Almanarre beach
Located on the western flank of the Golfe de Giens, l’Almanarre beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Giens peninsula, is a must for board sports enthusiasts.
It stretches over 4 km of fine sand and pebbles on the route des salins in Hyères.
It has been described as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by the New York Times, making it a jewel in the Var region of Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur.
This exceptional beach runs alongside the Tombolo, an archaeological site from Olbia to Giens, on the edge of the Etang des Pesquiers.
Water sports on Almanarre beach
At the end of the Presqu’île de Giens, this renowned beach attracts visitors for its wind and currents, ideal for water sports on a Hyères tourism vacation. What’s more, it’s a windsurfer’s paradise at any time of year, especially in westerly winds.
Kitesurfers also flock to the area to practice their favorite sport as soon as the Mistral rises. The bustle of the sea forms an authentic backdrop to the ocean. Also renowned for its funboarding spot, Almanarre beach hosts the annual funboarding and kitesurfing world cups.
For the latter, the freestyle and long-distance stages take place in Hyères, while funboard competitors have been coming here for the World Cup since the late 80s.
Despite its international reputation for board sports, the Almanarre beach is visited by everyone.
There are also bathing areas where holidaymakers can bask in the sun. Alternatively, the area dedicated to sports enthusiasts is marked out and secured so that everyone can enjoy the area to their heart’s content. In fact, the swimming area is gently sloping, with shallow water around the edge, so that even the youngest can have fun in the water in complete safety.
During the summer months, both areas of the beach are under surveillance. Thanks to the presence of the Gulf, it is protected from the wind when it comes from the east. What’s more, the waters are relatively calm, providing parents with the reassurance they need for their children’s summer water games.
A preserved beach with several labels
To make the most of the Almanarre beach, there is a large parking lot where holidaymakers can park their vehicles free of charge. It is located just beyond the traffic circle. Other parking facilities are available along the length of the salt and marsh road. Showers and toilets are located in the large parking lot. The beach alternates between restaurants and private beaches.
Deckchairs and other beach equipment are available for hire. If you prefer less strenuous activities, there’s a stand-up paddle spot at the end of Tombolo. However, the beach is less amenity-intensive due to its limited space. It also retains its wild aspect, which is what gives it its charm.
It has been awarded the Blue Flag and many other Tourism and Handicap labels for its environmental quality.
If you change course to the other side of the road, the Etang de Pesquiers and the old salt works are the places of interest on offer. The site is home to exceptional wildlife, including rare bird species. From the Alamanarre beach, admire the wild birds flying overhead, including pink flamingos. On the other hand, the salt road is closed to traffic in winter. At this time of year, it becomes the perfect place for a walk from the long beach towards the Mediterranean to the bird sanctuary at the marsh.
Olbia’s archaeological site is just off the beach, with a palm-walking trail from Almanarre. Here you can explore the species living in the rocks and in the posidonia meadows of the protected seabed.
Discover the Badine beach from our 4-star campsite in Hyères.
