Hyeres

The history of Hyères stretches back to antiquity, making it one of the oldest settlements on the French Riviera. In the 4th century BC, Greek mariners from Massalia (modern-day Marseille) founded the fortified colony of Olbia on the coast, its name translating to "The Blessed" or "The Happy." It was an important trading outpost connecting sea routes with the mainland. The first documentary mention of the city's name itself — Castrum de Areis — dates back to 963. This name likely derives from the Latin word for salt marshes or marshy areas, which were abundant in the region.

The transformation of Hyères into a prosperous city was due to a unique combination of geographical and economic factors. The town developed at the foot of Castéou hill, providing natural protection and a vantage point while remaining close to the sea. A vital role in the economy was played by the local salt industry: salt, known at the time as "white gold," had been harvested here since ancient times and ensured the region's financial well-being. Furthermore, the construction of a powerful castle atop the hill in the Middle Ages established Hyères as an important administrative center under the protection of the Counts of Provence.

Even in its early stages of development, Hyères stood out not only as a salt production center but also as an agricultural oasis. Thanks to an exceptionally mild microclimate and fertile soil, horticulture flourished here. Local residents successfully grew vegetables, fruits, and exotic plants, which later earned Hyères its reputation as the "City of Palms" and the primary supplier of flowers and early crops to French markets.

From Antiquity to the Middle Ages

• 4th Century BC — Greek colonists from Marseille founded the trading port of Olbia, the predecessor to the modern city.
• 963 — The name Castrum de Areis first appears in historical documents, from which the modern name Hyères is derived.
• 1254 — King Louis IX of France (Saint Louis) landed in Hyères after returning from the Seventh Crusade, bringing significance to the city.

The Royal Era and the Resort's Flourishing

• 1481 — The city, along with the County of Provence, officially became part of the Kingdom of France.
• 1564 — King Charles IX and Catherine de' Medici visited, after which, according to legend, palm trees began to be actively planted in the city.
• Late 18th Century — Hyères began to gain fame as the first winter climatic resort on the French Riviera, popular among the British aristocracy.
• 1875 — The opening of a railway connection linked the city with Paris and significantly increased the flow of tourists.
• 1892 — Queen Victoria of Great Britain spent several weeks in Hyères, definitively establishing its status as an elite holiday destination.

The 20th Century and Modern Times

• 1923 — Construction began on Villa Noailles, which became a masterpiece of Modernism and a magnet for avant-garde artists.
• August 21, 1944 — During Operation Dragoon, Hyères was liberated, becoming the first city on the Riviera to be freed during the campaign.
• 1963 — Port-Cros National Park was established, protecting the unique nature of the Îles d'Hyères.

Key Developmental Stages and Their Significance

The development of Hyères followed a unique path: from an industrial salt-mining center to an elite resort and a modern capital of horticulture. Below are the main milestones that defined the city's modern appearance and economy.

• The Era of "White Gold" and Salt Marshes. For centuries, the city's economic foundation was salt production on the Giens peninsula. This industry not only provided Hyères with financial independence during the Middle Ages but also shaped the unique landscape of the salt marshes, which have now become a protected sanctuary for migratory birds.
• The Emergence of the Riviera's First Winter Resort. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Hyères was the first on the coast to pivot toward hosting wealthy foreigners seeking a mild climate for health reasons. This led to a radical shift in urban planning: instead of fortress walls, luxury hotels, villas, and promenades oriented toward the British aristocracy began to be built.
• Acclimatization of Exotic Plants. In the 19th century, local gardeners began mass-cultivating palm trees and other tropical plants. This solidified the city's status as Europe's primary nursery and gave it its second name — Hyères-les-Palmiers ("Hyères of the Palms"). The export of ornamental plants and cut flowers became the most important export commodity after the decline of the salt industry.
• The Belle Époque Architectural Boom. The influx of the elite required the creation of corresponding infrastructure. The construction of grand buildings, such as the Grand Hôtel des Îles d'Or and the casino, transformed the quiet town into a fashionable social hub. These buildings still define the architectural character of the central districts today.
• Center of the Cultural Avant-Garde (1920s). The construction of Villa Noailles by Viscount Charles de Noailles turned Hyères into a meeting place for the world's creative elite (Dalí, Cocteau, Buñuel). This event laid the foundation for the city's current status as a center for fashion, design, and photography.
• Development of Transport Accessibility. The opening and subsequent development of the Toulon-Hyères Airport (originally military, then civilian) provided the city with a direct link to Paris and other European capitals, maintaining tourist flow amidst fierce competition from Nice and Cannes.
• Preservation of Natural Territories. The establishment of the Port-Cros National Park and strict measures to protect the island of Porquerolles from mass development allowed Hyères to carve out a niche in eco-tourism, preserving untouched nature in one of France's most urbanized regions.

