Hyères

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Hyères (pronunciation française), Occitan provençal: Ieras in classical norm, or Iero in Mistralian norm) is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. The old town lies 4 km from the sea clustered around the Castle of Saint Bernard, which is set on a hill.

Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea east of Toulon, at the mouth of the Gapeau, Hyères has become a popular tourist destination and winter climate resort since its transformation under the leadership of Mayor Alphonse Denis from 1830 onwards. The city's reputation for thermal treatments drew in the English community, leaving an architectural footprint still visible in the current urban landscape.

The municipality is also renowned for its palm cultivation, which dates back to the attempts to acclimatize exotic plants on the French Riviera from 1850. Horticulturalists would export palms and cacti produced in their nurseries, providing owners with these unique species. Today, Hyères has a dominant position in floriculture and viticulture.

The city's geography is characterized by its peninsula of Giens and several islands, including Porquerolles, Port-Cros, Levant Island, and many small islands. These islands are collectively known as the "golden islands" due to their micaschists rocks reflecting golden light under certain conditions. The commune has a land area of 132.38 square kilometres (51.11 sq mi) and is situated on the Côte d'Azur.

Hyères boasts a hot summer Mediterranean climate, making it one of the warmest cities in France. Its proximity to tourist places such as the Golden Islands, partially protected by a national park, the Salins, or the archaeological site of Olbia, contributes to its popularity during winter months.

The city's history is also marked by significant events, including Louis IX's arrival in 1254 upon his return from the Crusades. A commando of the Templar Order was based in Hyères during the 12th century, outside the city walls. In more recent times, Walter Krivitsky hid in Hyères after deserting from Soviet intelligence in 1937.

The Hôtel de Ville was completed in 1864, and French forces naval units and colonial formations, including Senegalese infantry, occupied the island of Port-Cros on August 22.