Kitesurfing in l’Almanarre – Presqu’île de Giens

World famous Almanarre on the west side of the Presqu’île de Giens near Hyères is the beach where windsurfing and kitesurfing legend Eric Thiémé cut his teeth. Testament to the quality of this spot, every year, the French national kitesurf championships pass through, and the spot also hosts the Gold Games freestyle comp.

The kitesurfing

Almanarre

In a south westerly or if the Mistral is blowing, l’Alamanarre is onshore with waves the whole length of the beach. In an easterly, the water’s completely flat. These are the two best conditions for the spot. You just need to be confident up-wind if you’re heading out in an easterly as this is offshore. Mistral conditions can produce some powerful gusts, but you know you can always get back to the beach. The waves tend to close out so are better for jumping than surfing. In summer, when the Route du Sel is open, you must stay within the restricted area.

The beach at the launch site is very narrow and crowded when the conditions are right. At Almanarre it quickly gets deep, and if you add waves to the mix, getting up and riding can be tricky even for intermediates. You’re better off heading up the beach to La Madrague where there are less people, shallower and less wavy. It’s possible to kitesurf between the two spots just by following the beach its entire length.

The launch area is marked by two wooden signposts adorned with FFVL flags in the summer. It’s only 150 m long and the beach is narrow, which means in gusty conditions, getting launched can be challenging and not suitable for beginners. Restrictions in summer mean that once you’re in the water, the navigable zone is marked out by buoys for about 300 metres, but once outside this zone you’re open to ride the whole of Almanarre bay.

La Madrague

If Almanarre is too crowded, another option is La Madrague. It’s essentially a continuation of the same long sandy beach, but it’s quieter, less wavy and shallower further out.

The kite zone is marked out by buoys in summer and is standing-depth at its most southern end.

It’s altogether less stressful here as both the beach and car parks are less crowded than at Almanarre. Unattended vehicles are still vulnerable to thieves however, so keep valuables out of site so as not to encourage opportunists. Campervan drivers be aware that height restrictions may stop you accessing car parks.

If La Madrague is too busy, there’s another spot nearby behind the Camping International campsite. Follow the Route du Sel to the end and you’ll meet the Route de la Madrague which will lead you to Camping International. Conditions are identical to La Madrague but finding a parking space can be a headache.

Where to stay

Eden de la Presqu’ile is a really nice B&B located 1.5 km from Almanarre beach. Rooms are air-conditioned and en-suite and each room is equipped with a TV, kettle, fridge and free wifi. Continental breakfast is served daily and a fixed-menu dinner is available on demand.
Allée des Genêts, 83400 Hyères, France. Tel +33 (0)4 94 12 26 81

There are loads of options if you want to camp. The four star Camping La Presqu’île de Giens is a good choice and offers tent and caravan sites, and mobile home and chalet accommodation as well.
153 Route de la Madrague, 83400 Hyères, France. Tel +33 (0)4 94 58 22 86

Further down the peninsula towards La Madrague is the 4-star Camping International, which has a range of apartment and mobile home accommodation, and tent and caravan spots, plus a family-friendly pool complex, on-site kitesurf and windsurf school and bike hire.
1737 route de la Madrague, 83400 Hyères, France. Tel +33 (0)4 94 58 90 16

Where to eat

Restaurants are plentiful at the Hyères port, a bustling, short strip of bars and restaurants on the eastern side of the peninsula.

For seafood try the Brasserie des Iles. A bit pricey but the food hits the mark. Make sure you book ahead in summer as it’s always busy.
Port Hyeres, 83400 Hyères, France. Tel +33 (0)4 94 57 49 75

For a real treat head to Le Pradeau Plage at the end of the peninsula where you’ll get top notch Mediterranean cuisine. Expect seafood platters and catch of the day on a shaded terrace framed by pine trees, with views of the bay.

1420 Avenue des Arbanais, Presqu’île de Giens, 83400 Hyères, France. Tel +33 (0)4 94 58 29 06

For pizza try Port Pizzas.
Avenue Jean d’Agrève, 83400 Hyères, France. Tel +33 (0)4 94 28 06 62