Le Passe-Pied, Hyères

It's less stressful further south down Route du Sel – at least on the water, as height restrictions make it impossible for many to park anywhere near the beach. And the second you leave your vehicle out of your sight, chances are you’ll spend the rest of your trip with a plastic sheet for a window! Sad but true – car-park break-ins are a daily occurrence in Hyères, even out of season. Le Passe-Pied is almost in the middle of 4km of sandy beach, but the launch isn't for everyone as the steep drop-off does mean shorebreak. As the name might suggest, there's a stone ridge offshore that can produce a pretty clean wave on its day. Passe-Pied also hosts the official kite channel, leading 300m out to the open sea zone.