Where can you kitesurf in the Landes?

Les Landes is a department in south-western France that’s popular for kitesurfing and other water sports. Whether you’re a fan of surfing (shortboard, longboard, paddle) or kitesurfing (twintip, strapless, foil), the Atlantic coast offers a wide variety of spots. From fast, hollow waves to big breakers, not forgetting lakes for flat sessions, you’ll find spots to suit every taste and level. Discover 3 perfect spots for kitesurfing in the Landes.

Lake Hourtin

Lac d’Hourtin is a paradise for kitesurfers in the Landes region of France. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this spot offers ideal conditions for freestyle kitesurfing. Exposed to the prevailing winds and benefiting from thermals ranging from 2 to 5 Beaufort, it is considered one of the best spots in the Aquitaine region and the South-West to learn and progress in kitesurfing.

Lac d’Hourtin has a special kitesurfing area on its eastern shore. Covering an area of around 2 km by 800 m, it offers ample space for safe kitesurfing. Westerly, northerly and southerly winds enable a wide range of kitesurfing activities. Whether you want to learn to kitesurf or perfect your skills, Lac d’Hourtin in the Landes region of France offers a magnificent setting and optimal conditions for experiencing sensations on the water.

Lacanau

The south beach at Lacanau is a perfect spot for kitesurfing in the Landes. It’s quite large, and the space for sailing is very pleasant. However, only the south beach is open during the day, and only in summer. So don’t hesitate to walk away from the beach where there are fewer people. The best wind direction is north-westerly, which comes in side-on. Expect large 10 m² to 12 m² wings, but as luck would have it, there’s often a thermal effect, so you’ll have to go for the smaller 7 m² to 9 m² sizes.

At high tide, the waves are beautiful, but beware of the shore break, which can be powerful and not always easy to get through strapless.

Seignosse

Seignosse’s main kitesurfing spot is on the Estagnots beach. From June to September, a dedicated kitesurfing area is signposted during supervised swimming hours. The waves are great, with straight lines usually no bigger than a metre, ideal for learning strapless. As for the wind, it’s north to northwest. It usually picks up around 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is fairly light (between 10 and 18 knots). So get out the big tarpaulins.