Old library interior in 1919 with wooden shelves and tables

Le Plantier De Costebelle

Le Plantier De Costebelle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide to Hyères’ Historical Gem

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Le Plantier de Costebelle is one of Hyères’ most captivating historical estates, seamlessly blending 19th-century neo-Palladian architecture, a prestigious literary past, and a remarkable botanical garden. Nestled on the eastern slopes of Mont des Oiseaux, the estate offers sweeping views of the Bay of Hyères, the Giens Peninsula, and the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros. Designated as both a “Jardin Remarquable” and “Maison des Illustres,” Le Plantier de Costebelle stands as a symbol of the French Riviera’s storied cultural and natural heritage.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, or a traveler exploring Hyères’ historical sites, this estate promises a unique journey through refined architecture, lush gardens, and literary legacy (Esprit Parc National; Parcs et Jardins PACA; France-Voyage).

Vintage office scene in 1919 with a man working at a desk covered in papers

Portrait of Alphonse du Bouëxic comte de Guichen

Portrait of La Baronne de Prailly in Rome, Hortense Chevandier de Valdrome

Altarpiece showing the Holy Trinity upper panel, Visitation center lower panel, Saint Dominic lower left panel, and Saint Christopher lower right panel

Holy Trinity depiction in the upper panel of a four-panel altarpiece by Bartolo di Fredi, 1397

Berthe du Bouëxic, comtesse de Guichen portrait

Portrait of Berthe de Prailly by Berthe Chevandier de Valdrome

Anglican Chapel of Costebelle surrounded by greenery under a blue sky

Claire Guaïta holding Hortense, future baroness of Prailly, in her arms

Dejussieu area urban buildings and streets with a bridge over the river

Painting depicting the Flight into Egypt showing the Holy Family escaping to Egypt

Painting of a Vestal Virgin attributed to Girolamo di Benvenuto

Writer's desk from 1916 with antique typewriter, papers, and lamp

Portrait of Madame Kann née Marie Warchawsky

Queen Victoria arriving at the Plantier residence of her friends the Bouëxic de Guichen in Hyères, 1892

Painting of the Virgin and Child with two saints including Saint Dominic, 16th century

History and Cultural Significance
Architectural and Botanical Features
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guided Tours
Travel Tips and Accessibility
Visitor Experience and Etiquette
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Location and Access
Events and Group Visits
Contact and Further Information
Conclusion

History and Cultural Significance

Le Plantier de Costebelle was built in 1857 by Baroness Hortense Pauline Husson de Prailly, inspired by Hyères’ reputation as a healthful retreat. Architect Victor Trotobas designed the villa in a neo-Palladian style, emphasizing symmetry and classical elegance.

Over the decades, the estate became a magnet for the European elite. Queen Victoria’s five-week stay in 1892 elevated its prestige and drew attention to Hyères as a fashionable winter destination. In 1896, prominent French novelist Paul Bourget acquired the property, transforming it into a vibrant literary salon frequented by luminaries such as Edith Wharton, Joseph Conrad, André Gide, and Henry Bordeaux (Visorando; France-Voyage).

The estate’s cultural significance is further underscored by its designation as a “Maison des Illustres” and its protection as a historic monument, reflecting its enduring influence on the region’s heritage.

Architectural and Botanical Features

Neo-Palladian Villa and Chapel

Le Plantier de Costebelle’s villa is a quintessential example of neo-Palladian architecture, featuring:

Harmonious, symmetrical façades and a lantern tower that floods the interiors with light
A central cistern for Mediterranean water management
The neo-Gothic chapel, built concurrently with the villa, showcasing pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and romantic stonework

Restored outbuildings and bastidons reflect the estate’s historical self-sufficiency and rural charm.

Interior Highlights

Visitors encounter period furnishings, literary memorabilia linked to Paul Bourget and his illustrious guests, and curated collections of hunting trophies and African artifacts that illustrate the estate’s cosmopolitan past.

