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The commune of Hyères in France is all things art, culture, and literature
Places are like people sometimes. Often welcoming, sometimes bubbly, and almost always resilient. And if Hyères (pronounced ee-air) in France was a person, we’d be BFFs with them ten times over by breakfast. Hyères is a commune in southeastern France and is known for art, music, and being a haven for writers.
Hyères, which is often referred to as the ‘City of Art and History’ has remnants of prehistoric civilizations as well as Greek and Roman settlements. In fact, it was a well-known winter destination even during the Renaissance.
But nothing compares to the writers who escaped and found solace here. Victor Hugo, Leo Tolstoy, and Scott Fitzgerald (who edited the manuscript of The Great Gatsby here) are among the many who have walked in this place, which has been as much a muse as a testament to the years it has stood the test of time. In fact, it is said that Hyères was the only place where RL Stevenson was ever happy. The city is also home to the annual Hyères International Fashion and Photography Festival as well as the annual MIDI French Riviera music festival.
Sometimes, places become emblematic of the people who visit them. But if we look closely, maybe people become emblematic of the places they go to as well. And if for nothing, then just for that, maybe we need to go to Hyères.