Hyères - L'Almanarre Kitesurfing Guide (Hyères (PACA)): Winds, Quiver & Local Tips

Technical Spot Specifications

Verified Data

Favorable Wind Mistral (W/NW 18–35 kt) side-onshore on Almanarre; East wind (E 16–28 kt) on Bergerie

Hazardous Wind Severe South storms with heavy shorebreak; sharp rocks at the northern headland

Water Conditions Choppy water with wave kickers with Mistral; mirror-flat water on the eastern side (La Bergerie)

Sea Bed Fine sand and small smooth pebbles; shallow shelf extending 50 meters out

Rider Level All levels (legendary double-sided peninsula spot on the French Riviera)

Safety & Rescue Lifeguards on duty in summer; double tombolo ensures you always have a downwind shore

Best Season Year-round (over 250 windy days a year; French Riviera’s top kite capital)

Summer Regulations Dedicated kitesurf zones marked with buoys at Mérou and south towards the salt flats

Recommended Kite Sizes & Quiver

For ~75 kg rider

Thermal breeze (14 – 18 kt)

10m – 12m

Relaxed freeriding and foiling over turquoise Mediterranean waters.

Classic Mistral (20 – 28 kt)

7m – 9m

The signature Hyères session: jumping wave kickers, speed runs, and kiteloops.

Strong Mistral (+30 kt)

5m – 7m

High-power sessions with small kites in clean Mediterranean air.

Spot Guide & Local Knowledge

Plage de l'Almanarre, located on the Presqu'île de Giens in Hyères on the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), is one of the most famous and versatile kitesurfing spots in France. Stretching along a 5-kilometer narrow sand tombolo flanked by ancient salt pans populated by wild pink flamingos, it is a geological and sporting wonder.

The Double-Tombolo Phenomenon

The Giens peninsula is connected to the French mainland by two parallel sand spits enclosing saltwater lagoons. This unique geography provides an unbeatable advantage: - With West/Northwest Mistral: You ride on Plage de l'Almanarre, where the Mistral blows side-onshore with fun wave kickers and clear water. - With East wind (Vent d'Est): You simply drive 3 minutes across the peninsula to Plage de la Bergerie / Badine on the eastern side, where the water is completely flat and sheltered!

Pink flamingos & Mediterranean pines

Riding along the Route du Sel with hundreds of wild flamingos wading in the salt ponds behind you and the golden cliffs of Porquerolles Island on the horizon is an experience unique to Hyères.

Water and conditions

A shallow sandbank extends about 50 meters from the shore, providing comfortable footing before the seabed drops into deep, crystal-clear blue Mediterranean waters.

Safety precautions and local advice

In summer, the Route du Sel is closed to cars, so arrive early to park in the designated lots. Respect the buoyed kite zone at the southern end to protect beach bathers.

Logistics, Parking & Access

Directions (Google Maps)

Parking Ample paved parking along the Route du Sel (closed to traffic in winter) and near the roundabout.

Freshwater / Showers Public beach showers and foot wash stations along the Almanarre strip.

Services & Kite Centers Historical salt flats with pink flamingos, kite schools, surf shops, cafes, Giens peninsula restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hyères - L'Almanarre

Insider answers from local riders

Why is Hyères called a double-tombolo spot?

Because two parallel sandbars connect the peninsula to the mainland; if the wind is westerly you kite at Almanarre, and if it switches to easterly you kite at La Bergerie.

Can you see wild flamingos here?

Yes! The historic salt flats (Salins des Pesquiers) directly behind the beach host thousands of wild pink flamingos year-round.

What wind is strongest?

The Mistral from the Northwest, which blows frequently between 20 and 35 knots with exceptional clarity.