takes in the beaches and the charming little port of Miramar, with its typically Mediterranean seaside feel. This flat walk around Hyères is perfect for those who want to combine urban discovery, nature and the seaside in the same outing, while remaining at a level of difficulty accessible to all.
10. Around Lake Trapan
This easy 5.5-kilometre walk, with a difference in altitude of 142 metres, takes you around Lac du Trapan in around 1? hours. Although swimming is prohibited in the lake, the main attraction of this walk around Hyères lies in the many viewpoints that open up over the surrounding area as you progress.
The path winds around the lake, offering changing views of the landscape. From various vantage points, you can admire the Var coastline, the fortress of Brégançon perched on its islet, the Isles of Gold floating on the horizon, and the plain of Hyères stretching inland. This pleasant walk takes you through the typical Mediterranean landscapes of the Var hinterland, where the song of the cicadas and the scent of the garrigue create an authentically Provençal atmosphere. A pleasant nature outing that gives you a bird’s eye view of the region without excessive effort.
11. The western loop of Porquerolles
Hiking in Hyères would not be complete without discovering the trails of Porquerolles, the first of the Golden Islands. To get there, head for the Tour Fondue pier on the Giens peninsula (25 minutes’ drive from Hyères), then embark for a crossing that takes around 20 minutes. Once on the island, this 12.1-kilometre loop with 226 metres of ascent awaits you for around 3 hours’ walking.
The route starts directly from the pier at Porquerolles and winds its way across the western part of the island through some absolutely heavenly scenery. The coastal path reveals a succession of rocky points cut into the crystal-clear waters, fine sandy beaches and secret coves. Among the must-sees are the magnificent Plage d’Argent, the Plage du Grand Langoustier and the Calanque du Breganonnet, all inviting you to swim and relax. Plan a day’s outing to make the most of this walk around Hyères, taking the time to walk at your own pace and savour every water break in these turquoise waters. Lovers of unspoilt nature and coastal scenery will be delighted by this unique island experience.
12. The central loop of Porquerolles
Let’s end this selection of the most beautiful walks around Hyères with another itinerary on the island of Porquerolles, more accessible than the full tour of the island but just as attractive. This 13.5-kilometre loop with a 404-metre ascent takes around 4 hours to complete and takes you through the wildest, most unspoilt part of the island.
After disembarking at the Porquerolles pier, the route crosses the island from west to east to reach the south coast, a veritable natural gem. This southern part of the island is characterised by a rocky, jagged coastline that has been preserved from mass tourism. The cliffs plunge into the deep blue sea, the wild coves follow one another and the Mediterranean vegetation exhales its fragrances. It’s simply magnificent! This walk offers a great insight into Porquerolles at its most authentic and natural, away from the hustle and bustle of the village and the main beaches. To make the most of this experience, plan a day trip that includes the boat trip, the hike and why not have lunch in one of the harbour restaurants before heading back. An ideal way to round off your exploration of walks around Hyères!
If you want to continue your discovery of Hyères between two walks, don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided through the historic alleyways on the Navaway audio tour, which will reveal all the secrets of this city of palm trees. For a complete immersion in this Var destination, combine your hikes with a discovery of the architectural and historical heritage of Hyères, a town of art and history well worth a visit.
In conclusion, the area around Hyères offers a remarkable variety of walks that will appeal to all types of walker. From the spectacular coastal paths of the Giens peninsula to the paradisiacal island landscapes of Porquerolles, not forgetting the mountain panoramas from Mont Fenouillet, each route reveals a different facet of this region blessed by the gods. Whether you’re looking for an easy family walk or a demanding sporting challenge, the walks around Hyères promise unforgettable moments in the heart of unspoilt Mediterranean nature. Don’t forget to wear the right equipment, bring plenty of water and find out about access conditions, especially during the summer months when some paths may be closed due to the risk of fire. Enjoy your walks in this corner of paradise in the Var, and don’t hesitate to use the Navaway app to discover Hyères and enrich your stay with exciting cultural visits!
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go hiking around Hyères?
The ideal season for hiking around Hyères is from April to October. Winter days also offer great opportunities, with fewer people on the paths and perfect visibility. On the other hand, avoid the extreme heat of July and August for difficult hikes, and be aware of any trail closures due to fire risks at the height of summer.
Do I need special equipment to hike in Hyères?
For walks around Hyères, bring suitable hiking boots (some coastal paths are stony), a cap and sun cream, as well as a sufficient supply of water (minimum 1.5 litres per person). A swimming costume is essential if you want to take advantage of the many swimming opportunities along the way. For longer hikes, take something to eat as well.
How do I get to Porquerolles island for hiking?
To reach Porquerolles and take advantage of its magnificent hiking trails, go to the Tour Fondue pier on the Giens peninsula (25 minutes by car from Hyères). There are regular ferry services all year round, with crossings taking around 20 minutes. Booking is strongly recommended in July and August. Note that cars are not allowed on the island, so you can only discover Porquerolles on foot or by bike.
Are the hiking trails around Hyères suitable for children?
Several of the walks in this selection are ideal for families with children, including the Vieux Salins de Hyères (5.3 km, very easy), the walk around the Fondation La Castille (4.8 km, easy) and the tour of Lac du Trapan (5.5 km, easy). These short routes, with no major changes in altitude, allow the youngest visitors to discover the Mediterranean countryside without tiring themselves out too much. Always adapt the difficulty and length of the walk to the age and ability of your children.
Is it possible to swim during coastal walks?
You bet! In fact, it’s one of the great attractions of the walks around Hyères, particularly on the Giens peninsula and in Porquerolles. The coastal paths offer plenty of swimming breaks in crystal-clear creeks. Don’t forget your swimming costume, towel and, if you like, a mask and snorkel to explore the seabed. Beaches and creeks line the coastal paths, offering plenty of opportunities to cool off and enjoy the Mediterranean between two stretches of walk.
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