France
The Military Base of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque is a kitesurf spot located south of the Salses-Leucate lagoon, on the border between Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales in Occitanie. The site occupies the location of an old seaplane base built in 1924 and commissioned in 1927, which reached its peak during the aeronautical tests of the first half of the 20th century before being partially destroyed during World War II. Today, only a few remnants of that era remain next to which many kitesurfers train.
It is a popular spot for its relatively well-suited sailing conditions for learning and progression, with shallow and calm water. The Salses-Leucate lagoon benefits from very good exposure to the prevailing wind coming from the Northwest, making it one of the best kitesurf spots in France with about 300 days of wind per year.
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 spot benefits from excellent exposure to the prevailing Northwest wind, which creates generally side-shore to side-on conditions that are very favorable. The launch area is located just behind the parking lot, with a rather large beach but where cars are parked a few dozen meters downwind. The ground is a mix of shells and small pebbles with some tufts of grass in certain areas, which requires checking that your lines are not tangled before takeoff.
The lagoon offers navigation in calm and shallow waters, ideal for learning. In strong wind, it is important to properly connect your kite and check your equipment before any launch. In On-Shore wind, it is necessary to stay away from the shore and the parking lot to maintain a sufficient safety margin. The wind is less strong than at the La Franqui spot, making progression more accessible.
The ideal conditions are with a regular and constant Northwest wind. The spot works well with moderate to strong wind, allowing for smooth and safe navigation. The 300 days of wind per year ensure regular sessions in optimal conditions.
The lagoon offers flat to slightly choppy water conditions depending on the wind conditions. The shallow and calm water creates ideal conditions for learning and progression. A good swell allows for high jumps in freestyle mode and at full speed. The conditions are generally very predictable and stable.
The current is generally weak in the Salses-Leucate lagoon, which facilitates navigation and progression. However, care should be taken near the channels where the current can be stronger. Tidal conditions slightly influence navigation, but the lagoon remains accessible at all tide levels.
The recommended kite sizes vary according to wind conditions and the rider's level. For beginners in light conditions, a 13-14m kite may be necessary. For medium conditions, 11-12m kites are ideal. For strong conditions, 9-10m kites are sufficient. The spot hosts kitesurfing schools that offer courses with equipment suitable for each level.
The prevailing wind regime comes from the Northwest with very good regularity. The spot benefits from about 300 days of wind per year, making it an exceptionally reliable destination. The thermal wind also allows for practice in summer. The conditions are generally stable and predictable, with wind blowing regularly throughout the year.
The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with regular wind conditions throughout the year. The spot works excellently during all months, with remarkable consistency in the wind regime. The conditions are particularly stable and predictable, making it a reliable destination for riders of all levels.
The lagoon offers a gradual depth with a sandy bottom. You can stand up at a significant distance from the shore, which greatly facilitates learning and progression. The shallow and gradual depth is one of the main features that makes this spot ideal for beginners and kitesurfing schools.
The water in the Salses-Leucate lagoon offers pleasant Mediterranean temperatures. In winter (January to March), the water is cool but manageable. In spring and autumn, the temperatures are moderate and comfortable. In summer, the water is warm and ideal for kitesurfing in light conditions.
