Are you looking for thrills and spills on the waves around France, with the added bonus of stunning seascapes, superb beaches, soft golden sand and a laid-back vibe? Kitesurfing is the ultimate watersport and offers all of that!
Sounds pretty exciting, right? France boasts a variety of destinations that provide ideal conditions for kitesurfing. Take a look at our selection of the best kitesurfing spots in France. Can you smell that salty sea air? The surf’s up and waiting, so will you answer the call of the waves?
Where and when to go kitesurfing in France: you’re spoilt for choice!
When is the best time to go kitesurfing? It all depends where you are. Along the Atlantic coast – which attracts not only surfers and windsurfers but plenty of kitesurfers too! – and particularly in southwestern France, the winds are at their best in autumn, thanks to those Atlantic weather systems. However, they can be more hit-or-miss in summer.
An insider tip from a seasoned kitesurfer: follow the Garonne northwest towards the ocean, and you’ll find the winds get stronger with every mile!
Speaking of the northwest, beautiful Brittany offers perfect kitesurfing conditions through spring, summer and autumn. And the south and the Mediterranean? In Leucate and Sète, it’s kitesurfing season all year round!
Here’s our selection of the best kitesurfing spots in France.
Leucate, THE place to be for kitesurfers in France
Port Leucate, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, is a premier spot for kitesurfing enthusiasts.
In a nutshell, here’s what makes Leucate special:
- Over 300 days of wind per year
- Perfect side-off winds
- Powerful 40-50 knot winds when the tramontane blows
- Home to the Mondial du Vent event
- Dream spots including La Franqui, the Leucate lagoon, Le Goulet, and Les Coussoules
There are plenty of well-established kitesurfing schools, offering everything from beginner lessons to advanced courses. With facilities that make things easy for novices and accommodation close to the beaches, you’re guaranteed a chilled experience right in the heart of the action.
Road-tested tip from a kitesurfer: book well ahead – or you could be left high and dry!
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Domaine la Franqui
Sète in Occitanie – breaking the south of France stereotype
Leaving the west coast behind, let’s head south to France’s Occitanie region. The Mediterranean has plenty to offer kitesurfing enthusiasts. Here, ideal weather conditions and kitesurfing amenities are available year-round:
- Strong winds creating waves throughout the year
- Perfect water temperatures
- Vast sandy beaches with convenient parking
- A special channel in summer, to avoid the beach crowds
Forget Point Break – here you’ll catch some real waves! Nicknamed the “Venice of Languedoc”, Sète has earned an excellent reputation among kitesurfers. The town’s beaches, such as L’Escudella beach, stretch some 12 kilometres and provide ideal conditions for kitesurfing.
Regular competitions draw a community of passionate kitesurfers to these prime spots. Embrace the exhilarating winds of Sète!
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Aloha
Blue Bayou
Les Tamaris
Les Vagues
The Quiberon Peninsula in Brittany – an unspoilt Atlantic gem
Now to Brittany… and will it be love at first sight? For kitesurfing enthusiasts, it’s a resounding yes! Exposed to Atlantic winds, the beaches of the Quiberon Peninsula are stunning and guarantee excellent conditions for kitesurfing. The Côte Sauvage is famous throughout France and beyond for its waves and spectacular scenery.
What else makes Brittany special?
- High-quality amenities
- Unspoilt natural setting
- Turquoise waters
- The region’s laid-back vibe
- Accommodation close to the kitesurfing spots
Plenty of crêpes and cider – Yec’hed mat! (that’s “cheers” in Breton!)
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Carnac
Assérac in Loire-Atlantique - the West’s quiet corner
Ah, the Côte d’Amour (the Love Coast!) – as the southern maritime façade of Brittany is known – is something special. Assérac is one of its kitesurfing spots, less crowded than its neighbours but all the more charming for it.
You can kitesurf here all year round, particularly at Pont-Mahé, with steady winds that blow mainly from southwest to northwest, although September and October see the strongest winds.
This is a place of family-friendly beaches and shallow waters, with kitesurfing schools and equipment rental making it easy to get started. What’s more, the uncrowded spots are perfect for beginners looking to find their feet! But experienced kitesurfers needn’t worry – there are plenty of spots with excellent waves. The area is also known for its peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxing once you’ve conquered the ocean waves.
In short, it’s an excellent choice whether you’re just starting out and want to practise at your own pace, or are simply looking for a peaceful spot to pursue your passion!
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Moulin de l'Eclis
Île de Ré in Charente-Maritime - an idyllic escape
The Île de Ré, with its steady winds, scenic landscapes, fine sandy beaches, and serene atmosphere… you can picture yourself there already, can’t you?
With its oceanic climate, kitesurfing is possible during the colder months, especially with the right wetsuit (4/3 mm and polar fleece). But the most pleasant time for kitesurfing is from April to October, when temperatures are warmer and winds more consistent.
The spots along the island’s east coast, such as La Couarde-sur-Mer or Rivedoux-Plage, offer perfect conditions for kitesurfers of all levels. Local kitesurfing schools provide lessons for beginners and courses for more experienced riders. The heavenly local produce is exquisitely fresh and worth the trip alone, while endless cycling paths beckon for romantic rides or family adventures. In other words, the Île de Ré is a dream destination for a sporting holiday, combined with some serious relaxation, in an idyllic French setting. Ready to set sail?
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Amis de la Plage
Luxury camping, the secret to the ultimate kitesurfing holiday
Are you a kitesurfer who appreciates comfort? Look no further! Sandaya’s deluxe campsites combine high-end facilities with a laid-back atmosphere, so you can really make the most of your holiday. Spacious, all-comfort mobile homes with their own private terraces, heated swimming pools, and facilities and services designed to deliver an exceptional camping experience, all just a pebble’s throw from the beach… everything you could wish for is right here!
Better still, these prime locations put you just minutes away from the best kitesurfing spots, so you can be on the water in no time.
Then, after a day of adventure, you can join in activities like yoga or theme nights.
Ready for the ultimate experience? Secure your pitch at a Sandaya campsite now for a holiday to remember!
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