Etang de La Palme
Leucate - France
Spot Type
Chop
Water
Dark - Clear
Beach
Rocky
Rider Lever
beginner
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Chop
Rider Skill
beginner
Crowd
Few people on the spot
Beach Type
Rocky
Water Quality
Dark - Clear
Tide Influence
Tide independent
Description of Etang de La Palme (France)
Etang de La Palme, about 5 km north of Leucate in southwest France, is a great beginner kite spot. Its knee-to-waist-deep water, consistent Tramontane wind, and forgiving layout make it ideal for learning or progressing. Close to shore, it's mostly flat, with manageable chop further out—great for carving and early tricks. The sandy bottom has some rocky areas, and sharp shells at launch mean booties are a must.
The Tramontane, a strong NW wind, blows around 85% of the time and can hit 30–40 knots. When it’s off, the Marin brings lighter, warmer SE winds—kiteable with bigger sizes. Bring a 9–12m quiver; I’m 75 kg and usually ride a 10m. There’s no setup at the water, so be self-sufficient. EB-Kite in town is reliable for gear or lessons.
It can feel tight with 20+ riders, but outside July–August, there’s usually plenty of room. The best seasons are spring and fall—April, May, October, and November. Water’s warm enough for boardshorts late spring to early fall; bring a full wetsuit for winter and always pack sun protection.
Freestylers will love the flat water, freeriders can cruise for hours, and wakestylers can find small kickers (no sliders unless you bring one). Big air is possible on strong Tramontane days, though gusts make it hit-or-miss. Hydrofoiling is doable in deeper areas, but better for intermediates.
Post-session, there’s little nearby—stash snacks in the car. Domaine de La Palme campsite is 5 minutes away, run by friendly kiters who give live wind updates. On no-wind days, explore inland trails or visit Perpignan or Montpellier. For progression in a low-key, reliable spot, La Palme delivers.
Spot Gallery (4)
Spot best suited for
Spot profile
Travel spot
The typical kite travel destination, it is known for its great conditions, and kiters from around the world come here for their vacations.
Family spot
Located in an area that offers amenities for all the family and can provide good alternatives for everyone when the kiters are in the water.
Local spot
Maybe not be worth a real journey to reach this spot, but great if you live close by and it is a windy day. In the end, being out on the water feels great anywhere
Equipment
You’ll want a good range of kite sizes – I’d bring 9m to 12m for average 75 kg riders, or bring smaller if you’re aiming to ride strong Tramontane gusts. A wetsuit is necessary in the cooler months – 4/3 mm in winter and early spring; you can get away with a shorty in summer. Definitely pack quality surf shoes – lots of sharp shells at the shoreline and launch, so bare feet are a bad idea.
Wind Conditions
Main wind directions
% of Windy days per month
Wind Speed Range
From 15 to 40 Knots
Suggested sizes
7 mt and below
8 - 9 mt
10 - 11 mt
12 - 13 mt
Forecast on Windy.com
Dangers
At Etang de La Palme, sharp shells line the shore—boots are a must. The bottom is mostly sandy with rocky spots, so watch your footing. Walking back is easy, but check for deep patches.
The Tramontane brings gusty winds—rig smaller and keep your kite low near launch. Avoid power lines by setting up near the lagoon. No lifeguards, but decent cell coverage and friendly locals help.
Space is tight, so coordinate launches. After rain, water gets murky—rinse your gear. Summer evenings bring mosquitoes, so pack down quickly.
Location
Closest City
Leucate
How to get There
Fly into Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport (PGF) and rent a car – you’ll need one. Drive south toward Leucate, then take the D709 north past the village of La Palme. The spot is right off the roadside; you’ll see cars parked up and kiters rigging in the pull-off areas. Alternatively, if you're road tripping from Toulouse or even Montpellier, you're only a couple of hours away – it's pretty well connected by routes A9 or D6009.
Access
Publicly accessible. You can park your car directly off the D709 road, right near the lagoon’s edge. There’s a sand and gravel turnout with space for a handful of vehicles. No gate or barrier. From there it’s a short walk (literally 5–10 meters) over the shelly shoreline to the launch zone. No signage, no lifeguard, no facilities.
What to do besides kitesurfing
Etang de La Palme is a quiet, no-frills kite spot—great for riding and unwinding. The nearby town has bakeries, cafés, and fresh oysters from local farms.
Stay at Domaine de La Palme campsite—kiters run it, it’s clean, and just 10 minutes from the lagoon. On no-wind days, explore biking trails, vineyards, or visit nearby towns like Perpignan.
There’s no food, water, or signal at the lagoon, so come prepared. EB-Kite in Leucate offers gear and lessons. It’s a laid-back, authentic spot where kiters ride, relax, and connect.