European Heritage Days in Hyères

Monuments & Sites Open to the Public: In Downtown — Tour des Templiers Place Massillon Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Exhibition: “Hyères and the Palm Trees” — Saint-Paul Collegiate Church Place Saint-Paul Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Saint-Paul Washhouse Rue du Repos Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Exhibition “Hyères and the Palm Trees” — La Banque, Museum of Cultures and Landscape 14 Avenue Joseph Clotis Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Exhibition: “Calder, Balance in Colors” • Exhibition: 200 Years of Photography in Hyères, celebrating the bicentennial of photography — Municipal Archives Ground floor of the Park Hotel, Avenue de Belgique Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. These events will provide an opportunity for the Archives team to raise public awareness about the challenges of preserving these fragile documents. Restoring, preserving, and reinventing their uses: these are all challenges we face in keeping this heritage—whether physical or digital—alive despite the ravages of time. — Villa Noailles More info: villanoailles.com — Saint-Louis Church Place de la République Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, September 20, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Access is limited, and silence is required during services (Saturday at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Sunday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:45 a.m.). — Protestant Church Rue du Docteur Jaubert Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Arts & Heritage Trail Studios and galleries open in downtown Hyères. On the Coast — Olbia Archaeological Site Almanarre Neighborhood Friday, September 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. At your own pace, armed with your visitor guide, stroll through the archaeological park and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the site! Duration: approximately 1 hour Last admission to the ruins is 1 hour before closing. No reservation required; subject to availability. Visitor guide available for free download at: hyeres.fr Audio guides available for the visually impaired. — Notre-Dame de Consolation Boulevard Félix Descroix Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Access is limited and must be quiet during services (Saturday at 11:15 a.m. and Sunday at 7:00 p.m.). — Espace Tradition de l’Aéronautique Navale (ETAN) Boulevard de la Marine Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Naval Aviation Heritage Center (ETAN) in Hyères showcases the history, the people, and the aircraft that contributed to the creation and development of the Naval Aviation Force. Capacity is limited to 20 visitors inside the building. If there are more than 20 visitors, people will have to wait at the entrance. — San Salvadour Hospital 4312 Route de l’Almanarre Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Built between 1872 and 1880, first for Auguste Parent and then for Edmond Magnier, the château is the work of architect Ernest Paugoy. The property was sold in 1902 to Jeanne Forestie, Sister Candide, with the intention of turning it into a health facility and a spa, which led to the construction of a hotel by architect Paul Page in 1905. In the 1920s, the Paris Public Hospital System became the owner. The château and its grounds are open to the public on special occasions. Parking is available at the stadium, subject to availability. For the well-being of patients and out of respect for the healthcare staff, we ask visitors to comply with access restrictions and to exercise the utmost discretion. — Salin des Pesquiers 1746 Route de Giens Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20 The Tympanum and the nature trail from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Exhibitions from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Accessible to people with limited mobility. A hat and binoculars are recommended. We recommend accessing the site via the discovery trail from the Arromanches roundabout (Port d’Hyères). More info: 04 94 01 36 33 _- Fort du Pradeau Giens Peninsula Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM The recently restored Fort du Pradeau now serves as the interpretation center for the Port-Cros National Park region. It features a permanent exhibition, “Making the Invisible Visible,” which reveals to visitors the riches of this exceptional region—a true Mediterranean melting pot where fauna, flora, geology, built heritage, traditional skills, and cultures converge. Paid parking available at La Tour Fondue; you can also take the bus (Réseau Mistral line 67). Please note: In observance of European Mobility Week, the Route du Sel will be closed to car traffic on Sunday, September 20. — Musée du Niel Port du Niel, Giens Peninsula Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located on the Giens Peninsula, the Musée du Niel is housed in a 1960s villa designed by Toulon-based architect Jacques Chapon and renovated by the firm Vialla Pouliquen Architectes. The boldness and modernity of the design are evident from the outside, with its geometric, three-story structure surrounded by projecting balconies that point toward the horizon. The Musée du Niel is dedicated to forms of artistic expression from the second half of the 20th century, particularly non-figurative art and abstraction in postwar France. Free admission during European Heritage Days. Reservations required: museeduniel.com Please note: In observance of European Mobility Week, the Route du Sel will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, September 20. Guided Tours In the City Center — Excavations at the Château d’Hyères Saturday, September 19 at 10 a.m. During this tour, David Ollivier, director of the excavation, will discuss the ongoing archaeological research. Castle Esplanade Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours Ages 8 and up (must be accompanied by an adult). Reservations required: Park Hotel Ticket Office or at hyeres.fr/billetterie Closed-toe shoes or sneakers