Located on the western flank of the Gulf of Giens, the Almanarre beach is no longer to be presented to board sports enthusiasts. It stretches over 4 km of fine sand and small pebbles on the route des salins in Hyères. It is described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by the New York Times, which makes it a jewel from the Var in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur. This exceptional beach runs alongside the Tombolo, an archaeological site from Olbia to Giens, on the edge of the Pesquiers lake.
Nautical activities on the Almanarre beach
At the bottom of the Giens peninsula, this famous beach seduces visitors for its winds and currents suitable for water sports. In addition, it is a windsurfers paradise, and this, in all seasons of the year, especially in westerly winds. Kitesurfers also take over the place to indulge in their favorite sport as soon as the Mistral rises. The hustle and bustle of the sea forms an authentic setting off the ocean. Also famous for its funboard spot, the Almanarre beach hosts the respective annual world cups, funboard and kitesurf. For the latter, freestyle and long distance stages take place in Hyères, while funboard competitors have been going there for the World Cup since the late 1980s.
Despite its international reputation for the practice of board sports, the Almanarre beach is frequented by all audiences. Swimming areas allow you to bask in the sun on the vacationer’s side. Otherwise, the space dedicated to athletes is delimited and secure so that everyone can enjoy the places as they please. In fact, the swimming area is gently sloping with shallow water on the edge, allowing the youngest to have fun in the water safely. During the summer period, the two areas of the beach are placed under surveillance. Thanks to the presence of the Gulf, it is protected from the wind when it comes from the East. In addition, the waters are relatively calm, which reassures parents for their children who indulge in water games in summer.
An unspoiled beach with several labels
To enjoy the Almanarre beach, a large car park allows holidaymakers to park their vehicle for free. It is just after the roundabout. There are other parking points along the length of the salt road and the marshes. The site houses showers and toilets at the level of the large car park. Throughout the beach alternates restaurants and private beaches. Sunbeds are available for hire, as well as other beach equipment. If you prefer less intense activities, there is a stand up paddle spot at the end of the Tombolo. However, the beach is less development due to its limited space. It also retains its wild aspect, which gives it all its charm. The Blue Flag label and many other Tourism and Handicap labels have been awarded to it for its environmental quality.
If you change course on the other side of the road, the Pesquiers pond and the old salt flats are the places of interest available to you. The site is home to exceptional wildlife, with rare bird spaces. From Alamanarre Beach, admire the wild birds that fly over the site, including the flamingos. However, the salt road is closed to traffic in winter. During this period, it becomes a perfect place for walking for your hikes which goes from the long beach towards the Mediterranean to the bird sanctuary at the marsh. The archaeological site of Olbia is just at the entrance to the beach, with a webbed hiking trail from the Almanarre. It makes it possible to explore the species living in rocks and in the seagrass of Posidonia of the protected funds.
