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Plage des Chalets — Gruissan. LEGENDARY SPOT OF THE DÉFI WIND — biggest gliding event in the world (2,500+ participants, 45 countries). 10 km beach from Gruissan to Vieille Nouvelle.
By Tramontane NW: offshore — flat water, speed, freeride. Long boards parallel to the beach. Plan d'eau lissé. Bords plein travers 50 m du sable. Less gusty after the breakwater towards Vieille Nouvelle. Pascal Maka, David Garrel and pros regularly seen.
Can serve as fall-back when Vieille Nouvelle is too strong — wind less powerful at the Chalets. Défi Wind (May): 1,500 windsurfers; Défi Kite: 500 kiters; Défi Wing: 800 wingfoilers. Marathon 40 km.
Akila Center — Pôle Mer: main club on the beach. Kite, windsurf, wingfoil, catamaran, SUP, kayak. High-end equipment, courses all levels, children from 6 years. Vestiaires, douches, rinçage matériel, restaurant, surf shop, bar.
Zef Control (nearby): char à voile, kayak, paddle, power kite.
Défi Wind / Défi Kite / Défi Wing: annual events, May. Village 7,000 m², 50 international brands. Biggest gliding event in the world (2,500+ participants, 45 countries).
Mediterranean Sea. Tramontane: offshore FLAT — glassy, speed runs parallel to the beach, 50 m from sand. Wind gains force as you head towards Vieille Nouvelle — be aware. Sandbanks at Ayrolle exit. Marin: onshore waves. Sandy bottom. Vives (weever fish) — water shoes.
Intermediate
Open all year round
Year-round. Best April-October. Défi Wind May (8-17 May 2026). Akila Center open seasonally. Camping-car area near the beach. Train + bus from Narbonne in summer (Citibus). Plage des Chalets iconic filming location (37°2 le matin / Betty Blue).
Parking at Akila base des Chalets. Access via narrow passage near Clos de l'Estret, or via port exit. Camping-car area near beach. All amenities in Gruissan: restaurants, accommodation, shops. 15 min from Narbonne.
Tramontane OFFSHORE: pushes to sea. Wind unstable at the Chalets due to buildings behind — but stabilizes once past the breakwater towards Vieille Nouvelle. Wind can gain 10+ knots between Gruissan and Port-la-Nouvelle — can end up suddenly over-powered. Sandbanks at Ayrolle outlet — go wide. Weever fish (vives) all along the beach, especially summer — water shoes recommended.
Tramontane (NW): dominant. Offshore flat. Unstable at the Chalets (buildings) — stabilizes past the breakwater. +10 knots between Gruissan and Port-la-Nouvelle — can get overpowered. Blows in periods of 3-6 days, April-October mainly. Marin (SE): onshore waves, freeride. Défi Wind spot — 40 km marathon course to Vieille Nouvelle. Fall-back from Vieille Nouvelle when too strong.
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