L'Almanarre
The beach on the Giens isthmus, a windsurfing mecca that picks up the mistral swell.
L'Almanarre is the beach running along the western side of the double isthmus of Giens, in Hyères. It faces west, so it's one of the few beaches on this coast to catch the swell raised by the mistral.
While the mistral is blowing it's more a windsurf and kite spot; the best surf sessions come when the wind eases and the swell remains.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, NE |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | Autumn to spring |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or fish; a funboard if it's small. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf L'Almanarre
The water is around 13 °C in winter and 23 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonFor water from 17 °C.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
Few surfers; respect the windsurf and kite zones.
Surfing style
Windswell beach break.
Hazards
Very strong wind, currents and windsurf and kite boards.
Map
Shapers near L'Almanarre
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
La Seyne-sur-Mer (Var)
Toulon's surf beach, on the Saint-Mandrier isthmus, with an easterly swell.
Marseille
Marseille's city beaches, which wake up with the mistral's westerly swell.
Martigues (Bouches-du-Rhône)
Reefs on the Côte Bleue west of Marseille, among the best waves in Provence.
Cagnes-sur-Mer (Alpes-Maritimes)
Pebble beaches between Nice and Antibes, the most reliable spot on the Côte d'Azur.
All spots in the French Mediterranean →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.