kitesurfing on Leucate - La Franqui

Country and Location

---

France is a country located in Western Europe, with several overseas islands and territories located on other continents. Metropolitan France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. It is often referred to as L'Hexagone ("The Hexagon") because of the geometric shape of its territory. France is a unitary semi-presidential republic with its main ideals expressed in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

Leucate is on the Mediterranean coast of France. It is part of the eastern Corbières Mountains, which are called the Corbières maritimes. It is around 30 km (19 mi) south of Narbonne, and around 30 km (19 mi) north of Perpignan.


Leucate is a community of typical villages lying among a unique natural landscape. Leucate combines history, gastronomical treasures (oysters, wine, seafood) and cultural and sporting events as well as various types of famous festivals all year long. One of the most sporting events is The Mondial du Vent, that was created in 1996 and has progressively become a major kitesurfing and windsurfing international event. A unique and simple concept, which gets the kitesurfers and windsurfers together, to celebrate the Wind.


The seasons and Accommodation info

---

South of France has usually nice weather and good temperatures. Air and water temperatures are usually correct from April to October. During winter a wetsuit is needed. Leucate has plenty of accomodations of all types.

Possibilities besides kiting

---

Besides kitesurfing you can:
-windsurf
-enjoy rafting/canyoning
-go fishing/cycling/diving + much more



Climate

---

This area enjoys hot summers and generally mild winters. The moderate temperatures allow palm, cork, oak, olive and lemon trees to flourish, as well as flamingos and wild horses. The winter can see heavy downpours abd cold katabatic winds from the Pyrenees.


Spot conditions:
The beach

---

The sandy beach offers numerous safe launches.




The water conditions

---

Nice clean water, no particular current and no tide dependency for riding.


The wind conditions

---

The reason behind the reputation of Leucate for kitesurfing and other windsports are the howling Tramontana winds.
The Tramontana rules from the Spanish border to Montpellier and it occurs year-round. However, high-season is undoubtedly winter and spring. When the Tramontana is blowing, is is offshore so may want to go to the lagoon at La Palme. Dispite the gusty wind and small waves, this remains one of the most popular places to kite in the