“Built in 1885, this authentic villa in Hyères was originally intended to host the British aristocracy—including the Queen of England—during the period when large numbers of British visitors flocked to the Riviera.”
Just minutes from Plage de l’Almanarre, Villa Almanarre unfolds across 600 square metres at the heart of a 3,000-square-metre garden planted with Mediterranean species. Built in 1885, this traditional Hyères residence overlooks the town in an atmosphere of serene brightness, where palm trees, azure skies, and Mediterranean scents create an idyllic setting.
The villa’s name is believed to derive from the Arabic al-Manara, meaning “the lighthouse” — a fitting etymology for a property that overlooks the sea and serves as a landmark for travellers.
Designed to host extended families and groups of friends, the house features seven bedrooms and a dormitory, accommodating up to fourteen adults and three children, along with numerous living spaces that open onto the outdoors. A swimming pool, terrace, vegetable garden, pétanque court, and easy access to the beach embody a relaxed, sun-filled Mediterranean lifestyle.
Inside, a fireplace, library, hammam, yoga studio, and games room extend the feeling of a warm and welcoming retreat. The current owners, the Lafourcade-Macherey Family—also behind the beautiful Mas Le Gaudre in the Alpilles—have lovingly restored the property with deep respect for its heritage.
“We wanted to restore its original soul while infusing it with a joyful energy,” they explain.
It is an ambition that becomes evident from the very first steps inside the house.
At the end of the nineteenth century, Hyères became a favourite destination for the British aristocracy, drawn by its mild climate and coastal scenery. Villa Almanarre was among the prestigious residences that welcomed these distinguished visitors, including the Queen of England herself. Later, the property belonged to a couple whose wife was a professional dancer, adding an artistic dimension to its rich heritage.
When Céline Lafourcade and Alexandre Lafourcade undertook its renovation, the project went far beyond a simple restoration. Their aim was to revive the spirit and memory of the house while adapting it to a contemporary lifestyle centred on gathering and shared experiences.
“This house naturally lends itself to bringing people together, celebrating, and enjoying one another’s company. Its light and energy do the rest,” they explain.
The result preserves the elegance of a historic holiday villa while offering the understated comfort of a thoughtfully designed retreat, complete with hotel-style services, personalised hospitality, and attentive concierge support.
Staying at Villa Almanarre also means discovering a region of remarkable richness. Just a ten-minute walk away, Plage de l’Almanarre draws water sports enthusiasts, while the Presqu’île de Giens reveals its wild and unspoiled landscapes.
Further afield, the old town of Hyères captivates visitors with its flower-filled streets, colourful façades, and historic landmarks such as the Tour des Templiers and Église Saint-Louis. The Marché des Îles d’Or offers an abundance of local treasures, from honey and olives to sun-ripened fruit, while Villa Noailles celebrates contemporary creation, design, and photography within an iconic modernist setting.
Just moments from the villa, local restaurants and gourmet addresses complete the Mediterranean experience. A thoughtfully curated guidebook directs guests to the neighbourhood’s favourite spots, extending the warm hospitality of the house beyond its walls.
In this light-filled retreat, time seems to slow naturally. Days drift by around the pool, evenings linger beneath clear Riviera skies, and guests leave with the rare feeling of having experienced a truly timeless escape on the French Riviera.
