Almanarre
A unique seaside spot & a renowned destination in the Var region
ALMANARRE
Located along the Route du Sel, Almanarre beach is a must-see during your stay in Hyères. Stretching 5 kilometers, this white sandy beach—classified as a Natura 2000 protected area—has been attracting tourists, windsurfers, and other watersports enthusiasts for years.
EASY TO ACCESS
The shallow waters make swimming safe and easy for families with children near the shoreline. Depending on the weather conditions, the sea can become more dynamic, delighting windsurfers and all water sports enthusiasts. Almanarre beach has long been known for its excellent conditions, perfectly suited for sailing and wind-based sports. Swept by both the Mistral (from the West) and the Levant (from the East) for much of the year, the beach offers a wide range of ideal sailing conditions.
It’s worth noting that the Route du Sel is closed to vehicles during the winter months, allowing visitors to fully enjoy a peaceful seaside walk along the salt marshes.
En fonction des conditions météorologiques, le plan d’eau peut devenir agité et faire le bonheur des planchistes windsurfers et tout pratiquant de sport nautique. La plage de l’Almanarre a toujours été réputée pour la qualité de ses conditions, parfaitement adaptée à la pratique des sports de voile et de vent. Balayée par le Mistral (Ouest) et le Levant (Est) une bonne partie de l’année, la plage offre de véritables conditions de navigation diverses et variées.
Il faut savoir que la route du sel ferme l’accès aux véhicules pendant l’hiver, permettant de profiter pleinement de la balade en bord de mer et en bordure des salins.
The largest beach in Hyères
Almanarre Beach is the largest sandy beach in the city of Hyères. A true highlight of the seaside resort, the beach is located near the former salt marshes, where you might even spot a few flamingos along the way. At the end of the Route du Sel lies the Giens Peninsula.
That’s why our Spin Out sailing school is perfectly located—you’ll be right on site if you want to practice windsurfing, wingfoiling, or stand-up paddleboarding at this legendary spot. Whether you’re here to enjoy our rental services or take part in our sailing courses, we’ve got you covered.
Profile of the beach of Hyères
The beach of Almanarre is a long sandy beach, perfectly equipped to welcome families or lovers of snow sports. The beach is easily accessible by car, and has several free car parks facilitating the parking of holidaymakers in high season. You will find restaurants located on the coast, and enjoy sunny terraces with friends or family. Bathers will have showers and toilets available, as well as mattress rentals for lazy days. The beach is supervised during the summer season, children will enjoy a safe swim. You will find precisely two supervised bathing areas in high season: the first is located after the Almanarre roundabout near the car park, the second is located in the center of the beach.
WINDSURFING: SPOT TYPOLOGY
The Almanarre spot is located on the Giens Peninsula, about twenty kilometers from Toulon, at the southern tip of the Var region in France. Stretching over five kilometers and made up of sand and small pebbles, the beach offers ideal conditions for windsurfing, wingfoiling, and other water sports (kitesurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, etc.).
Almanarre beach is one of the most renowned windsurfing spots in the South of France. The site is perfectly oriented and enjoys near-perfect conditions year-round for windsurfing, wingfoiling, and other watersports enthusiasts.
When the wind blows from the west—known as the Mistral—the spot becomes especially popular with windsurfers, wingfoilers, and kitesurfers who gather in the bay to set sail. A true spectacle for onlookers!
Weather Conditions in Hyères
When it comes to conditions, it’s important to know that wind speed greatly affects the water surface and the safety of windsurfers.
With a west (on-shore) wind of less than 20 knots, the water remains relatively calm and accessible to everyone. Beyond 20 knots, the sea gets rougher, and swells can become more interesting for advanced riders.
Conversely, with an east (off-shore) wind—when the wind comes from the land—the spot stays almost flat with little to no swell.
The most favorable wind directions are: southwest, west, and northwest. On average, over a hundred days per year are rideable with these wind patterns.
Whether you’re into freestyle, freeride, or just cruising, all styles are welcome at Almanarre. You can even catch some air further offshore, where larger swells sometimes form. Various shallow areas between Almanarre and La Madrague can also produce nice waves.
In strong wind conditions, it’s best to head to the southern end of the spot, which is more sheltered from the shore-break.
For many years, this legendary location has hosted world-class windsurfing events.
By clicking on the link opposite, you will find the cameras of the windsurfing spot of Almanarre, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The images will inform you of the weather conditions live, in order to better prepare your windsurfing session in Hyères. This will give you a good overview of the orientation of the wind and the state of the water.
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