Botanical Park: A Living Museum

The gardens are a testament to the 19th-century acclimatization movement, where exotic plants were introduced to thrive in the Riviera’s unique climate. Key features include:

Rare and exotic species such as Jubaea chilensis (Chilean Wine Palm), Arbutus andrachne (Greek Strawberry Tree), Ravenea rivularis (Majesty Palm), and Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar)
An English-style landscape design with belvederes, ornamental stonework, winding paths, and remarkable palm collections
Conservation efforts for the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni), a protected Mediterranean species

The park’s “Jardin Remarquable” label highlights its botanical, aesthetic, and scientific value (Parcs et Jardins PACA).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guided Tours

Open Season:

Primarily from early April to late September (excluding August)
Additional openings during the European Heritage Days (Journées Européennes du Patrimoine) in September (fest.fr)

Tour Schedule:

Visits by appointment only, Tuesday to Saturday
Guided tours last 40–90 minutes depending on the event or arrangement

Tickets and Booking:

Standard admission: €10 per person (cash preferred)
Booking is mandatory and should be arranged well in advance by phone (+33 6 76 87 01 56) or email ([email protected])
Group rates and school visits available upon request

Tour Content:

Manor interiors, botanical trails, literary history, and access to the neo-Gothic chapel
Enamel plaques and expert guides provide rich historical and botanical context

Travel Tips and Accessibility

How to Get There:

Address: 714, avenue de la Font des Horts, 83400 Hyères-les-Palmiers, France
10 minutes by car from central Hyères; limited on-site parking
Local buses serve the area, but check schedules before your visit (parcsetjardins.fr)

Accessibility:

The estate’s historic paths and garden terrain are uneven and sloped
Wheelchair access is limited; visitors with reduced mobility should contact the estate in advance for details

Visitor Facilities:

Limited restrooms on site
Photography allowed in gardens; check with your guide regarding indoor rules
No pets except service animals

Recommended:

Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and water, especially in warmer months
Spring and early autumn offer the most pleasant visiting conditions

Nearby Attractions:

Combine your visit with Hyères’ medieval old town, Villa Noailles, Parc Olbius Riquier, Parc Sainte Claire, and Parc Saint Bernard for a rich cultural itinerary

Visitor Experience and Etiquette

Guided tours are primarily in French; request English-language tours in advance
Respect the tranquility of the site and follow all instructions from your guide
Do not touch interiors, art, or rare plants unless permitted
Adhere to posted signs regarding restricted access

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours of Le Plantier de Costebelle?
A: By appointment from April to September (excluding August), with special openings for European Heritage Days.

Q: How do I book tickets?
A: Book in advance by phone (+33 6 76 87 01 56) or email ([email protected]).

Q: Is the estate accessible for those with mobility challenges?
A: Accessibility is limited due to historic garden paths; please contact the estate for accommodations.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Tours are mainly in French; English guides may be arranged with prior notice.

Q: Can I take photos during my visit?
A: Yes, in the gardens; restrictions may apply indoors.

Events and Group Visits

European Heritage Days:
Special extended tours and access to normally restricted areas are offered in September. Early booking is essential due to high demand (fest.fr).

Group Visits:
Small groups are welcomed by appointment; larger groups must arrange in advance.

Contact and Further Information

Owners: Ghislaine and Renaud Lugagne
Phone: +33 6 76 87 01 56
Email: [email protected]
Address: 714, avenue de la Font des Horts, 83400 Hyères-les-Palmiers, France
Official site: parcsetjardins.fr

For additional details, images, and virtual tours, visit the official and affiliated websites. Download the Audiala app for audio guides and updates, and follow the estate on social media for news and events.

Conclusion

Le Plantier de Costebelle offers an immersive journey through the intertwined realms of history, culture, and nature in Hyères. Its neo-Palladian villa, preserved interiors, and exceptional botanical park stand as enduring testaments to the architectural and horticultural grandeur of the French Riviera’s golden age. Guided tours by appointment reveal the estate’s literary heritage, royal connections, and conservation efforts, including the protection of the Hermann’s tortoise.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, considering limited access and group sizes, and to explore other Hyères historical sites such as the medieval old town and Villa Noailles for a well-rounded regional experience. Stay informed about special events by downloading the Audiala app and following official channels, and embrace the opportunity to experience this jewel of the Côte d’Azur (Esprit Parc National; Parcs et Jardins PACA; France-Voyage).