Olbia was strategically founded as a defensive outpost to protect maritime trade routes against local tribes.
The site features a unique 'orthogonally planned' urban layout with intersecting streets reflecting Greek town-planning principles.
Remains of a medieval castle, known as the 'Château de Saint-Pierre de l'Almanarre', are integrated into the ancient ruins.
Archaeologists discovered a distinct lack of heavy Romanization, as the town largely maintained its Greek character for centuries.
The town was continuously inhabited for nearly 1,500 years, from the 4th century BC to the 14th century AD.
The Archaeological Site of Olbia is a rare example of a Greek colonial town preserved in its original layout, located directly on the Mediterranean coastline in Hyères. Founded by Massaliots in the 4th century BC, the site remains one of the best-preserved Hellenistic-Roman settlements in France. Excavations reveal a fortified urban plan, including residential blocks, defensive walls, and thermal baths used until the 14th century. The site sits on the tombolo of the Giens Peninsula, which has protected these ruins from modern urban encroachment. Visitors can traverse the ancient streets to view remains of workshops, wells, and cisterns that illustrate the daily life of ancient settlers. Archaeological layers here span from the Greek era through the Roman occupation and into the medieval period. The site is managed by the city of Hyères and functions as an open-air museum.
The elevated vantage point within the site offering a view of the ruins against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the uneven stone pathways and historic ruins.
Bring sun protection as the site is fully exposed to the elements with very little natural shade.
Combine your visit with a walk along the Almanarre beach located immediately adjacent to the site.
Attempting to visit during heavy rain, as the site terrain becomes slippery and difficult to access.
Closed on Mondays and certain public holidays; check for seasonal variations in access during the winter months.
Do not climb on the ancient walls or move stones; respect the fragility of the archaeological remains.