Urban Structure: From the Hill to the Sea

The architectural character of Hyères is clearly divided into two historical zones, reflecting the city's evolution from a defensive fortress to an aristocratic resort. Urban development progressed from the top down: from the medieval core on the slopes of Castéou hill to the plain, which was built up in the 19th century with grand hotels and villas.

The Middle Ages: Romanesque and Gothic Styles

The Old Town (Vieux Hyères) has preserved its typical medieval layout with narrow, winding streets, stone houses, and remnants of the city walls. The architecture of this period is austere, defensive, and religious in nature.

• Château d’Hyères: A ruined fortress from the 11th–13th centuries at the top of the hill. A striking example of medieval military architecture that dominates the city skyline.
• Church of Saint-Louis (Église Saint-Louis): A 12th-century building demonstrating the transition from Romanesque to Gothic style. The massive facade is complemented by the elegant Gothic vaults of the nave.
• Templar Tower (Tour des Templiers): Also known as the Saint-Blaise Chapel (12th century). An example of the strict architecture of military orders, combining the functions of a fortification and a place of worship.

The 19th Century: Neoclassicism, Eclecticism, and Orientalism

With the transformation of Hyères into a winter resort for the European nobility (predominantly British), Belle Époque architecture flourished in the "Lower Town." This period is characterized by wide boulevards, parks, and majestic buildings designed to showcase luxury and comfort.

• Grand Hôtel des Îles d'Or: Built in the classic style of resort architecture. The building is notable for its monumentality, symmetry, and the rich facade decoration typical of the second half of the 19th century.
• Villa Tunisienne: Built by Pierre Chapoul. A vivid example of the Neo-Moorish style (Orientalism), which was popular among aristocrats seeking an exotic aesthetic.
• Villa Mauresque: Another example of Eastern influence in the private residence architecture of that era.

The 20th Century: Rationalism and Modernism

In the early 20th century, Hyères became a site for bold architectural experiments that contrasted sharply with traditional Provençal buildings.

• Villa Noailles: Built between 1923 and 1933 by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens. It is an icon of Modernism and Rationalism. The building is characterized by a lack of decoration, flat roofs, geometric precision, and an emphasis on functionality and light. The villa became a manifesto for modern architecture on the French Riviera.

Royalty and Historical Figures

• Louis IX (Saint Louis) — King of France.
  In 1254, the monarch landed on the coast of Hyères while returning from the Seventh Crusade. This event was a turning point in the city's history, strengthening its ties with the French crown. A commemorative marker has been erected in the city in honor of this event.
• Queen Victoria — Queen of the United Kingdom.
  Her visit in 1892 marked the pinnacle of the "Golden Age" of Hyères. The stay of the Queen and her court at the Grand Hôtel de Costebelle definitively established the city as a prestigious winter resort for the European elite and contributed to a boom in the construction of luxury villas.

Figures in Culture and the Arts

• Jean-Baptiste Massillon (1663–1742) — Bishop and Preacher.
  A native of Hyères who became one of France's most famous church orators during the era of Louis XIV. His sermons are considered models of classical French rhetoric, and one of the central squares in his hometown is named after him.
• Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) — Scottish Writer.
  The author of "Treasure Island" lived in Hyères for a year and a half (1883–1884) at the La Solitude chalet, seeking relief from lung issues. Here he wrote the novel "The Black Arrow" and part of "A Child's Garden of Verses," calling his time in Hyères some of the happiest moments of his life.
• Edith Wharton (1862–1937) — American Writer.
  The first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction lived at the Castel Sainte-Claire from 1927 to 1937. She not only worked on her writing here but also personally created a unique botanical garden with rare subtropical plants, which is open to the public today.
• Paul Bourget (1852–1935) — French Writer and Critic.
  An Academician and author of psychological novels who purchased the villa Le Plantier de Costebelle. Bourget hosted many literary figures of the time and actively helped popularize the Costebelle area as a destination for intellectual retreats.

Patrons and Visionaries

• Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles — Viscount and Viscountess, Patrons of the Arts.
  In the 1920s, this couple commissioned architect Robert Mallet-Stevens to build an avant-garde villa that became an icon of Modernism. They turned Hyères into a magnet for surrealists and innovative artists, hosting Salvador Dalí, Jean Cocteau, Luis Buñuel, and Man Ray. Today, their legacy lives on through the annual fashion and design festivals held at the villa.