required. — Builders in the Middle Ages Saturday, September 19 at 10 a.m. The Templars’ Tower, Saint-Paul Collegiate Church, and the ramparts are the visible remnants of the city’s medieval architecture. Their history and construction secrets will be revealed to you during this tour. Templars’ Tower Duration: 2 hours Reservations required: Park Hotel Ticket Office or at hyeres.fr/billetterie Closed-toe shoes or sneakers required. — The Olbius Riquier Garden Sensory tour, in French Sign Language Saturday, September 19 at 11:00 a.m. The tour guide will take you through one of the city’s oldest gardens, where the plant species bear witness to the city’s long-standing commitment to plant acclimatization, which dates back to the 19th century. Discover the history of this place, its botanical species, and its collections—particularly its varieties of palm trees. Avenue Ambroise Thomas Tour in French Sign Language (LSF) reserved for the deaf and hard-of-hearing public. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Reservations required: Park Hotel Ticket Office or at hyeres.fr/billetterie Contact via text message in case of difficulty: 06 98 93 85 40 — The Secrets of the Château d’Hyères Sunday, September 20 at 10 a.m. Built in the 11th century by the lords of Fos, the castle became one of Provence’s most important strongholds in the 13th century under the rule of Count Charles of Anjou. Today, only ruins remain following its demolition around 1620. Accompanied by an archaeologist-guide, visitors will uncover the secrets of Hyères Castle. Castle Esplanade Duration: 2 hours Reservations required: Park Hotel Ticket Office or at hyeres.fr/billetterie Closed-toe shoes or sneakers required — The Anglican Church Sunday, September 20, at 10 a.m. During this family-friendly tour, young and old alike will discover the church’s history and architecture. Observation games, drawing activities, and interactive elements will make this a fun-filled tour. 29 Andrée David-Beauregard Avenue Duration: 1 hour Ages 5 and up Reservations required: Park Hotel Ticket Office or at hyeres.fr/billetterie — Anatole France School Sunday, September 20 at 11:30 a.m. Discover the history of the Anatole France School. A symbol of the Third Republic and the so-called “Jules Ferry” schools, this building has been listed as a historic monument since 2011. Rue Michelet Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Reservations required: Park Hotel Ticket Office or at hyeres.fr/billetterie — Saint-Paul Collegiate Church Saturday, September 20 at 2:30 p.m. Now part of the upper town, Saint-Paul Collegiate Church bears traces of the architectural styles that have succeeded one another since its creation. Come hear the story of this iconic monument, which houses one of the most important collections of ex-votos in Provence. Place Saint-Paul Duration: 2 hours Reservations required: Park Hotel Ticket Office or at hyeres.fr/billetterie — In the Footsteps of Writers in Hyères Friday, September 18 at 9:00 a.m. Follow your guide on a journey to discover the writers who stayed in Hyères. Through readings of excerpts, the city comes to life through the writings of these authors, who were inspired by the narrow streets, monuments, and residents of Hyères. Tourist Office Duration: 2 hours Reservations: 04 94 01 84 50 or at provencemed.com Tour offered as part of the Port-Cros Literary Festival by the association Les Amis de Port-Cros. — Tour of Saint-Louis Church Saturday, September 19 at 11 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sunday, September 20 at 4:00 p.m. Place de la République — The organ at Saint-Louis Church Sunday, September 20 at 5:00 p.m. A tour of the 1878 François Mader symphonic organ, designated a historic monument: • Technical presentation of the organ via a video projected in the church choir • Demonstration of the instrument’s major “stop” families using excerpts from works by composers • Tour of the organ’s mechanism in the gallery Place de la République On the coast — Serenade to the Birds Friday, September 18 at 6:45 p.m. Nature walk at sunset. Pesquiers Salt Marsh Meet in front of the store Duration: 1 hour Reservations required: 04 94 01 36 33 Guided tour as part of the “Enchantements” exhibition with Marie Schneider (flutes) and Catherine Parayre (narration). — History of Salt Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Pesquiers Saltworks Guided tour by the Provence Méditerranée Tourist Office Reservations required: 04 94 01 36 33 — A Greek Fortress Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. A guide will accompany you on an archaeological and historical tour of the ruins and help you explore the landscapes of this exceptional site. Olbia Archaeological Site Duration: approximately 1 hour No reservation required; subject to availability — The Greek Sanctuary of Aristeus Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m. The Olbia team invites you to explore the site of the Greek sanctuary of Aristeus, located at La Badine on the Giens Peninsula. This site, now hidden from view, is unique in the Mediterranean and reveals a rich and surprising history on Boulevard d’Alsace-Lorraine in La Badine. Duration: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes Ages 6 and up (adult accompaniment required) Reservations required: hyeres.fr/billetterie Please note: In observance of European Mobility Week, the Route du Sel will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, September 20. Consider using sustainable transportation for your heritage tours! — Preventive Archaeology in Olbia Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m. As part of the exhibition “Stories of Hyères: What Archaeology Will Tell Us in 2025,” dedicated to the findings of the latest preventive excavations conducted at the Roman necropolis of Olbia by the Var Department and INRAP, you’ll discover how preventive archaeology helps preserve buried heritage threatened by urban development. Olbia Archaeological Site Duration: approximately 1 hour Ages 12 and up (an adult must accompany participants) Reservations required: hyeres.fr/billetterie — The Roman Baths and the Submerged Remains of Olbia’s Harbor Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (continuous hours) Thanks to an outdoor digital experience featuring virtual reality headsets, you’ll learn more about construction methods and the secrets of ancient architecture. Olbia Archaeological Site Meet at the site’s visitor center Duration: 20 min, virtual tours Ages 12 and up (must be accompanied by an adult) No reservation required; subject to availability (maximum of 8 people at a time) — San Salvadour Castle Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, at 4:30 p.m. Discover the history and architecture of this exceptional vacation villa, built starting in 1872 for Auguste Parent before becoming, in 1879, the property of Edmond Magnier, journalist and mayor of Hyères. San Salvadour Hospital 4312 Route de l’Almanarre Duration: 1 hour Reservations required: Park Hotel Ticket Office or at hyeres.fr/billetterie Only ticket holders will be admitted. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. The hospital is open for self-guided tours on September 19 and 20 (see the “Exhibitions” section). — Notre-Dame de Consolation Church Saturday, September 19 at 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Boulevard Félix Descroix Meet at the church square Tours organized by the Sanctuary. Workshops, Activities, & Meetups In downtown — Cyanotype with the palm tree Saturday, September 19 at 2:30 p.m. Virgil Prudhomme will introduce you to one of the oldest photographic techniques, cyanotype, using Hyères’ emblem—the palm tree—as the subject. Anglican Church Duration: 3 hours Reservations required: Park Hotel Ticket Office or at hyeres.fr/billetterie — Tribute to Frédéric Mistral Saturday, September 19 at 5:00 p.m. Readings and songs in honor of the founder of the Félibrige, featuring Rèino Oberti, president of the Escolo dis Isclo d’Or and Mestresso d’obro of the Félibrige, and the Arbanenco. Place Massillon — Shared Memories: Let’s Catalog Our Photos! September 19–October 31 Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. A photo without a caption is a memory that fades. Come help us identify faces, name places, and date our precious photos. Together, let’s give our archives a name and a story again! Ground floor of the Park Hotel Free admission — Calder Mobile Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Les Amis du Parcours des Arts invites the public to a creative and fun workshop with Sylvie Bern exploring the world of Calder. Everyone will have the chance to create a mobile inspired by his shapes, colors, and artistic language. The completed mobiles will be displayed in the temporary exhibition “Copy / Create” on the square. Place de la République On the Coast — Snorkeling Tour on Olbia’s Underwater Archaeological Trail Saturday, September 19, at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. The Olbia underwater trail invites you to admire, at a depth of less than 5 meters, submerged archaeological remains off the coast of Olbia. Equipped with fins, a mask, and a snorkel, this tour lets you wander over the remains of a Roman pier and other port structures, with massive cut stones marking the way throughout the tour. A little further on, the wreck of a tartane that sank in the 1860s is also visible. Almanarre Water Sports Center Duration: 40 min For families (children ages 8 and up accompanied by an adult). Reservations required: hyeres.fr/billetterie Snorkeling tour led by the Sports Department—equipment provided (weather permitting). — Bouclier Bleu France “Sinistres” Game Saturday, September 19 at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. As part of European Heritage Days, visitors to the Olbia site will discover several strategies for preventing and managing disasters in heritage settings, designed for professionals and developed in partnership with the “Bouclier Bleu France” association (the equivalent of the Red Cross for heritage sites). Olbia Archaeological Site Meet at the site’s reception desk Duration: 1 hour Ages 12 and up (must be accompanied by an adult). Reservations required: hyeres.fr/billetterie — Workshops / Games Build, tear down, rebuild… Sunday, September 20, 2:30 p.m. Take an active role in heritage conservation and discover the challenges of managing France’s archaeological heritage. Through activities related to conservation and preservation efforts, children and their parents will learn about heritage restoration. Olbia Archaeological Site Duration: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes Ages 8 and up (adult supervision required). Reservations required: hyeres.fr/billetterie — Exquisite Walk Sunday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m. This exquisite walk, orchestrated by choreographer Isabelle Magnin, traverses the Giens Peninsula from the Estagnets Marsh to the Port du Niel. This sensory walk will draw our attention to the fragility of our natural and intangible heritage and will conclude with Benjamin Melia’s solo concert, “L’esprit du lieu.” Estagnets Parking Lot Route du Sel (south side) Duration: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes Ages 15 and up. Reservations required: Park Hotel Ticket Office or at hyeres.fr/billetterie This hike includes sections with significant elevation changes and requires good walking ability. Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing, and bring a small backpack, water, a snack, and sunscreen. Please note: In observance of European Mobility Week, the Salt Road will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, September 20. Consider using sustainable transportation for your heritage tours! — A story exploring flutes and their connection to nature Sunday, September 20 at 3:00 p.m. Musical activity for children with Marie Schneider as part of the “Enchantements” exhibition. Salin des Pesquiers Salin des Pesquiers Store Duration: 1 hour Reservations required: 04 94 01 36 33 Find more information about self-guided tours, guided tours, and workshops at: https://hyeres.fr/agenda/divers/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine/