La Capte Beach, the secret lagoon of the French Riviera
You have walked fifty meters into the water and it is still only at your knees. This is not a map error, but the signature feature of La Capte Beach. Stretching for nearly 4 kilometers, this sandbar follows the east tombolo, a rare geological formation that connects the mainland to the Giens Peninsula.
Why choose La Capte among the beaches of Hyères?
The double tombolo configuration creates a natural lagoon here, shielded from the mistral wind by the mass of the peninsula. The result is calm water that warms up quickly in the spring, with a depth so shallow that children can wade safely for dozens of meters. It is one of the few beaches on the French Riviera where swimming feels more like being in a pool.
The name La Capte comes from the medieval term acapte, a feudal fee linked to the operation of the nearby Pesquiers salt marsh. Over the centuries, the fishing hamlet transformed into a family seaside resort. The village character remains, with a small marina holding 140 moorings, restaurants right on the water, and a lively market every Friday morning.
A beach designed for families
The gentle slope of the sandy bottom allows children to stand comfortably for a considerable distance. There are no heavy waves or dangerous currents. A lifeguard station monitors the area during the summer. For amenities, a playground, a bocce court, and a soccer-basketball area keep kids occupied when they have had enough of the sand.
Beach vendors pass by regularly in high season selling donuts, candied nuts, and cold drinks. Several restaurants line the shore: La Pergola, La Bastide, and Tahiti Plage offer sea views and the chance to dine with your feet in the sand.
Pro tip: Arrive early in the summer because the free 100-space parking lot fills up quickly. In the off-season, La Capte becomes a popular spot for picnics in the March or October sun, once the crowds have disappeared.
A starting point for the Golden Islands
From the small port of La Capte, the Passion Med catamaran organizes excursions to Porquerolles and the Fort de Brégançon. The view of the Golden Islands archipelago unfolds from the entire beach, with Porquerolles to the west, and Port-Cros and Le Levant further offshore. On clear days, the outlines of these islands cut across the horizon like a theater backdrop.
Water activities on site
The Kraken nautical center offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, along with diving trips. The translucent water and seagrass beds make this area an ideal playground for snorkeling. Further south, the Bergerie beach extends La Capte with facilities adapted for visitors with reduced mobility.
The Pesquiers pine forest, the protected back-beach
Behind the beach lies the pinède des Pesquiers (Pesquiers Pine Forest), 20 hectares classified as a protected natural area. Umbrella pines, eucalyptus, and mimosas create a green canopy where you can seek refuge during the hottest hours of the day. The Pas du Saunier, a trail connecting La Capte to the Marais Redon (Redon Marsh), crosses the former salt pans where flamingos and wading birds nest.
Located east of the Giens tombolo, La Capte beach is the counterpart to Almanarre beach.
My advice is to go there as soon as the mistral wind picks up, the beach is more sheltered!
La Capte beach is ideal for families, you can walk out quite a ways, the sand is soft, and you can find bars and restaurants nearby.
In the summer, crowds are guaranteed, but if you walk along the sea toward the south, you will definitely find more space!
If you can go off-season, the setting is much more pleasant, with walks in the shade of the pine trees and guaranteed peace and quiet.