42.94 | 3.04
Plage des Coussoules — La Franqui — Legendary world-class spot. Site of the Mondial du Vent since 1997 (international windsurf, kite, char à voile competition). Huge firm sand beach, one of the most beautiful kite spots in the Mediterranean. By Tramontane (offshore), the water is ultra-flat and glassy — perfect for speed runs and big air. By Marin (onshore SE), proper Mediterranean waves. The Tramontane is strongest here in the Leucate area.
10 km of beach towards Gruissan. Landkite, char à voile and speed sail also practiced. Where the speed records are attempted.
KSL — Kite Surf Leucate: local association managing the spot, safety and events. www.kite-surf-leucate.com. Rescue €10/day members, €22 non-members.
CVCL — Cercle de Voile du Cap Leucate: windsurf, sand yachting. Beach Park equipment rental.
Schools: Windykite, Surf and Kite, Leucate Kite School, Kite Aventure.
Access via D427 from Leucate direction La Franqui, then direction Plage des Coussoules. Small winding road between lagoons to an earth parking (follow the sign with a big K). Then 15 min walk with gear across the beach (crossing a shallow puddle). Motor vehicles forbidden on the beach. Official kite zone managed by KSL association (Leucate Kitesurf) during season.
Open all year round
Sailing possible year-round. Summer (April-September): designated Coussoules kite zone (400m), closed to swimmers. Jet-ski rescue service May to September. Off-season: free sailing on all of La Franqui, no rescue — experts only in Tramontane.
Mondial du Vent every spring (Easter). Best season: March-June and September-November.
Intermediate
By Tramontane: ultra-flat, glassy water — best speed conditions in France. Offshore, deep water quickly. By Marin (SE): proper waves, onshore. Sandy firm bottom. Fairly deep beyond 20 m. Water 18-24°C summer, 12-15°C winter. 5/4 winter, shorty summer.
Earth parking at the end of the Coussoules road (follow the big K sign). Free. Then 15 min walk to the beach. Campervans park along the road near the Domaine Presqu'île camping.
Strongest Tramontane in the Leucate area. Riders on 5m kites at La Franqui while 7m at other spots. NW/NNW offshore, 20-40+ kts, very gusty — can alternate 15 and 35 kts. Ultra-flat water by offshore wind. By Marin (SE): onshore, waves, 15-25 kts. Tramontane blows 300+ days/year. Actual wind often much stronger than forecasts.
Offshore by Tramontane: the wind pushes you out to sea. Mandatory rescue pass (~20€/day) from the Leucate Kitesurf association. You must be autonomous in deep water. Service boat available for pass holders only. First days of a Tramontane episode: extremely turbulent and gusty, especially in cold weather. Keep an eye on your kite at all times.
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