Not far from Toulon (more precisely 16 km east of this city), along the Mediterranean, stands the town of Hyères. This seaside resort is the meeting point of many tourists every year. Hyères also stands out for its floriculture and wine-growing activities.
Hyères or Hyères les Palmiers
The city of Hyères has something surprising about it. It was named Hyères les Palmiers because of the 7,000 palm trees in the commune. Since 1830, it has become a destination of choice in summer and winter. During the beautiful days, the marina and the beaches of Hyères are filled with tourists. In winter, the latter are attracted by the town's renowned thermal cures.
During your stay in Hyères, which stands out for its natural heritage, you will discover many exceptional sites. You will appreciate among others the Olbius Riquier park with its collection of palm trees and Mediterranean plants. And why not explore the Golden Islands located not far from the city?
Don't forget to visit the Saint-Blaise chapel, a former commandery of the Templars. You can also visit the archaeological site of Olbia-Pomponiana, which is just waiting for you. There you can admire a Greco-Roman city classified as a historical monument.
Hyères, a commune of the Côtes-de-Provence appellation
The town of Hyères, located in the department of Var, is one of the wine-growing communes of the Côtes-de-Provence AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée). Here, producers use specific main and secondary grape varieties to obtain red, white and rosé wines that are characteristic of the region.
To obtain red and rosé wines, the farmers use two grape varieties among the cinsault, grenache noir, mourvèdre, tibouren noir and syrah. The latter can be combined with Carignan Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon to obtain more complex wines.
In the AOC Côtes-de-Provence, the whites are made from ugni blanc, clairette and vermentino. Sometimes, winegrowers associate it with Semillon.
During your visits to wine cellars around Hyères, you will learn to recognise the specificities of the appellation's wines.
For example, red wines have a purple colour with purple reflections and have a nice smell of red fruits and spices. Rosés, on the other hand, have different shades, ranging from pink to orange or salmon. On the nose, they develop floral and vegetal scents. Finally, the white wines have a pale yellow colour with green reflections. Aromas of broom, acacia and citrus fruits will pleasantly tickle your nostrils.
The good addresses for a visit of wine cellars near Hyères
Would you like to discover the wines produced in the area around Hyères? Go to Château Pas du Cerf in La Londe Les Maures. This family estate practising sustainable agriculture will charm you. On site, you will be able to walk in the vineyards or in the surrounding forests. You will also be able to taste wines produced near Hyères.
On your way to La Mole, stop at the Domaine de la Pertuade. Located between Hyères and Saint-Tropez, this estate seduces amateurs and professionals alike with its generous, powerful, elegant and fine drinks. You will note all these specificities during the wine tasting produced near Hyères.
Some of these winemakers wines are available Buy wine online