Leucate is one of the best surfing regions in Europe: still accessible by car from Germany, always warmer than Germany, blessed with incredible wind statistics and a large selection of spots, every windsurfer gets their money's worth here - whether summer or autumn, whether beginner or budding pro!
"If you're a good wind chaser, you'll find a spot with a gliding wind almost every day." (Jean Souville)
The best time to travel is probably in spring and autumn - as is so often the case in Europe, this is when the wind is most likely to blow and the temperatures are still nice and warm. The crowds of tourists that flock here in summer are also fewer by then. But: the wind blows very frequently here all year round and the temperatures are still bearable even in winter. You won't have to worry about the right time of year to enjoy a fantastic surfing holiday here...
Wind
The main wind direction here is north to north-west - the cool, often strong Tramontana which originates in the high altitudes of the nearby Pyrenees. In the winter months from September to April, it is the weather boss here - often with over 30 knots. In summer, the Tramontana is supported by the Marin, a thermally strengthened wind from an easterly to south-easterly direction. The statistics for this region say enough in themselves: in the last 25 years, there has been a crosswind on average 40 per cent of the days of the year, often with over 25 knots. If you have a car and can drive to the right spots nearby, you will find a surfable spot almost every day!
The spots:
One spot follows the next along the Mediterranean coast. TheTramontana (from a north-westerly direction) usually blows offshore here - so even experienced surfers should not go out on the water alone, especially in the colder months. If something breaks, the next piece of land is North Africa! The advantage of the offshore wind is that the water remains as smooth as glass close to shore - an El Dorado for practising manoeuvres and heating up. However, there are wonderful alternatives, especially for intermediates, as there are numerous, often shallow lakes (French: Étang) along the Mediterranean coast. There's no need to fear gale-force winds here, the nearest shore is never far away and you can simply walk back to shore through shallow water if necessary.
In the far north of the lake is the Le Goulet spot, where there are some standing areas and the Wesh Centre with the latest Naish equipment and a bar. The water is still smooth here, even with hack, and there are a few stones in the water. The neighbouring bay Les Pecheurs is calmer, the water is deeper and the chop is a little bigger. There is a surf school on site Fun Club . The Eole spot is bordered by a sandbank and is therefore somewhat smaller, but is particularly shallow and safe and a top tip for intermediates. You can also get out on the water here in an easterly wind.
Important: In the summer months, a seaweed fin is an absolute must!
Accommodation
In July and August, the whole of France is on holiday at the same time - advance reservations are essential. In the early and late season, you are much cheaper and can travel without a reservation. In France, it is still quite common to enquire about available rooms at the tourist office, and many landlords advertise their capacities there even in times of the internet. In the low season, wild camping is tolerated in many places, but in the high season you will be charged! There are height restrictions of 1.90 metres on many beaches.
Journey
There is a well-developed motorway network, so that even the 1200 to 2000 kilometres from Germany are easy to drive. In France, you should expect to pay a toll of around five euros per 100 kilometres. If you prefer to fly, you should definitely check the destination airport of Perpignan. It is served by many low-cost airlines.
For real Leucate fans it is also worthwhile detailed travel report with lots of information about the spots in the corner of Leucate to check out .
