Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, South of France (le Midi), France

Hyères Beaches

Overview

Hyères offers a refreshing alternative to the glitz of other French Riviera destinations, presenting a more natural and family-friendly beach holiday. The coastline is a diverse mix of long, fine sandy shores and more secluded, pebbly coves. Many beaches feature shallow, clear waters perfect for families, while the nearby car-free islands provide an unspoiled escape. This variety makes Hyères an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and a touch of wild, Mediterranean nature.

Among the area's most celebrated spots, Plage de l'Almanarre stands out as a world-class destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing, stretching over five kilometers. For ultimate convenience, Beach de l'Ayguade-St Louis serves as the main beach for the village, offering easy access for a classic day on the sand. A short ferry ride away on the island of Porquerolles lies Plage Notre-Dame, a pine-fringed bay frequently acclaimed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. These highlights represent just a fraction of the coastline's treasures.

Exploring the full range of beaches is part of the adventure in Hyères. Locals often choose their spot based on the day's wind, heading to sheltered eastern beaches like La Bergerie when the Mistral blows, and enjoying the calm of Plage de l'Almanarre when easterly winds prevail. For those willing to wander, the coastal footpaths of the Giens Peninsula reveal hidden coves and quieter stretches of sea. To discover the perfect beach for your visit, from lively hubs to tranquil hideaways, be sure to explore our complete guide.

FAQ

Is Hyères a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Hyères is considered an excellent destination for a family beach holiday. Many of its beaches, such as those on the eastern side of the Giens Peninsula like La Bergerie and La Capte, have fine sand and shallow waters, making them safe for children. Almanarre beach also has gently sloping sands and supervised swimming areas in season. The nearby island of Porquerolles is car-free and offers family-friendly beaches like Plage de la Courtade and Plage d'Argent, which has facilities like toilets and a snack bar.

Which beach in Hyères is best for windsurfing and kitesurfing?

Plage de l'Almanarre is the most famous and ideal beach in Hyères for windsurfing and kitesurfing. This 5-kilometer-long beach is renowned for its excellent wind conditions, particularly with the Mistral (west) and easterly winds, which create perfect opportunities for these sports. The area is well-equipped with several schools offering lessons and equipment rentals for all levels.

How do I get to the beaches on Porquerolles island?

To get to the beaches on Porquerolles, you need to take a ferry. The main departure point is from La Tour Fondue at the tip of the Giens Peninsula in Hyères. The ferry ride takes about 15-20 minutes. Once on the island, which is car-free, you can reach the beaches by walking or, more popularly, by renting a bicycle near the port. Beaches like Plage de la Courtade are a short walk from the port, while others like Plage Notre-Dame are best reached by bike.

Are the beaches in Hyères sandy or pebbly?

Hyères offers a mix of beaches. You can find beautiful white sandy beaches, especially at Plage de l'Almanarre, Plage de la Bergerie, and on the island of Porquerolles at Plage d'Argent and Plage Notre-Dame. Some other beaches, like Plage des Salins and Plage du Ceinturon, are a mixture of sand and pebbles. There are also more secluded, wilder coves and rocky inlets, particularly along the coastal path of the Giens Peninsula.

Can I stay in accommodation with direct beach access in Hyères?

Yes, there are several accommodation options with direct or very close beach access, particularly on the Giens Peninsula. You can find hotels, holiday clubs, and campsites located right on or just a few steps from beaches like La Bergerie, La Capte, and Almanarre. For example, Camping de la Presqu'île de Giens and various hotels along the coast offer this convenience, which is perfect for a holiday focused on the sea.

What's the best time of year to visit Hyères for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Hyères is typically from late spring to early autumn, from May to September. During these months, the weather is sunny and the sea is warm enough for swimming. July and August are the busiest and hottest months. For fewer crowds and pleasant weather, consider visiting in June or September. The wind conditions for sports like kitesurfing at Almanarre are good for a large part of the year.

How do the beaches in Hyères compare to Saint-Tropez?

Hyères and Saint-Tropez offer different beach experiences. Hyères is known for a more natural, protected, and family-friendly atmosphere, with long sandy beaches and the wild, unspoiled islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros. It's a top destination for watersports like kitesurfing. Saint-Tropez is famous for its glamorous beach club scene, celebrity spotting, and vibrant nightlife centered around Pampelonne beach. While both have beautiful coastlines, Hyères offers a more relaxed and nature-oriented holiday, whereas Saint-Tropez provides a more high-end, bustling social scene.

