Hyères - Plage de l’Almanarre
France
Hyères
The Almanarre beach in Hyères is a legendary destination for French kitesurfing, located in the Hyères bay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. With its 4 kilometers of beach and crystal-clear water, this spot brings together a passionate community of kitesurfers, windsurfers, and wing practitioners. Almanarre offers an exceptional playground thanks to its large protected bay and regular wind conditions throughout the year.
The spot welcomes both beginners and experienced riders, with endless possibilities depending on the weather conditions. It is a place that has been chosen to host numerous kitesurfing competitions, such as the Gold Games in freestyle. From Almanarre, one can navigate around the Giens peninsula or the island of Porquerolles, making it a strategic spot to explore the region.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
- 🟢 10–16 kts: light but sailable wind (especially on foil).
- 🟡 16–22 kts: ideal range, comfortable conditions for most.
- 🔴 22–28 kts: strong wind, reserved for experienced riders.
- 🟣 28+ kts: extreme conditions, committed riding.
Location & Points of interest
Useful information
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flatThe official kitesurfing area is located between accesses 16 and 21 on the salt road, marked between April and October. A beach marshal monitors the area from June 15 to September 15. The beach is very narrow and bordered by ganivelles (wooden stakes protecting the dune), making rigging and launching quite technical, especially in summer when the spot is very busy.
The wind regime largely determines the conditions: in West to Southwest wind, the water presents a slight swell with formed waves, ideal for dynamic sessions and big air. It is an onshore wind that creates interesting sliding conditions. In East wind (offshore), the sea becomes perfectly flat, which is excellent for freestyle and technical maneuvers, but this setup is reserved for experienced riders capable of going upwind effectively.
In Northwest/West wind, the water is often subject to a strong chop that can make navigation less pleasant. Navigation is regulated by prefectural order: it is prohibited to navigate within 300 meters of the shore, except via the Almanarre channel set up in summer to access the open sea. Launching must be done through this channel for experienced riders. The depth is shallow near the shore, allowing children to enjoy the maritime space safely.
Ideal conditions occur with a West to Southwest wind of moderate to strong force, creating a slightly formed sea with waves allowing for dynamic sessions and big air. For experienced freestyle riders, an offshore East wind offers the perfect flat water, but requires good upwind ability. The spot works well year-round, with regular conditions making it a reliable destination for kitesurfing.
The state of the water varies significantly depending on the wind direction. With a West to Southwest wind, the sea presents a slight swell with chop, creating dynamic conditions. With an East wind, the water becomes exceptionally flat and smooth, perfect for freestyle and aerial tricks. The immaculate white sand of the beach contributes to the beauty of the spot and enhances visibility underwater.
The current is generally weak at Almanarre, but care should be taken near the navigation channel where it can be more pronounced. The Hyères bay offers natural protection that limits strong currents. Tides influence the depth and access to certain areas, but do not create major dangerous currents.
The recommended kite sizes depend on the wind conditions. With a moderate West to Southwest wind, kites of 9 to 11 square meters are appropriate. In stronger winds, kites of 7 to 9 meters are more suitable. For sessions in East wind (offshore), experienced riders can use slightly larger kites (10-12 m²) as the wind is generally lighter and more consistent. The important thing is to adjust the size to the wind strength and one's own weight and level.
The wind regime at Almanarre is dominated by two main directions. The West to Southwest wind is the most common and offers the best conditions for most riders, with a slightly formed sea. The East wind is rarer but highly appreciated by freestyle specialists as it creates a perfectly flat water surface. The wind can blow very hard and be very gusty, particularly in winter, which requires caution and good technical skills.
Almanarre enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate of Provence. Wind conditions are regular throughout the year, making it an accessible spot in all seasons. The summer months see a significant increase in spot attendance, while winter offers calmer conditions with fewer people.
The depth at Almanarre is gradual with a sandy bottom. One can stand up to about 50 meters from the shore, making the spot very accessible for beginners and children. This shallow depth near the shore offers additional safety and facilitates learning. Beyond the channel, the depth increases gradually, allowing experienced riders to navigate safely.
The Mediterranean water in Hyères follows a typical seasonal cycle. In winter (December to February), the water temperature is cool, around 8 to 10°C, requiring a thick wetsuit. In spring (March to May), it gradually rises to 12-15°C. In summer (June to September), the water warms up to 18-22°C, allowing for riding with a thin wetsuit or no wetsuit. In autumn (October to November), the temperature gradually drops back to 14-16°C.