Hyeres

Plage de la Badine: Hyères' Hidden Coastal Gem

July 13, 2025

Sophie Dupont

We spent a perfect afternoon at Plage de la Badine, enjoying the clear Mediterranean waters and peaceful shoreline just 15 minutes from Hyères city center. The beach offered plenty of space for swimming and sunbathing, with easy parking and clean facilities that made our visit comfortable and relaxing.

Tucked away on the Hyères peninsula, Plage de la Badine offers a secret Mediterranean escape far from crowded tourist beaches. Discover a pristine coastal haven where local French families unwind and nature meets the sea in unexpected ways.

Need-to-Know Info Before Visiting plage de la Badine

plage de la Badine Address

Route de la Badine, 83400 Hyères, France

plage de la Badine Opening Hours

  • 🕒 Summer Season (May-September): 8 AM - 8 PM
  • 🕒 Winter Season (October-April): Sunrise to Sunset
  • 🕒 Public beach with free access year-round

How to get to plage de la Badine

  • 🚗 By car: Free parking available near beach entrance
  • 🚌 Public transport: Bus Line 67 from Hyères city center
  • 🚕 Rideshare: Taxi services available from Hyères

What is plage de la Badine known for?

  • Scenic sandy beach located on Hyères peninsula
  • Natural coastal landscape with Mediterranean views
  • Family-friendly environment with calm waters

What is plage de la Badine in Hyeres?

Plage de la Badine sits on the eastern edge of Hyères' Peninsula, a go-to destination for travelers seeking Mediterranean coastal experiences without massive crowds. Located near Port Pothuau, this sandy stretch attracts local families and international tourists looking for a low-key beach environment. The beach stretches approximately 500 meters, offering enough space for sunbathing, casual swimming, and relaxed shoreline activities. Unlike crowded Côte d'Azur beaches, Plage de la Badine provides a more authentic French coastal experience with unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors will find clear waters, soft sand, and a relatively quiet atmosphere that makes it perfect for travelers wanting to escape more touristy beach destinations. During summer months, the beach becomes a hub for swimming, picnicking, and casual water sports, with gentle waves that make it suitable for children and less experienced swimmers. Its proximity to Hyères city center means easy access for tourists, while still maintaining a sense of natural, unspoiled coastline that many Mediterranean beaches have lost to over-development.

Top things to do at plage de la Badine

  • Swimming in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters with gentle waves perfect for casual swimmers
  • Sunbathing on soft sandy shoreline with spacious areas for beach towels and relaxation
  • Windsurfing and kayaking during summer months, with equipment rentals available nearby
  • Beach photography capturing panoramic views of Hyères peninsula and surrounding coastal landscape
  • Snorkeling in shallow areas to explore local marine ecosystems and underwater rock formations
  • Beach picnicking with designated areas and trash facilities to maintain beach cleanliness

Tickets and Access

Plage de la Badine is a public beach with free entry. No tickets are required. Visitors can access the beach directly from the parking area or walking paths. During peak summer season, a small parking fee might be charged during weekends and holidays.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Plage de la Badine is between June and September when Mediterranean temperatures are warmest. Early morning (8-10 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) offer the most comfortable beach conditions, avoiding midday heat. July and August are the busiest months, with maximum crowds and highest temperatures.

History of Plage de la Badine

  • 1960s: Initial development of coastal infrastructure in Hyères peninsula
  • 1980s: Official recognition as a public municipal beach
  • 1990s: Environmental conservation efforts began to protect the coastal ecosystem
  • 2000s: Improved public access and beach facilities implemented
  • 2010: Significant beach restoration and environmental protection project completed

Tips for Visitors

  • Bring eco-friendly sunscreen to protect marine environment
  • Pack reusable water bottles and beach cleaning supplies
  • Check local tide schedules before swimming
  • Respect wildlife and local marine ecosystem
  • Use designated trash bins to maintain beach cleanliness
  • Wear water shoes due to some rocky areas near shore

What are some interesting facts about plage de la Badine?

  • The beach is part of a protected coastal zone in the Hyères peninsula, home to rare Mediterranean plant species not found in other local beaches
  • Local sailors consider this beach a hidden gem with unique wind patterns that make it ideal for windsurfing and small boat sailing
  • During World War II, this coastal area was used as a strategic observation point by French military forces monitoring Mediterranean maritime movements