Is it easy to find parking near the beaches in Hyères?

Parking can be challenging, especially during the high season (July and August). Plage de l'Almanarre has a large free car park with 945 spaces, but it fills up quickly. Other beaches like La Bergerie and those on the Giens Peninsula have paid parking lots. To access the ferry to Porquerolles at La Tour Fondue, there are several large paid car parks. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a spot.

People Also Ask

Are there any secluded or secret beaches in Hyères?

Yes, for those willing to explore, Hyères has several secluded coves and wild beaches. Many can be found along the coastal footpath (sentier du littoral) on the Giens Peninsula, such as the Calanque du Blé and the Plage du Pontillon. These often require some walking to access, which means they are less crowded than the main beaches. The southern coast of Porquerolles island also features rugged cliffs and hidden coves that are more remote than the popular northern beaches.

Can you swim at the beaches in Hyères and what is the water like?

Yes, you can definitely swim at the beaches in Hyères. The water is generally crystal-clear and turquoise, characteristic of the Mediterranean. Many beaches, like La Bergerie and Plage de l'Almanarre, have shallow entry points, making them very safe for swimming. The water temperature is most pleasant for swimming from June to September. Some beaches are supervised by lifeguards during the summer season.

Which beaches are best on a windy day?

The best beach to visit depends on the wind direction. When the strong Mistral wind blows from the west or northwest, the beaches on the east coast of the Giens Peninsula, like La Bergerie, La Capte, and La Badine, are sheltered and remain calm. Conversely, when the wind comes from the east, Plage de l'Almanarre on the west coast is protected and offers calm, clear water. Locals often choose their beach for the day based on the wind.

Are there private beaches with sunbed rentals in Hyères?

Yes, there are several private beach clubs ('plages privées') in Hyères that offer sunbed and parasol rentals, along with restaurant service. You can find these establishments on popular beaches like Almanarre, l'Ayguade, and Les Salins. On Porquerolles, the restaurant at Plage d'Argent also provides these services. It's a good idea to book in advance, especially during the peak summer months.

What is the 'Route du Sel' and is it always open?

The 'Route du Sel' (Salt Road) is a narrow strip of land that runs alongside the western side of the former salt marshes, parallel to Almanarre beach. It's a scenic route popular with visitors. However, it's important to know that the road is closed to vehicle traffic during the winter months. During this time, it becomes a peaceful path for walkers and cyclists to enjoy the nature reserve and seaside.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Hyères?

Generally, dogs are not allowed on the main supervised beaches in Hyères during the summer season. However, there are some exceptions. Plage du Mérou is known to have a designated area where dogs are permitted. For other areas, it's best to check the specific regulations with the local tourist office, as rules can change and may differ for more remote, unsupervised coves.

Which is better, Plage d'Argent or Plage Notre-Dame on Porquerolles?

Choosing between Plage d'Argent and Plage Notre-Dame depends on your priorities. Plage d'Argent is closer to the village (about a 15-minute bike ride), has fine white sand, and is the only beach on the island with a restaurant, toilets, and lifeguard supervision, making it popular with families. Plage Notre-Dame, often voted one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, is further away, more wild and preserved, and set in a beautiful pine-fringed bay. It offers a more natural and tranquil experience but has no facilities.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Hyères: Weather Today

📅 Friday, July 25, 2025
Today will be an average beach day in Hyères. The maximum air temperature will be 30.6 °C, ideal for enjoying the beach. The sea temperature is a pleasant 24.0 °C, making it suitable for swimming. Expect some clouds in the sky. The wind might be a bit strong at times, so be prepared for that. The UV index will reach a high of 7, so make sure to apply sunscreen regularly. Waves will be moderate with a height of 1.0 m.
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Air

Low / High20.1°C/30.6°C
Feels Like (High)29.6°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature24.0 °C
Wave Height1.0 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:19/21:04
Sunshine Hours12.7 hrs
UV Index7.45
Cloud Cover49%
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Wind

Speed21.4 km/h
Gusts47.9 km/h
DirectionW

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