Casino Des Palmiers

Casino des Palmiers: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Hyères Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the picturesque town of Hyères, France, the Casino des Palmiers stands as an emblem of both historic grandeur and contemporary entertainment. Since its inauguration during the Belle Époque in 1902, the casino has played a central role in Hyères’ transformation into a sophisticated Mediterranean resort, attracting visitors with its lush palm groves, elegant architecture, and vibrant cultural programming (marvellous-provence.com).

This in-depth guide provides everything you need to plan your visit: from casino opening hours and ticketing details to architectural highlights, event programming, accessibility, accommodation, and practical travel tips for exploring Hyères’ nearby historical sites.

History and Early Development
Architectural Significance
Visiting Hours and Ticketing
Entertainment and Cultural Programming
Dining and Bars
Accessibility and Visitor Services
Accommodation: Hôtel des Palmiers
Event and Conference Spaces
Responsible Gaming and Safety
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Virtual Experience
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

History and Early Development

The roots of the Casino des Palmiers date back to the 19th-century boom in spa towns and leisure resorts along the French Riviera. Hyères, with its mild climate and iconic palm trees, quickly became a winter haven for European aristocrats and artists (marvellous-provence.com). The casino was inaugurated in 1902 as both a gaming venue and a social hub, reflecting the town’s rise in prominence.

The Belle Époque saw the construction of grand hotels, promenades, and entertainment spaces tailored to elite tastes. The casino, in particular, embodied this opulence and has been a focal point in Hyères’ urban and cultural fabric ever since (marvellous-provence.com).

Architectural Significance

A classified Monument de France, the Casino des Palmiers is celebrated for its ornate Belle Époque façade, tropical-inspired décor, and lavish interiors. Its design pays homage to the palm groves that define Hyères—at their historical peak, the town boasted over a million palm trees (marvellous-provence.com).

Located at 3 avenue Ambroise Thomas, the casino is surrounded by 19th-century hotels and villas, anchoring its central role in Hyères’ architectural heritage (hotelcasinohyeres.fr). Recent renovations, completed in 2022, have preserved its historic elegance while integrating modern amenities (jeuxcasino.com).

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Casino Opening Hours

Gaming Floor: Daily, 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM (casino-terrestre.com)
Concerts & Events: Event-specific, typically evenings from 7:00 PM (agendaculturel.fr)
Art Exhibitions: Generally open during daytime hours aligned with major events

Admission and Ticketing

General Admission: Free for adults (18+ with valid ID)
Dress Code: Elegant attire required; no casual beachwear, hats, or sunglasses
Event Tickets: Purchase online via the official website or at the venue; prices range by event (e.g., €26.25–€63 for concerts, €34–€47 for theatre) (83.agendaculturel.fr)
Special Events: Some performances offer dinner-show packages or gaming credits

Entertainment and Cultural Programming

The Casino des Palmiers offers a diverse array of entertainment throughout the year:

Gaming

161 modern slot machines (from €0.01 per bet)
Traditional table games and regular poker tournaments

Live Performances

Concerts: Ranging from classical and jazz to pop and themed performances. Example: Musique de la Marine nationale, February 22, 2025 (mer.gouv.fr)
Theatre: Drama, comedy, and contemporary works with a 617-seat auditorium (concert.info)
Festivals: Key participant in city festivals, including Fête de la Musique, and seasonal galas

Art Exhibitions

The Forum du Casino – Galerie des Arts hosts rotating exhibitions, often in conjunction with citywide cultural events

Dining and Bars

The casino features several options for dining and refreshments:

Vic for Victoria Restaurant: Mediterranean cuisine with local, seasonal ingredients, led by chef Jérôme Forschelet (hotelcasinohyeres.fr)
Le Palm’Hyères Restaurant: Additional Mediterranean specialties
Bars: Offer a variety of cocktails, wines, and light fare, with live music and themed evenings

Reservations are recommended during event nights and weekends.

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Accessibility: Full wheelchair access, barrier-free entrances, accessible restrooms, and priority assistance (casino-terrestre.com)
Parking: Two free public parking areas nearby—Indigo Forum du Casino and Indigo Joffre
Transport: Central location, accessible by car, taxi, local bus, and walking distance from major Hyères sites

Accommodation: Hôtel des Palmiers

Adjoining the casino, the boutique Hôtel des Palmiers offers:

16 fully renovated, air-conditioned rooms with private terraces
Free high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs (Canal+ & satellite), soundproofing, and private bathrooms
Elevator access and full suitability for guests with reduced mobility
Family-friendly environment (no pets allowed)
24-hour reception, concierge service, luggage storage, and daily housekeeping

Check-in from 3:00 PM, check-out by 11:00 AM. Early/late options on request (hotelcasinohyeres.fr).

Event and Conference Spaces

Auditorium: 700 m², up to 609 guests, equipped for conferences, seminars, and performances (no natural light)
Salon Victoria: 250 m², up to 300 guests, natural light, suitable for banquets, cocktails, and meetings
Event Support: On-site planning team, full AV technology, business amenities, and flexible seating configurations

Responsible Gaming and Safety

The casino promotes safe and responsible gaming:

Staff trained in responsible gaming practices
Clear signage and availability of information for guests seeking support
Participation in national awareness campaigns (findglocal.com)

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Hyères offers a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks within walking distance:

Villa Noailles: Center for contemporary art and design
Medieval Old Town: Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and markets
Archaeological Site of Olbia: Ancient Greek and Roman ruins
Musée d’Hyères & La Banque: Explore local history and landscape art
Parc Saint-Bernard & Olbius Riquier Gardens: Ideal for photography and relaxation

Best times to visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds. Combine your casino experience with guided tours or local festivals for a richer itinerary (france-voyage.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Casino des Palmiers visiting hours?
A: Gaming floor is open daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM. Event times vary; check the official schedule.

Q: How can I buy tickets for events?
A: Purchase through the official website, at the venue, or local cultural platforms (83.agendaculturel.fr).

Q: Is the casino accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, full accessibility is provided throughout the venue.

Q: Are there age or dress code restrictions?
A: Gaming areas are for adults (18+ with ID). Smart-casual dress is required; formal attire for special events.

Q: Is there parking or public transport access?
A: Yes, two free public parking lots nearby and convenient public transportation.

Q: Are children allowed in the casino?
A: Minors are not permitted in gaming areas.

Visuals and Virtual Experience

Enhance your planning with:

Photo Galleries and Virtual Tours: Available on the official website, showcasing Belle Époque architecture, interiors, and event spaces
Interactive Maps: Position the casino in relation to other Hyères attractions
Optimized Alt Tags: Use descriptive keywords for better accessibility, e.g., “Casino des Palmiers façade Hyères”

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Casino des Palmiers is more than a gaming venue—it’s a vibrant cultural, historical, and social landmark in the heart of Hyères. With its blend of Belle Époque elegance, modern amenities, diverse entertainment, and proximity to key historical sites, it promises an engaging and memorable visit for all.

To make the most of your trip, check for up-to-date visiting hours, book tickets in advance for popular events, and explore the surrounding heritage-rich district. Download the Audiala app for personalized guides, exclusive offers, and event alerts, and follow the casino on social media for the latest news.

Experience Hyères’ unique charm through the storied halls of the Casino des Palmiers—where history, culture, and leisure converge.