Var · France
L'Almanarre, France
10.7kts
E · Wind season
Flat-water bay with reliable thermals but finicky conditions. Sand, shallow water, and minimal drama—ideal for technique work, testing between sessions.
- 10.7kts
- Average wind
- 89
- Windy days / year
- 13:00–16:00
- Peak wind hours
- E
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Toulon-Hyères
- Coordinates
- 43.0748, 6.1275
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
18%
rideable
13.6 kts
Feb
9%
rideable
16.2 kts
Mar
39%
rideable
15.8 kts
Apr
35%
rideable
15.6 kts
May
27%
rideable
14.9 kts
Jun
27%
rideable
15.5 kts
Jul
31%
rideable
13.5 kts
Aug
15%
rideable
14.4 kts
Sep
27%
rideable
16 kts
Oct
26%
rideable
14.4 kts
Nov
18%
rideable
13.7 kts
Dec
21%
rideable
17 kts
Best wind directions
- E
- WSW
- W
- WNW
- ENE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Flat Water
Best months
Hazards
- Shallow flat water requires awareness of depth changes and sandbanks, especially during low tide
- Strong tidal currents can develop in the bay area; check tide tables before sessions
- Occasional motorboat traffic in summer months near the beach access areas
- Mediterranean sea urchins in shallow areas—wear protective footwear when wading
What that means for you
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Watch for moored boats and marked channels
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Beach clubs and restaurants along L'Almanarre beach with water views
- Parking facilities and beach access infrastructure
- Local kitesurfing schools and equipment rental shops
- Nearby Hyères town offers groceries, accommodation, and additional services
Local tips
L'Almanarre benefits from consistent Mediterranean thermals in March-April and July; check local wind forecasts as conditions can shift rapidly. The spot's 89 windy days/year make it reliable, but plan sessions during the best months for optimal wind.
Launch & beach
The flat water and sandy beach provide excellent beginner launch conditions with gentle entry. East and west wind directions dominate; launch toward the bay when winds are consistent, watching for tide-related shallow zones.
Local etiquette
Respect other water users and swimmers, particularly during peak summer season. Keep clear of designated swimming areas and follow local beach rules regarding kite zones.
What to wear
A 3-4mm wetsuit is suitable for spring and fall; summer sessions may only require boardshorts or a rash guard. Water temperatures range 12-20°C depending on season.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
- Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- 3/2 mm full wetsuit.
- On land
- Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.
Derived from the spot's latitude (temperate zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Local rules & permits
- IFKO/FFV school certification often required at municipal beaches in summer
Spot guide
The Experience
L'Almanarre is a working spot, not a destination. Long sandy beach, protected bay, conditions that swing with tide and time of day. The water stays genuinely flat, which cuts both ways: your mistakes show instantly, and wind gaps feel longer. No reef passes, no scenery. You come here to practice.
Wind & Conditions
89 windy days a year means you'll actually get sessions. Thermals peak March–April and July when Mediterranean heating pushes consistent wind off the water. East and westerly winds dominate depending on beach orientation. The problem: conditions flip fast. Glass at 10am becomes 15 knots by noon or vice versa. Check the forecast the morning of.
Water & Hazards
Shallow bay with moving sandbanks. Low tide exposes flats that look rideable until you're ankle-deep half a mile out. Tidal current in the bay proper runs hard enough to drift you noticeably—plan for it on downwind runs. Sea urchins inhabit the shallows; wear protective booties, not rental garbage. Summer brings motorboat traffic near shore. Stay aware.
Best For
Beginners past the launch phase and intermediates refining fundamentals. Schools set up here because sand entry, flat water, and forgiving bay work for learning. If choppy water and variable wind still rattle you, this is the spot. Expect to dial technique, not charge conditions.
Logistics
Hyères is five minutes away—groceries, accommodation, real food. Beach clubs and rental shops on sand. Parking functions. July brings tourists and boat traffic; March–April cleaner with thermals holding 12–15 knots and mostly kiters.
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