This is the site of the largest windsurfing event in the world: Defi Wind. Every year in May about a thousand (that\'s 1000) sail this event; and even more register. Amateurs, professionals, and all kinds of windsurfers gather here from all over the globe for this truly epic event - which has also been called the biggest water sports event ever. The infamous Tramontana north winds begin in late spring in the Mediterranean. This creates an area of relatively flat water in side-offshore conditions, which would normally have waves in south winds. So the conditions are ideal for slalom or racing during the event. The town of Gruissan is a small, quaint, tourist center, with the wicked ruins of a tower overlooking the nearby estuaries; once a fort that protected a nearby inlet. The beach has lessons and rentals available. Details are still pending about general public access and entry fees.
Gruissan Plage, France is a Shallow, Flat, Small waves and Medium waves spot. It is a kitesurfing spot for riders of Any Level. Recommended wind for kitesurfing is wind coming from SE and NW . Kitesurfing conditions do not depend on Tide on this spot. The spot presents a few things you need to be careful about. Please refer to the Riding Conditions section below.
How to get there
From Narbonne drive southeast to Gruissan. Then along the channel further east to Gruissan Plage.
Wind and Weather Conditions
Nice temperatures, air and water. During winter a wetsuit is needed. It is in the South of France so expect nice weather. Recommended wind for kitesurfing is wind coming from SE and NW . There is Thermal wind at Gruissan Plage, France. The dominant wind is the Tramontane, no other wind has really a chance against it. It is a wind which blows from Northwest. This wind is created by an anticyclone over the south west of France and a depression over the Mediterranean. When the Tramontane blows it normally blows very strong. Statistics say that there are 300 days a year with a wind over force four. The other wind direction is the Marin which blows from SE. Ride south with Tramontane and north with Marin. Wind usually blows from SE and NW on the spot. The best moments to come to Gruissan Plage, France are January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December .
Beach and Tide Conditions
Kitesurfing conditions do not depend on Tide on this spot. Gruissan Plage, France is a Shallow, Flat, Small waves and Medium waves spot. The launching/landing area is reported to be of Tidal size. Sandy and stones. To the north small to medium waves with SE wind. Flat and shallow to the south with Tramontane (sideoffshore).