Kitesurf sur le littoral de l'Occitanie, ADTHe?rault - Aure?lie Te?pard
The number one destination in France for kitesurfing fans! In Occitania, the Mediterranean coast is a vast board-sports spot. The sea, the lakes, the wind… the ingredients are combined to bring you all the fun of board sports: standup paddleboarding, windsurfing, sky flying water skiing, sailing or land yachting…
35 schools, 70 spots along over 200 km of coastline, 50 % French participants, 12 world champions, spots that are now internationally famous: the "Grand Travers" in La Grande-Motte, Frontignan beach, La Palme lake, Les Coussoules in La Franqui-Leucate, the Basses bridge in Canet en Roussillon, etc.: kitesurfing has helped the Mediterranean coast in Occitania reach the summits.
But why here? Because nowhere else will you find such exceptional landscapes, constant, varied and strong winds, and not forgetting the calm waters of the lakes and the vast extent of the gulfs.
Between Banyuls-sur-Mer and Narbonne-Plage, the Tramontane, a westerly / north-westerly wind regularly blows at over 100 km/h. It shares the skies with the Mistral near La Grande-Motte. On all the Occitania coast, the Marin, a southerly wind, is a turbulent wind blowing in from the sea.
Kitesurf à La Franqui, C.Deschamps
Did you know?
The first kitesurfing school in Europe was opened in Carnon-Plage, near Montpellier. It was set up by Laurent Nees, the French kitesurfing champion in 1997.
Want to try a board sport? Are you already experienced and want to make progress? All through the year, lessons are available from certified professionals. They are open to everyone aged 6 and over, from beginners to advanced levels.
For groups or individuals, lessons for one hour, a day or longer courses for several days: choose your option on the websites of the seaside resorts of Gruissan, Leucate, Palavas-les-Flots or Canet-en-Roussillon.
Wingsurf en Méditerranée, Glisse & Kite
Top tip
The Mediterranean climate is very mild. Storms and strong waves are rare, so that board-sports fans can enjoy long days to practise all the year round.
Stand up paddle, G.Deschamps / CRT Occitanie
There's no age limit to enjoy this relaxing and dynamic sport. Standing on a surfboard, equipped with a paddle, you just need to know how to swim and have a good sense of balance.
On the calm waters of the lakes of Sigean, Thau, Leucate or Gruissan, everyone can have a go from ages 5 or 6 to - any age you like! Once you have mastered the basic technique, you can set off very quickly on the deeper waters of the Mediterranean between the legendary Espiguette beach and Spain.
Don't miss
International competitions! The "Mondial du Vent" event brings together kitesurfing and windsurfing champions every April in Leucate-La Franqui. In May, there are two top-level competitions in Gruissan: the Défi Kite and the Défi Wind.
Between Leucate and Narbonne-Plageis the Narbonne region… also known as one of the top spots in the Occitania region for fans of board sports and everyone who wants to experience the wonderful sensations of kitesurfing or windsurfing.
Video 1:23 © La Narbonnaise Méditerranée.
Visit Nîmes, Montpellier or Narbonne. Enjoy a bike ride along the Canal du Midi, between Béziers and Carcassonne. Buy fish at the fish market in Le Grau du Roi… Enjoy a night out in Cap d’Agde, go bargain-hunting in Collioure, dance on the sands at a beach restaurant in Carnon-Plage… Listen to music at the Déferlantes Festival in Argelès-sur-Mer and at the Fiest’A Sète Festival… Something for all ages and all tastes on the beach or not far away.
Collioure
Regional Committee for Tourism and Leisure Occitanie
Others websites
How to get there?
Coming to the mediterranean coast