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Étang de La Palme — between La Franqui (Leucate) and Port-la-Nouvelle. THE best spot for beginners by Tramontane in the whole region — you have feet everywhere, wind pushes you back to shore (onshore on étang). Spectacular Pyrénées-Orientales and Corbières views.
By Tramontane NW: onshore on the étang — safe, you always come back to shore. Powerful, often >30 knots. Flat to light chop. Speed, freestyle. Prince of Speed international speed competition held here — world record attempts. Flat water protected by the sand bar, powerful regular wind.
By Marin SE: offshore on étang — ultra-flat lagoon, magical for freestyle. Wind carries you into the étang (shallow everywhere = safe). The only spot in the region where SE creates glass-flat conditions.
Two distinct sub-spots: Spot du Salin (kite + windsurf, access via Salin de La Palme, free shuttle April-Oct) and Spot des Vignes (windsurf/wing ONLY, southwest access after camping Le Clapotis).
SurfandKite — Main kite school on this spot. Courses all levels. Tel: 06.51.89.29.77.
EBKite (Arnaud Lacauste) — Kite school, Les Cabanes de La Palme. Tel: 06.13.83.10.43.
Windykite (Brice Laquièze) — Kite school. Tel: 06.84.85.16.10.
La Palme Kitesurfing — Local association promoting kite on the étang and Rouet beach. Eric: 06.47.87.72.48, Laurent: 06.15.25.30.73.
Association Funboard La Palme — Windsurfers association, protects the Spot des Vignes.
KreaKite — Upcycled kite craft shop, unique creations from recycled kites.
Tramontane NW (dominant): onshore on étang. Feet everywhere. Wind pushes to shore = ultra-safe. Flat water protected by sand bar. Speed, freestyle, freeride. Can rotate N/NE during the day → gusty.
Marin SE: offshore on étang. Ultra-flat lagoon. Magical freestyle conditions — like a Brazilian lagoon. Wind carries you into shallow étang = safe.
Both directions work and are safe — one of the only spots in the region where this is the case.
Open all year round
Year-round. Official kite zone. April-October: access via free shuttle from Salin de La Palme parking (vehicle access closed kite side). Outside season: vehicle access possible on the digue. Zone balisée by 4 posts on land and buoys at sea marking west limit. Natura 2000 — respect nesting periods. Camping Le Clapotis nearby (naturist).
Beginner
Étang water. Shallow EVERYWHERE — feet everywhere, maximum safety. By Tramontane: flat to light chop, protected by sand bar. By Marin SE: ultra-flat lagoon, glass conditions. Sandy/muddy bottom. Warm in summer. 1-1.5 m depth typical. Prince of Speed speed records here. Protection gear recommended (shallow = impact risk).
Spot du Salin (kite): park at Salin de La Palme (free). Free electric shuttle to the spot April-October. Off-season: drive on the digue, park along the berges (don't pass the sign forbidding vehicles). Bar/restaurant at the Salin. No bins on spot.
Spot des Vignes (windsurf only): access from SW of étang, after camping Le Clapotis. Regulated parking. Private landowners — respect agreement with Association Funboard La Palme.
Tramontane (NW): dominant, 300+ days/year. ONSHORE on étang = safe. Often >30 knots with gusts. Can rotate N/NE during day → gusty/unpredictable. Marin (SE): offshore on étang = ultra-flat freestyle paradise. Both winds safe and rideable. Only spot in the region safe by both Tramontane AND Marin on étang. Prince of Speed competition: world speed records. SurfandKite base.
Tramontane can turn N/NE during the day — loses power but becomes very gusty and unpredictable. Always bring a small kite (>30 knots possible). Narrow launch area: 200-350 m long but <13 m wide at some points. Launch in the water for maximum safety. Forbidden to navigate on the salins. Natura 2000: respect nesting areas, avoid herbiers. Shallow everywhere: protection gear recommended (reef shoes, impact vest). Many schools and beginners: keep distance. No bins on spot — take your trash.
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