La Franqui is a residential zone located in Leucate, in the south of France. It receives constant winds, around 300 days a year. At this spot you can enjoy the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby saltwater lakes. Every April the Mondial du Vent event is held for elite kite and windsurfers. It also became a host for the Kiteboarding and Freestyle World Tour (PKRA). The Étang de Leucate is very near to the spot. It’s a lake where you can stand comfortably and sail without any restrictions so it’s perfect for beginners and freestylers looking for flat and choppy conditions. However, you must pay attention not to sail too close to the shore so you don’t damage your fins. Les Coussoules is like a continuation of La Franqui, towards the north, so the conditions there are very similar.
Conditions
This spot can vary from being flat, choppy or even wavy. The Tramontana wind (NW) brings good conditions for Race and Freestyle. It can sometimes reach 40 knots. With Marin (SE), it brings waves, most of which break on the shore. The best conditions come when the Marin changes to Tramontana as the waves become cleaner, however this isn’t very common and, if it happens, it only lasts a few hours.
The Tramontana wind is strong, offshore and gusty. The Marin is side-onshore and tends to be more moderate. The best winds come between spring and autumn, from the middle of February through to October. It’s a long beach, without rocks so it’s easy to launch the kite. In the Étang de Leucate you can sail without any restrictions. You can easily stand in the lake, making it safer, but be careful not to sail too close to the shoreline so you don’t damage your fins. It works all year round but it’s difficult during July and August because there are many swimmers.
The Tramontana wind is strong, offshore and gusty. The Marin is side-onshore and tends to be more moderate. The best winds come between spring and autumn, from the middle of February through to October. It’s a long beach, without rocks so it’s easy to launch the kite. In the Étang de Leucate you can sail without any restrictions. You can easily stand in the lake, making it safer, but be careful not to sail too close to the shoreline so you don’t damage your fins. It works all year round but it’s difficult during July and August because there are many swimmers.
Optimal Conditions
Suggested Spots
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