The medieval castle, perched on its hilltop, is an emblematic part of Hyères' heritage, classified as a historic monument since 1862. Well-known to its inhabitants, it is also the first image of the town that visitors discover. In 2014, LA3M initiated an archaeological research program on the castle, led by David Ollivier, in partnership with the City of Hyères keen to showcase the site.
Since 2014, the various excavation campaigns have been carried out by a team of professional and volunteer archaeologists, thanks to the logistical and financial support of the town of Hyères and the ARKAIA Institute, with the backing of the French government. The first four campaigns were limited to exploring the summit of the site in order to clarify the origins of the castle, which represents around 500 m2 of highly irregular surface area: the primitive entrance gate and its defence system were thus uncovered, as well as the main tower probably built around 1200 and various other features and constructions that made up the first castle, as well as its evolution up to the end of the 16th century. The 2016 campaign also brought to light for the first time an occupation dating from the 5th to the 17th century, confirmed in 2017, and enabled the first phases of the castrum 's construction to be dated between the end of the 9th century and the second half of the 10th century.
Scientific manager
- David Ollivier (CNRS - LA3M)
Institute laboratories involved
- Medieval and Modern Mediterranean Archaeology Laboratory (LA3M)
- Laboratory of bio-cultural anthropology, law, ethics and health (ADES)
Partner institutions and teams
- Var Archaeological Center
- Town of Hyères
- French Ministry of Culture (SRA - PACA)