First of all, a little clarification: Hyères is the nearby town in the south of France, between Marseille and Saint Tropez, whose name is often equated with the peninsula. However, the peninsula is actually called Giens, while the largest beach here is the Plage d'Almanarre. Until a few years ago, it regularly hosted the PWA World Cup and is also one of the most popular spots in the whole of France. As a result, it is particularly crowded here in the high season, but in spring and autumn it is more relaxed. This is when intermediates can hone their water start, power jibe and other skills in pleasant temperatures.
Travelling to Hyeres
If you are travelling by plane, it is best to land in Marseille or Nice, but you will then have to book a hire car to be mobile on site. In addition, the sometimes confusing baggage regulations and prices of the airlines can make the trip stressful and expensive. Travelling by car or campervan is more advisable, allowing you to explore the surroundings and sights in a relaxed manner. It is around 1,000 kilometres from Munich and Cologne. Although you will have to pay a toll of around 70 euros, the well-maintained motorways make the journey very relaxed.
Wind & Weather
Hyères is fully exposed to the Mistral, which usually blows from the west to north-west. This downslope wind from the Rhone Valley is at its best between October and May, but can occur all year round. The statistics promise 30-40% gliding wind, but according to the experience of the locals it is significantly more. Small sails are a must in your luggage! Whilst it can get very hot in summer and a shorty is sufficient, a 5/3 neo is recommended in the winter months. But with an average temperature of 13 degrees, the Cote d'Azur is still much more summery than the German coasts.
Hyeres - the windsurfing spots
The most famous spot on the peninsula is the Plage d'Almanarrewhich is located on the west side of the peninsula. There's everything a surfer's heart desires here: surf school, centre, car park and a shop - but it's rarely lonely here. The stronger the mistral blows, the wavier it can get, and shorebreaks are also possible. In an easterly wind, however, the flat water offers the best conditions for practising manoeuvres and heating up.
Also ideally suited for newcomers isLa Madrague in the south of the peninsula. The mistral is a little more constant here and there is also a standing area. The infrastructure here is also ideal, although part of the spot is reserved for kiters.
On the east side, you can get on the board directly from several campsites and holiday resorts. The best spot here isLa Bergeriewhere a large standing area makes it easy to get in and offers relaxed waves even in strong winds from the east. The Mistral blows offshore here and is somewhat gusty due to the cover on the shore, but then there is the finest flat water.
And in a calm?
If the mistral doesn't materialise, you can either take a look around the nearby towns of Hyères and Toulon or take a city trip to Marseille. However, you should be vigilant not only there, but throughout the entire region, do not leave any valuables in your car and do not simply hide your keys behind the door handle. Towards the east, you can visit the rich and very rich in their strongholds around Saint Tropez or Cannes. However, it is more tempting and above all cheaper to enjoy nature on the Cote d'Azur or to drive to the nearby Alps.
In the Spotguide South of France you can find even more information about the entire region.
You shouldn't miss our regular spot guides in surf magazine either, we will be highlighting beginner-friendly spots in the future.
