The Var’s legendary surf spot

🏖️Une unique beach between tombolo, salt flats and the Mediterranean

The Almanarre beach in Hyères is one of the most famous on the Var coast. It stretches over 4 to 5 km of sand along the Route du Sel, between the old Pesquiers salt works and the Giens peninsula. This particular configuration, on a double tombolo (sand tongue between sea and lagoon), creates a unique setting: on one side the open Mediterranean, on the other the ponds where pink flamingos and numerous birds can often be observed.

Plage de l’Almanarre is also the largest sandy beach in Hyères, with more developed areas (parking lots, showers, first-aid posts) and wilder stretches as you approach the Giens peninsula. In summer, several bathing areas are supervised, and the beach remains very popular with families thanks to its accessibility and superb views over Giens and the Golden Isles.

From Le Pradet (and therefore from Camping l’Artaudois), l’Almanarre is about 9-10 km away, a quarter of an hour by car depending on traffic, or about 15-20 minutes by bus (line 39, stop “Almanarre”).

🌬️ The world’s top windsurfing destination, wingfoil and kitesurf from the campsite

L’Almanarre is best known as an internationally renowned surf spot. With 300 days of sunshine and around 250 days of wind a year, it’s one of the best places in Europe for windsurfing:

– Windsurfing & funboard
– Wingfoil and windfoil
– Kitesurf
– Sport catamaran
– Stand-up paddle & kayak

Nautical schools and bases around the bay (such as Spin Out, Kite Center, KGG, etc.) offer equipment rental, courses and workshops for all levels, from beginner to advanced rider.

Conditions vary according to the wind:

– With a north-westerly Mistral, the bay becomes a huge playground for windsurfers, wingfoilers and kitesurfers, with a choppy but very buoyant water surface.

– With an easterly or south-easterly wind, the sea is often calmer on the Almanarre side, making it more suitable for paddleboarders, kayakers and intermediate sailors.

Specific areas are marked out for kitesurfing (between certain numbered entrances to the Route du Sel) to ensure that swimmers and board sports enthusiasts can cohabit.

🚣‍♀️ Snorkeling, paddling and activities for the whole family

Even if l’Almanarre is a star for windsurfing and kiteboarding, the beach is far from being reserved for sports enthusiasts alone. Along much of its length, you can :

– Take a leisurely swim close to the shore.
– Go stand-up paddling or sea kayaking along the coast.
– Snorkel near rocky areas or at the Giens end of the bay, where you can observe fish and Posidonia meadows.

Some areas (Estagnets / Giens side) descend more gently, which is convenient for families and children.Plages.tv Along the beach, there are also a number of restaurants and private beaches, as well as wilder areas for those seeking peace and quiet.

For those staying at Camping l’Artaudois, the Almanarre beach makes a superb day or half-day excursion: gliding for the more sporty, swimming and lounging for others, all in an exceptional natural setting.

🅿️ Access, parking and practical information boulodrome active, friendly beach

The Route du Sel / Route de l’Almanarre runs alongside the Almanarre beach. It’s easily reached by car, bus, bike or even a combination of hiking and swimming.

A large free parking lot with around 650 spaces is located at the Carrefour de l’Almanarre, just a few dozen meters from the beach.Visit Var+1 There are also other parking lots and parking lots along the road, particularly near the old salt works. In summer, we recommend arriving early for easy parking.

In season, certain areas of the beach are supervised, with showers and WCs, and some areas are adapted for people with reduced mobility (access mats).