SDP on tour ... terrace in Hyères

SDP on tour ... La Tour Fondue

Just south of Hyères, from where the boat for Porquerolles leaves, is La Tour Fondue - the melted tower. The fort is a vestige of a defensive tower built in the 17th century.  Reminded me of the fortress on Bare Island in Sydney (built in response to the Crimean War and fear of Russina invasion)

SDP on tour ... the beach at Porquerolles

After the bus, boat and walk, we arrived at the Plage d'Argent (Silver Beach). Despite the rather overcast and hazy day, it was warm and the beach nice and sandy, the water warm and clean.

SDP on tour ... afternoon trip to Porquerolles

The Île de Porquerolles is one of three islands just off Hyères. It has about 200 inhabitants, and is mostly preserved as a nature conservation area. We decided to spend an afternnon at the beach on the island, so to ge tthere we:

1. Caught a bus to Tour Fondue

2. And a boat to the island

3. But not a helicopter, which was undertaking search and rescue training abouve our boat

4. And then we walked about half an hour

5. But could have hired bikes

Tomorrow ... our destination

SDP on tour ... Van Gogh sky in Hyères and Menton

Not the best quality picture, above, but oh so very reminiscent of the Van Gogh painting of a cafe terrace at Arles.

The painting was made in September 1888, the photographs in July 2011.  The one above was taken at about 9:50 pm.

Three nights later, my friend Jilly took this photo of me in Menton at about the same time; there's that beautiful Mediterranean summer evening sky again.

SDP on tour ... enjoying the beach at Hyères

The sandy beach at Bona, a short local bus ride from the centre of Hyères. There's a bar / restaurant at the beach, but here the snacks come to you!

A lovely spot to spend a sunny summer afternoon. For Sydney-siders, it reminded me very much of the beach at Ramsgate on Botany Bay. Except the water was warmer.

SDP on tour ... a secret garden in Hyères

I just love that this garden is below street level...it's a tranquil hideaway and a shady spot to sit out of the glare and heat of the summer Provencal sun.

SDP on tour ....transport in Hyères

Darelle peddles off to French language school, leaving me to enjoy the delights of the garden and a trip to the beach.

SDP on tour ... Hyères: Castel Sainte-Claire

This villa, Castel Sainte-Claire, was owned by American novelist Edith Wharton, who spent winter and spring here from 1927 until she died in 1937.  She finished her novel, The Age of Innocence here.

The villa previously belonged to Olivier Voutier, a French naval officer. He discovered the Venus de Milo in 1820, on the greek island of Milos.


Voutier's grave is in the garden. In 1955 the city of  Hyères bought the villa. The grounds are now a public botanic garden.

SDP on tour....Parking in Hyères

Next time, could you move up and park a little closer please?
This photo could be taken almost anywhere in southern Europe.

SDP on tour...Medieval Hyères

In the medieval town of Old Hyères. Just a picture I rather like. We were sitting at a restaurant in the place below, and a band was singing medieval songs.

SDP on tour...Au Bon Coing, Hyères

Old sign - Au Bon Coing; new sign - Le Bon Coing.  At the Good Quince. The Good Quince.
Au Bon Marché : At the good market or good deal; Le Bon Marché : The Good Market. A department store in Paris.

Why the change I wonder? Is it an older use of langauge? Can any French speakers explain?

SDP on tour...Medieval Festival in Hyères: the observer

I decided in my head that the young lad above, who was watching the story in dance was thinking "Hey that looks like fun, and that kid seems to be enjoying himself....but I wonder what the kids at school would think...."

SDP on tour...Medieval Festival in Hyères: the dancers

There's often a fête (festival) going on wherever you are in France, especially in summer. On July 10 this year I was in Hyères in Provence, while the medieval festival was in full swing. A medieval market, dancing and pageants were featured.

Located just east of Toulon in Provence,  Hyères is the oldest resort on the French Riviera.