Discover Almanarre
The Best Spot in France
Ranked as one of France’s most beautiful beaches by the New York Times in 2018, Almanarre is known for its crystal-clear waters, fine sand, and dreamlike setting. Located on the Giens peninsula, this famous beach is renowned among kitesurfers worldwide. It truly possesses undeniable assets to attract them.
Discover Almanarre
This area is located 25 kilometers from Toulon. It stretches for 5 kilometers along the salt road. The beach is very close to the old salt marshes and allows for observing a multitude of wild birds in their natural habitat. You can, for example, spot pink flamingos there. From this beach, it’s also possible to seriously explore the attractions of the city of Hyères, such as Porquerolles Island or, further afield, the Calanques de l’Estérel.
It’s the ideal place to enjoy time under the sun. It’s also a well-known spot among kitesurfers. This corridor is indeed fully secured and dedicated to the sport. Furthermore, they can enjoy a unique panorama with the Giens peninsula as a backdrop and exceptional conditions.
Kitesurfing at Almanarre
The area dedicated to this activity is located between accesses 16 and 21. On the east side, the Mérou zone is open to kitesurfers. The beach remains narrow and therefore requires advanced technique to enjoy. The body of water, however, is absolutely beautiful. It is often subject to large chop when the wind blows from the northwest/west. Less experienced kitesurfers will prefer to come when the wind is offshore (east wind). The sea will then be perfectly flat and ideal for freestyle or big air kitesurfing.
Navigation takes place beyond 300 meters from the shore. This is for safety reasons. It will then be possible to react more easily in case of problems at sea and perform necessary maneuvers. From April to October, a navigation channel is set up to provide easier access to the 300-meter mark and the open sea. Between June 15 and September 15, the area is monitored.
However, kitesurfing is possible year-round at Almanarre.
However, the area does have a few minor drawbacks. The beach is indeed very narrow and bordered by ganivelles, wooden stakes that protect the dune. Almanarre can experience very strong wind gusts. Therefore, caution will be necessary. It’s also a very busy spot in summer. So, you’ll need to be careful.
This beach attracts many high-level kitesurfers who take advantage of the west wind. With strong winds, the beach has an attractive wild character. When the east wind blows, the water is very calm. This will be the best time to observe the clarity and numerous shades of the water. Kitesurfing requires wind to be practiced. This difference in wind is therefore an important asset for athletes who can enjoy riding significant waves with a west wind or practice on a calm sea with an east wind. The spot is therefore ideal as it offers you a choice. You can also observe immaculate white sand there. The water depth is shallow. This will allow children to enjoy the maritime area.
The Almanarre beach spans over 16 kilometers and is more than 800 meters long.
The Best Spot in France
Kitesurfing experts highly appreciate this beach. It’s true that it offers winds that regularly blow between 15 and 25 knots. It is therefore a perfect place for kiting. We can also add that the beach is protected by numerous pine trees that provide shade, which is always very pleasant.
The area is open to all kite practitioners. It welcomes beginners as well as experienced athletes.
It’s a perfect place to best improve your kitesurfing skills. You can thus enjoy the lightness of the wind and take off easily or glide on an ideal sea. The area indeed offers infinite possibilities for kitesurfers.
The location has been chosen to host numerous kitesurfing competitions, such as the Gold Games freestyle competition.
From Almanarre, you can navigate around the Giens “peninsula” or Porquerolles Island.
If you wish to learn kitesurfing or improve your skills by taking advantage of one of France’s best spots, you can contact the Kitesurf & Kitefoil & Wing Foil school in Hyères in the Var (KGG). This school is located at Almanarre and will allow you to easily enjoy the benefits of the location. So, easily discover the area recommended and praised by all kitesurfers.
