France
The beach of La Bonne Anse in La Palmyre, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is a protected bay ideal for kitesurfing. There is a large lagoon of 2.5 km by 2.5 km at high tide, with a very shallow bottom that dries almost at low tide. It is a popular spot for beginners thanks to its dedicated area and calm water, but experienced riders also navigate here without any issues.
The fine sandy beach extends with a small port to the south. At low tide, beautiful sandbanks appear, offering paradisiacal views. The Accrokite school, affiliated with IKO, offers lessons in a safe environment, away from the wild ocean waves.
The spot works with winds from NW to SE, except for north and northeast, and is suitable for all levels due to its flat water and gradual depth.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
flatflatThe bay of La Bonne Anse is oriented west-northwest, with side-on winds perfect from SW, W, and NW coming perpendicular or at an angle to the beach. SE and S winds are also side-shore, while NW can become slightly side-off at the edge. The water surface is flat offshore, with a bit of chop near the coast when there is strong wind.
At high tide, the lagoon is 2.5x2.5 km, ideal for wide navigation without risking the edge. The launch area is on the sandy beach, with a tidal-sized take-off/landing zone reserved for kiters near the esplanade. At low tide, it dries almost everywhere, you can stand on the sandbanks, perfect for practicing at the edge but navigation is limited.
Main navigation area in the center of the bay, avoid the south near the port and the Pride d'Ars channel to the west. The Accrokite school has an exclusive groomed area for students, without bathers. In summer, consistent wind 8-20 knots, great for progressing safely.
The ideal conditions are with 10-20 knots from SW, W, or NW on the rising tide. The side-on wind allows for easy jibes and a smooth water surface for freestyle or freeride.
The water surface is generally flat and protected from ocean waves by the bay. A slight chop forms with sustained wind. At low tide, flat sandbanks are ideal for touching the bottom everywhere.
Currents are strong at low tide, especially near the Pride d'Ars channel which can carry you offshore. Prefer the rising tide for a more serene navigation. At high tide, the current is weak in the closed bay.
Opt for sizes from 9 to 11 m² in light wind 8-15 knots, and 7 to 9 m² when it blows around 20 knots or more. In gusts up to 40, go down to 6-7 m².
The wind is consistent in summer, often between 8 and 20 knots, which can rise to 40 knots in season. The dominant directions come from SW, W, and NW, with a thermal regime during the day. There is no specific local name, but NW is the most consistent for good sessions.
The climate is mild oceanic, warm in summer with temperatures around 25°C and cold in winter around 8-10°C. The best months for riding are from April to October, with stable conditions and little rain. In winter, it can be chilly but the wind remains reliable.
The depth is very shallow, you can stand up to 50-100 m from the shore even at high tide. The bottom is entirely sandy with emerging banks at low tide, perfect for falls without risk.
In summer, the water is around 18-22°C from June to September. In spring and autumn, expect 14-18°C, and 10-13°C in winter. A 4/3 wetsuit is recommended outside the summer season.
