Discover Olbia (free visit or guided tour) during your holidays in Hyeres.
The Greeks install their initial settlement by the sea in front of
the present-day Almanarre beach. They call it “The Blessed Olbia”.
In the 4th century B.C., it is a military and commercial outpost on
the maritime route to Marseille (Massilia). Animal skins, corrals,
oils, wine and especially salt are traded there. In the 2nd century
A.D. the Romans establish the nearby galley halt of Pomponiana.
The Roman town quickly expands and becomes an important spaequipped town spreading until the Giens peninsula. This National
Heritage-classified archaeological site is 66 acres wide and is the
only example of a perfectly preserved Greek site on the French
coast. It is opened to the public and offers guided tours as well
as educational workshops for young groups. Olbia grants unique
insight into the remnants of an Ancient town that survived over 500
years, including fortified walls, sewage and pavement infrastructures,
residential dwellings, collective wells, sanctuaries and public spas.
In the 13th century, an abbey was built on the ruins of this city
abandoned in the 4th century A.D.
