Map › Hyères - Presqu'île de Giens › L'Almanarre
Spot · tier 1 · France
L'Almanarre
L'Almanarre is a 4-5km sand-and-shingle beach on the western side of the Presqu'île de Giens near Hyères, running alongside the double-tombolo sand cordons that enclose the Étang des Pesquiers bird reserve. The peninsula's geometry means one shore is almost always sheltered from the prevailing wind, so riders get either onshore Mistral waves and big-air ramps or glassy flat water on easterlies from the same base. It is one of France's classic kite and windsurf venues and has hosted French championship events.
freeridefreestylebig airwavesbeginner
Wind
| best months |
|
|---|---|
| season notes | Wind is frequent and solid May-October, with Mistral often running in 3-4 day blocks; winter sees fewer but colder sessions. |
| avg knots | 10-30 |
| wind name | Mistral (NW, side/onshore, choppy) and Levant/easterlies (flattens the water) |
| direction to shore | cross-onshore in Mistral, cross-offshore/flattening in easterlies |
| quality | gusty in Mistral, steady and smooth on easterly days |
| typical kite sizes | 7-12m |
Water
| type | mixed - chop and small wind swell in Mistral, flat/glassy on easterlies |
|---|---|
| temp summer c | 24 |
| temp winter c | 13 |
| wetsuit | boardshorts/shorty in summer, 3/2mm in spring and autumn |
| tides | effectively tide-independent (Mediterranean, minimal tidal range) |
| currents | none significant reported |
| standing depth | no - the bottom drops off quickly close to shore |
Levels
| beginner | yes |
|---|---|
| intermediate | yes |
| advanced | yes |
| notes | Workable for beginners who already have waterstarts, upwind riding and some chop comfort; the quick depth drop-off makes early water-starts harder for true first-timers. Easterly days near La Madrague give smooth water favoured for freestyle; Mistral days bring ramps and small waves for freeride/big air. |
Launch & crowd
| description | Long open sand beach with beachfront parking (fills fast in summer, arrive before 10am); space is at a premium right at the water's edge when crowded. |
|---|---|
| rescue | not confirmed |
| busy months |
|
| vibe | chill, welcoming local scene; nearly empty on weekdays outside summer holidays |
Hazards
- narrow beach gets very crowded in July/August
- busy coast road right behind the beach - launching mistakes can end on the road
- quick drop-off into deep water
- gusty chop in strong Mistral
- marked swim zones with buoys - riding outside them risks fines
Rules
- publicly accessible beach with no private access restrictions
- specific kite zones are marked off during peak season
- stay inside marked swim-zone buoys
Tips
- session early to beat the summer crowds
- head upwind toward La Madrague on easterly days for the flattest, glassiest water
- local kite shops offer rentals, repairs and informal downwinders on windy days
- grab a pan bagnat from the beach food shacks between sessions
Travel basics
| airport | TLN - Toulon-Hyères Airport |
|---|---|
| getting there | By car from Toulon, follow the D559 toward Hyères and continue onto the Presqu'île de Giens. |
| accommodation | beachside campsites through boutique hotels in Hyères; book ahead in high season |
| cost level | mid |
| no wind | hike the trails of the Presqu'île de Giens, snorkel, or take a boat to Porquerolles island |
Nearby: La Capte, Presqu'île de Giens east side
Sources: kitesurfculture.com · fr.wikipedia.org