Located in Hyères, in the Var, the beach of Almanarre is a four kilometre long strip of fine sand. It extends to Olbia beach, along the tombolo which joins the Giens peninsula. In the heart of a preserved natural area, classified Natura 2000, the Var beach reveals a unique wild character. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on one side, and by the old salt pans on the other. The latter are home to more than 80 migratory birds, such as pink flamingos, which are used to these dunes. In the middle of this exceptional landscape, the salt road runs along the beach and attracts crowds when it is closed to traffic in winter. The splendour of the Almanarre is such that the New York Times named it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world in 2018. If it is now world-renowned, it is mainly thanks to the water sports activities that can be practised there. This beach on the Côte d’Azur is swept by the mistral and the east winds more than 250 days a year. Its particular geographical orientation has made it an unmissable spot for water sports. Only fifteen minutes from Toulon, it is the ideal place to practice windsurfing, kitesurfing or stand-up paddle.
Almanarre: a must for windsurfing
In the bay of Almanarre, the practice of windsurfing is legion. This spot is considered as one of the most beautiful of the Var and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Whether you prefer slalom or freeride, the west and east winds allow you to vary your practice. In this Mecca of windsurfing, you can rub shoulders with the great French names in the discipline. Practising windsurfing on the beach of Almanarre is therefore an opportunity to perfect your technique. However, the spot is only for the most experienced windsurfers. There are lessons for beginners, adults and children, so that everyone can try windsurfing. If you are spending your family holiday by the sea, you can certainly spend a few hours discovering this water sport.
The beach of Almanarre to learn to kitesurf
Kitesurfing in Hyères is a must! To begin or to improve your skills, the beach of Almanarre is the perfect spot. The variable strength of the winds allows everyone, whatever their level, to take to the water. A corridor is entirely dedicated to kitesurfing to enjoy unique sensations in complete safety. Indeed, this sport requires to know some basic safety rules, to protect you and the other kitesurfers. If you are an experienced kiteboarder, you will love to take off in the breezes and mistral winds. Instructors can even accompany you to take full advantage of the bay of Almanarre. If you are passing through the Var department, this unique place allows everyone, adults and children, to learn to kite. To do this, you can take lessons in a Hyères kitesurfing school affiliated to the French Federation of Free Flight (FFVL).
Paddleboarding for windless days in Almanarre
Even if they are rare, there are days when the wind does not blow on the beach of Almanarre. Nevertheless, you can venture out to sea on a stand-up paddle (SUP). This very fashionable sport lends itself to both contemplative and more sporting outings. Solo, with family or friends, it’s an opportunity to take a walk on the water and discover the beach from a different angle. Standing or kneeling on your paddle board, you can paddle at your own pace while enjoying the Mediterranean landscape. Although gentler than windsurfing or kitesurfing, SUP uses a lot of muscles. It’s also a great sport for working on proprioception. If you are a beginner, it is a good way to practice a water sport while managing your effort. If the sea is calm, you are the only one in charge, with a few strokes of the paddle.
Thanks to all the activities offered on the beach of Almanarre, you can practice windsurfing, kite or paddle. If you are on holiday, you may have time to try all three! The seaside resort of Hyères is certainly conducive to board sports, but it also invites you to take a rest. After a day of playing with the currents, you can enjoy a memorable sunset, quietly sitting on the sand, facing one of the most beautiful bays in the world.