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Houlgate - Côte Fleurie (Natural Pools) kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
France · Normandie
Overview
Houlgate is a renowned kitesurf spot on Normandy's Côte Fleurie, 2h15 from Paris, between Cabourg and Deauville. "The pearl of the Côte Fleurie" is famous for its natural pools (cuvettes) formed at low tide — a unique feature that creates protected, calm water zones ideal for progression and flat water tricks.
The beach is wide and sandy with good space even in busy periods. Works mainly from W to NE. The cliff of the Vaches Noires to the east somewhat disrupts easterly winds. Off-season (October to May): no restrictions, full beach available. The Kite Paradise school has been on site since 2008 and offers a unique service: the only sea water-ski school in Normandy.
Spot forecast for Houlgate - Côte Fleurie (Natural Pools)
Sunrise 08:27 · Sunset 19:02
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Tides
Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 3.7 km from the spot.
- Monday 19 October High tide · 6.1 m Low tide · 6 m High tide · 6 m Low tide · 3.8 m High tide · 6.1 m Low tide · 6 m High tide · 6.1 m Low tide · 3.8 m
- Tuesday 20 October High tide · 3.9 m Low tide · 3.8 m High tide · 5.9 m Low tide · 5.9 m High tide · 6.1 m Low tide · 4.1 m High tide · 4.1 m Low tide · 3.9 m High tide · 6.3 m
- Wednesday 21 October Low tide · 3.4 m High tide · 6.5 m Low tide · 3.4 m High tide · 6.6 m
- Thursday 22 October Low tide · 2.9 m High tide · 6.9 m Low tide · 2.9 m High tide · 7 m
- Friday 23 October Low tide · 2.4 m High tide · 7.3 m Low tide · 2.4 m High tide · 7.4 m
Houlgate - Côte Fleurie (Natural Pools): when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
269h
in July · 25.5 rideable days
The season runs from April to September, peaking in July: 22 rideable days a month and 269 hours of usable wind, at 19 °C. The low point is December, at 11.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 74% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at 7 °C. The wettest month is January, with 105 mm.
Monthly averages: Houlgate - Côte Fleurie (Natural Pools)
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.5 | 104 h | 7 °C | 105 mm |
| February | 13.0 | 104 h | 10 °C | 65 mm |
| March | 15.0 | 136 h | 12 °C | 45 mm |
| April | 17.5 | 180 h | 15 °C | 34 mm |
| May | 22.0 | 239 h | 17 °C | 72 mm |
| June | 23.0 | 216 h | 20 °C | 45 mm |
| July | 25.5 | 269 h | 22 °C | 79 mm |
| August | 24.0 | 228 h | 23 °C | 22 mm |
| September | 19.0 | 161 h | 19 °C | 90 mm |
| October | 13.5 | 117 h | 16 °C | 66 mm |
| November | 12.5 | 99 h | 12 °C | 72 mm |
| December | 11.5 | 96 h | 9 °C | 41 mm |
Photo gallery of Houlgate - Côte Fleurie (Natural Pools)
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Houlgate - Côte Fleurie (Natural Pools) spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
Depending on conditions: ENE, E, WSW.
Local association recommendations
Kite Paradise — kitesurf, wingfoil, waterski school on site since 2008. Max 4 students, annual equipment (F-ONE, Slingshot, Flysurfer). Boat for offshore sessions by land wind. Affiliated AFKite n°08915. 78 Rue des Bains, Houlgate. kiteparadise.fr
Spot labeled FFVL.
Spot functioning
Off-season (October 1 – May 31): no restrictions anywhere on the beach. In summer: mandatory kite zone for preparation and all kite activity; mandatory exit and entry via the 300 m channel. At low tide by sea wind: flat water, ideal for beginners and schools. At high tide by offshore wind: the school goes out by boat for open-water lessons.
Kite Paradise school: 78 Rue des Bains, Houlgate. Lessons daily, group max 4, complete equipment provided. kiteparadise.fr
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Beginner
Wind specificities
Works mainly from W to NE. NW: the standard normand wind, side-onshore port tack, always creates a small swell. NE: less frequent but reliable when it comes, often stronger than forecast — side-onshore starboard. E/NE: be wary of the Falaise des Vaches Noires cliff which disrupts and channels the wind. Pure SE/S/SW: no safe practice on the beach — school goes out by boat. At low tide by sea wind, the natural pools (cuvettes) offer unique flat water zones, particularly valued for learning and technical freestyle.
Hazards
At high tide with large coefficients, launching becomes difficult and dangerous — space on the beach is minimal, wave shore break can be significant. Winter/autumn: the Falaise des Vaches Noires cliff to the east disrupts and accelerates NE wind — requires technical experience in this configuration. In peak season, the spot can be busy — walk to find a free zone.
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Live
Houlgate0.7 kmsource FFVL
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Additional stations
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station meteo bernard0.4 km
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source weathercloud
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DOZULE8.4 km
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source meteofrance
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