Templars’ Tower

Place Massillon is one of the liveliest spots in Hyères during the summer months. While it stays fairly quiet in winter, it comes alive in summer, when terraces spill out onto the square, glasses clink, and the air is filled with laughter and conversation in the heart of the old town.

Surrounded by charming Provençal houses, the square is also home to a remarkable piece of history: the Templars’ Tower, standing right in front of you. This 12th-century tower is all that remains of the commandery founded here by the Knights Templar. Today, the building is listed as a Historic Monument.

Back in its early days, it served military, religious, and agricultural purposes, and it’s also known as the Saint Blaise Chapel. When the Templar Order was dissolved in 1312, the building was handed over to the Order of Malta, who held it until the 17th century.

From 1770 to 1914, it even served as Hyères’ town hall. The structure saw many changes over the centuries, and it was fully restored in the 1980s, giving it the appearance it has today. The tower now hosts exhibitions and stands as one of the most important historical landmarks in the old town.

History and festive energy come together in Place Massillon, making it the perfect place to soak up the city’s vibrant spirit.