If the beaches of Porquerolles stand out as the stars of this part of the Var coast, Hyères also has a wonderful coastline, where rocky coves follow long sandy beaches. From Vieux Salins to the peninsula of Giens, with its enticing shores of a double tombolo, surrounded by two tongues of sea and divided by a bay, you can lay down your towel on around thirty different beaches with different landscapes than preserved. The variety is such that it is possible to choose the corner of your idleness according to your mood, the time of day, the strength of the wind and its direction, the possible activities or the animation we want to find… Here are our six. favorites, choose according to your wishes.
La Badin beach, for families
South-east of Double Tombolo and on the edge of the magnificent Giens Peninsula, Badine Beach opens up a beautiful strip of clean sand and turquoise waters, with stunning views of the Golden Isles. Its slope is particularly gentle, which makes it an ideal beach for families with small children. The pines that line it provide some afternoon shade. Another advantage of La Badine. His position, which protects him from the mistral attack. In the north, it is spread by Berger Beach, which has approximately the same characteristics.
Park: free parking a few steps away, behind a pine forest.
Refresh and eat. The small Carbet bar-restaurant south of the beach offers drinks and snacks (Chemin de l’Estanci; tel. 04 94 38 72 92). For dining in a lush garden, visit the restaurant at Lodge des Îles d’Or, which offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian twist (4205 route de Giens; tel. 04 94 41 38 38; lunch about €35).
Showers. On Berger beach, a little further north.
Possible dangers: the waters are shallow and generally calm except for easterly winds; swimming can become dangerous.
Entry: follow the road to La Badin from the boulevard d’Alsace-Lorraine.
Almanare Beach, for nature lovers and windsurfers
With its 5 km length and exceptional natural environment, it is the wildest of Hyer’s beaches. Almanar, west of Tombolo along the salt road, borders the Pesquière saltworks, frequented by many pink flamingos. If the northern end of the beach is slightly urbanized, the rest presents an almost virgin face and blue sea. Its vast expanse of water under the influence of the Mistral is a popular windsurfing destination; international competitions are organized there every year. Fans can hire equipment from the Funboard Center (3071 route de l’Almanarre; tel. 04 94 57 95 33; board + sailboat from €30). As a bonus, Almanarre offers unforgettable sunsets.
Park: There are free car parks north of the beach (behind the Almanare roundabout), along the road du Sel and further south towards the Pesquières pond. In order to ease the summer road traffic in the peninsula, a small tourist train has been created from 1eh from July to August 31. It serves 2 stops on the road du Sel, as well as in the village of Giens.
Update: North of the beach, several bars and thatched huts offer their terraces for drinking.
Showers. north and center of the beach.
Possible dangers: Subject to the vagaries of the mistral, the sea can be very rough at times; The beach, on the other hand, is well protected in case of an easterly wind. Observation point to the north and south.
Entry: easy to reach from Aghi Road.
Salinas Beach, for naturalists
To the east of the Hyères coast and on the border of La Londe-les-Mores, Saline beach forms a wide crescent of sand, where wild plants and dried posidonia abound. The whole is bordered to the west by the Port of Poteau and to the east by the former salt marshes, which now belong to the Conservatoire du Littoral. As one leaves the port, the beach becomes more and more wild; it is within this somewhat narrow zone that naturism is officially permitted. Followers of this practice here enjoy the wonderful calm and breathtaking views of Porquerolles or the Giens Peninsula.
Park: free parking located across from the beach and Port of Potouau.
Refresh and eat. several shacks on the beach, as well as restaurants around the port, notably Le Pothuau, which specializes in fish dishes (4 pl. des Pêcheurs; tel. 04 94 66 40 37; menu €27-38).
Showers. west of the beach, port side.
Possible dangers: there is no particular danger, except in the case of wind.
Entry: from the port, just walk along the sea to reach the nudist area.
Darboussières beach, for snorkelling lovers
There are many creeks and backwaters on the irresistible Giens Peninsula. Here the coastline gets a fierce breeze with its rocky cliffs where maritime pines try to hang on. A string of small sandy or pebbly beaches line the coast, offering plenty of promise for leisure. Narrow but charming, Darbusier deserves to be less busy, including in midsummer. The turquoise water is so clear it’s hard to get us out. It is an ideal location for snorkelling and viewing the rich underwater fauna that benefits from the extensive protection zone of Port Cross National Park.
Park: no on-site parking, leave your car in the villages of Giens or La Madrague.
Update: there is nothing nearby, you have to go to La Madrag or Nil port.
Showers. no.
Possible dangers: no particular risks, except for boats a little too close to shore.
Entry: only on foot; From La Madrague, follow the Chemin de la Table Ronde before descending to the beach. Access may be restricted in case of fire risk (information at var.gouv.fr).
Bona Beach, the meeting place for hedonists
Not far from Port Saint-Pierre, Bona Beach has it all: white sand for sunbathing, an ideal lagoon for swimming and a spectacular view conducive to daydreaming. It’s also a lively place lined with charming little hotels and delicious restaurants. Lido Beach with a view the sixties expertly revised, has a delightful restaurant where you eat with your feet in the sand. You can enjoy fresh, colorful cuisine that highlights local produce (5 av. Émile Gérard; tel. 04 94 01 43 80; mains from €23 to €28; Sundays, excellent breakfast for €32). He also takes pride in the Bor Hotel. good food in elegant surroundings. Mediterranean cuisine takes its transalpine influences (3 av. Émile Gérard; tel. 04 94 58 02 73; dishes €27-30).
Park: several places along the beach. Otherwise, other opportunities at La Potinière (free).
Update: For a glass of rosé or a cocktail from Provence, nothing beats the rooftop of L’Endroit overlooking the beach (1 av. Émile Gérard; tel. 04 94 58 00 97).
Showers. Yes!
Possible dangers: the slope is gentle and the waters generally calm except for an easterly wind. The beach is protected from the mistral.
Entry: Via D197 and Mediterranean Ave.
Ayguade Beach for activities
Hidden behind the small port of Aiguade and its narrow streets lined with villas, this beach, as long as it is wide, opens onto Hyeri Bay and its islands. In the summer, it is especially lively, attracting a crowd of young people, groups of happy friends, as well as families looking for an active vacation. There are also plenty of athletes who seem to vacillate between playing beach volleyball, running along the shore or sailing. All these little people are happy to find here a wide selection of restaurants, huts and bars that facilitate meetings.
Park: parking pl. Saint-Louis or pl. Drums.
Refresh and eat. two huts were placed on the beach for drinking. At lunchtime, L’Abri Côtier is a great option for those who want a snack without straying from their napkin (pl. Daviddi; tel. 04 94 66 42 58; tapas €7-15). For dinner, take advantage of La Reine Jane’s gorgeous terrace and its illuminated mulberry tree. The menu prides itself on local fishing (1 Quai des Cormorans; tel. 04 94 66 32 64; dinner €40-€50; Sunday brunch €38).
Showers. Yes!
Possible dangers: beware of sunburn (no shade).
Entry: easy from the village of Ayguade.
Useful information
Hyères tourist office.hyeres-tourisme.com
The applicationHyères Plages lets you find your ideal beach.
[Initialement publié en juin 2021, cet article fait l’objet d’une mise à jour.]
Source: Le Figaro
