The town of Hyeres (53.000 inhabitants) is located near the Gapeau and includes the Giens peninsula and the Hyeres islands : Porquerolles, Port-Cros and ile du levant, as well as many smaller islands. They are also named « îles d’Or » (Golden Islands) since the Renaissance because of the reflection of the micaschisterock under the light. Hyeres goes along the sea for 40 km and has lots of different areas : Capte,Giens, Almanarre, Ayguade, Salins-d'Hyères and Borrels. It is here that in 1887, Stephen Liegeard invented the word Cote d’Azur. It is also the oldest health resort of the French Riviera, thanks to its sheltered site and its famous Casino. Its old areas are on the south of the Casteou hill (204 m) and tower above the modern city. Its fame as a seaside health resort dates back to the XVIII century. It is nicknamed Hyeres-les-Palmiers because of its 7000 palm trees that have been planted year after year. Its medieval castle from the XII – XIII centuries is classified historical monument as well as the Templars Tower, vestiges of the Commander’s residence created in the XII century, as well as the Church Saint-Louis remarkable roman edifice on the Provence mediterranean
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