L'Almanarre, Hyères

Who hasn't heard of this former World Cup beach on the outskirts of Hyères'? But L'Almanarre is just one of many options on the windy Giens peninsula. The west coast sees waves in Mistral (north-westerly, Force 6-9) and Libeccio (south-westerly, up to 20 knots), whereas the sea’s completely flat in an easterly. Up in this corner, waves break on a small windward reef. Mistral blows cross-onshore from the right, usually a bit weaker than further south. The break is better for jumping than riding as the waves aren't that powerful. Watch for a few rocks to the right of the launch. L’Almanarre's prime location right at the start of the peninsula, plus a beach café and surf shop make it very popular – it soon gets overcrowded on the water and in the car-park.