Almanarre, a Fabulous Spot
Between Sky and Sea
If you’re familiar with kitesurfing, you’ve undoubtedly already heard of Almanarre beach, in Hyères in the Var region. This place is very famous among kitesurfers and has become a must-visit spot for all kite enthusiasts. It’s true that it’s an exceptional site where you’ll surely have fun and learn kiting easily.
Almanarre, a Fabulous Spot
Located 25 km from Toulon, the Almanarre beach is easily accessible. Plenty of parking is available, and you can also discover the wonders of Hyères (the archaeological site of Olbia, the alleys of Hyères, Villa Noailles, the Pic des Fées observatory…).
The beach is a vast 5-kilometer stretch, adorned with white sand. It is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on one side, and by the Pesquiers pond on the other. The latter is a Natura 2000 classified ornithological reserve. The site is 100% natural. Wild nature reigns supreme here, and the various colors of the Mediterranean Sea are captivating. During your outings, you’ll discover an indescribable light that illuminates the place. This beach borders the western tombolo (a sand spit connecting the island to the mainland) of the Giens peninsula.
Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that the wind conditions there are perfect for kitesurfing. The same applies to the sea conditions.
The beach is perfectly organized. The central zone is accessible to kitesurfers (between beacons 16 and 21), while the south and north zones offer open sea access to windsurfers and board sailors. It is also well monitored in summer. You can meet a Marshall there who ensures that the safety rules are followed.
Almanarre’s Unique Features
Almanarre offers perfect conditions for all kitesurfers, whether beginners or very experienced. This advantage primarily comes from the wind. When the west wind (the Mistral) blows, the sea quickly forms and offers a playground with significant waves. With an east wind, the sea is flat, allowing athletes to gain speed.
However, it should be noted that the beach is not very wide. Therefore, it will be necessary to be vigilant during takeoff and landing.
Kitesurfing here is a unique experience where you’ll ride in a dreamlike setting and enjoy the light provided by the sun.
The place has also attracted many professionals who organize there, among other things, the Almanarre Kite Master, the first stage of the French Cup which hosts over 80 riders.
To best experience Almanarre, launch with an east wind from the beach and have fun. You’ll enjoy a calm sea without encountering waves from La Bergerie that can be tricky. Once launched, you can enjoy the west wind and its summer thermal breezes, not to mention its strong gusts that will wake you up! It’s the perfect place to start kiting calmly, but also to discover the power of the waves and progress optimally.
Launching here is particularly safe and allows beginner kitesurfers to train optimally without major risk. But experienced athletes can also have fun with these winds that shape the sea in the best possible way. They can also enjoy numerous events organized on the beach: Roca Cup, Challenge des Îles d’Or, Grand Prix… The area also hosts concerts, such as the Midi Festival.
Between Sky and Sea
Almanarre is therefore a particularly favored spot for seasoned athletes, but also for beginners who will benefit from the best wind conditions to discover kiting and train. Practicing here also means enjoying an exceptional viewpoint over the bay with a 360° view.
The strong west wind allows the most athletic to perform incredible acrobatic figures. It’s also important to note that the wind conditions here are always perfect. You can thus enjoy winds that regularly blow between 15 and 25 knots. Plenty to enjoy! You may therefore encounter very powerful gusts. The waves often tend to close out and will therefore be ideal for jump enthusiasts. The waves are powerful and will delight you to the fullest.
Learning kitesurfing at Almanarre is therefore an excellent idea. You’ll enjoy a superb setting to progress in, but also quality sea conditions and varied winds, allowing you to choose the environment in which you’ll evolve.
Furthermore, the place is home to many kitesurfing schools, including the Kitesurf & Kitefoil & Wing Foil school in Hyères in the Var (KGG). You can then discover the advantages of kitesurfing at Almanarre and learn your favorite sport in the best conditions.
