Etang de Lacanau
Lacanau-Ville - France
Spot Type
Chop
Water
Dark - Clear
Beach
Sand
Rider Lever
beginner
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Chop
Rider Skill
beginner
Crowd
Few people on the spot
Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Dark - Clear
Tide Influence
All tide levels with different conditions (chop - flat - wave)
Description of Etang de Lacanau (France)
Etang de Lacanau is one of those spots that draws you in slowly. It might not have the high-octane reef breaks or the drama of ocean swell, but this lake in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, offers a really fun kiting playground that’s especially suited for anyone dialing in their skills or easing into the sport.
The water here is shallow with a mostly sandy bottom, making it super forgiving if you're still figuring out riding toe-side or landing that first backroll. You get a good amount of space to launch and land on a soft, sandy beach, which means fewer worries if you're not a ninja with your kite just yet.
What makes Etang de Lacanau particularly sweet is the thermal wind. When it kicks in between June and August, it usually fills in reliably from mid-afternoon and sticks around long enough for solid sessions. It comes mainly from the northeast or northwest, sometimes southeast, depending on local weather systems. Expect wind between 10 to 20 knots, ideal for 9m or 11m kites most days, and the local microclimate helps maintain decent consistency even when surrounding forecasts can look doubtful.
One detail I love? Since the lake heats up quickly, the thermal starts punching in nicely earlier in the summer than you'd expect. The spot can get a bit choppy when the wind’s cranking — not ocean chop but enough bumps to challenge your balance. It’s a bonus for freestyle, though, because you can use the little kickers to throw something off. If you’re into hydrofoiling, the spot works, but you'll want to go deeper north in the lake to avoid scraping bottom.
Lacanau-Ville nearby makes logistics easy too. You’ve got parking, places to grab food, and even some kite shops around to replace bits you inevitably forget or break. It’s not crazy crowded, which is refreshing in Europe — just a handful of locals and a few summer riders. Early mornings and late evenings are quietest if you dig solo sessions. It’s not a high-adrenaline spot, and that’s part of the charm. You come here to ride easily, get solid practice, and enjoy a laid-back French vibe with really friendly people.
Spot Gallery (3)
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.
Equipment
Bring at least a 9m and 11m kite to handle wind variations, especially in summer when thermal conditions pump in 10-20 knot winds. A lighter kite like a 7m could come in handy on windier days, but you’ll rarely need anything smaller. Wetsuit-wise, a shorty usually does the trick from late spring through early fall. If you’re riding early morning or later in the season, a 3/2 full suit might feel n
Wind Conditions
Main wind directions
% of Windy days per month
Wind Speed Range
From 6 to 20 Knots
Suggested sizes
8 - 9 mt
10 - 11 mt
12 - 13 mt
14 mt and above
Forecast on Windy.com
Dangers
Etang de Lacanau is great for beginners, but thermal winds can ramp up fast—12 to 20 knots in minutes. Rig smart and stay alert, especially near trees or in changing weather.
Share the lake respectfully—watch for SUPs, sailboats, and stay within marked kite zones. The sandy, shallow bottom is ideal for learning, but check for weeds and sticks near marshy areas.
No strong currents, but storms can bring sudden gusts. A helmet or impact vest is a good call if you’re still learning. Respect the rules and locals, and you’ll have a smooth session.
Location
Closest City
Lacanau-Ville
How to get There
The easiest way to get to Etang de Lacanau is by car. From Bordeaux, it’s about a 50-minute drive west. The nearest airport is Bordeaux-Mérignac, with lots of flights from across Europe. Once you land, rent a car — public transit will only take you partway, and having your own wheels makes getting to the lake and exploring nearby coastlines way smoother.
Access
Publicly accessible without fees or private restrictions.
What to do besides kitesurfing
After your session, Lacanau-Ville offers bakeries, cafés, pizza, bars, and a laid-back vibe—no tourist overload. You'll find gear shops and summer kite schools that serve the lake.
Stays are easy: campsites, Airbnbs, and hotels within 10 minutes. The lake has swim zones and picnic spots for families. No wind? Head 25 minutes west to Lacanau-Océan for surfing or hit pine forest bike trails for something mellow.
Bordeaux is just an hour away—perfect for food, wine, and markets. July–August gets busy, so book ahead. May or September is quieter with good wind. Learn a few French kite terms and stay friendly at launch—keeps the vibe relaxed.