Plage Napoléon — one of the largest beaches in Camargue, 10 km of sand between the Rhône estuary and the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer. The seaside of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, at the gateway to the Camargue Regional Park, 40 min from Marseille and Arles. Renowned spot for the dominant Mistral — regular and often very strong wind, amplified by the Venturi effect of the Rhône valley. Huge water surface, often choppy. Surf kite enthusiasts: beautiful waves in S and SE! Home of Alexandre Caizergues (world speed champion). 2 km enclave zone ideal for speed — land yachts up to 90+ km/h. Rhône estuary on the right: lunar landscape for 5 km. La Gracieuse: 6 km accessible by boat or on foot. End point of the ViaRhôna (815 km cycling path Geneva to Plage Napoléon).
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When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 44% of rideable hours.
Big-kite territory.
The coldest month is January, at 12 °C. The wettest month is December, with 140 mm.
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Plage Napoléon spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, NNW.
RideableNot rideable
Local association recommendations
Booster-Kite: kitesurf/wingfoil school in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, max 3 students/instructor, radio helmet — booster-kite.fr. Mistral Kite Passion: kitesurf school in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. Kitesurf.fr: kitesurf shop, 8 rue Pasteur, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. Alexandre Caizergues: local hero, world speed champion — local pride!
Spot functioning
Access: from Marseille A55 then Martigues then D268 then Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. Or from Arles / Fos-sur-Mer. Cross the town, pass the port, cross the blue swing bridge, roundabout then direction "Plage Napoléon." Route de Napoléon, 13230 Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. Sailable from SW to NE. N/NW Mistral: dominant wind, strong and regular (Venturi effect). S/SW: best surf conditions, onshore, beautiful waves. SE: waves + Rhône currents. NE/E: unstable wind (coastal relief). W and beyond: pushes offshore if you don't master upwind sailing. Summer: water surface divided into zones, southern part reserved for swimming/fishing. Lifeguarded beach June 15 to August 31 (9am-5pm).
Spot opening date · Required level
Spot opening date
Open all year round
Required level
Intermediate
Parking
Developed parking on the sand, as close to the water as possible. Paid in summer (mid-June to end of August, 9am-5pm, approx. 4 euros). Free off-season. Small parking at the entrance: prohibited in summer, tolerated off-season. DO NOT park during storm warnings — waves regularly flood the beach.
Wind specificities
N/NW Mistral: dominant wind, regular and often very strong (Venturi effect from the Rhône valley). Legendary speed conditions. On ultra-laminar S days without rain: exceptional conditions too. S/SW: best surf kite conditions — onshore, beautiful waves rolling along the beach. SE (Marin): waves + strong currents (Rhône estuary) — caution. NE/E: unstable and turbulent wind (coastal relief creates obstacle). Usable but not ideal. Pure W / WNW: pushes offshore if you don't master upwind sailing — prefer Carteau for protected flat water.
Hazards
Powerful waves in SE and SW — imposing in heavy weather, skill level required. Strong currents: near the Rhône estuary — do not approach, risk of being swept away. NE/E: coastal relief makes the wind unstable and turbulent. Driftwood: numerous debris in the water and on the shore (proximity to Rhône). During storm warnings: waves flood the parking area, do not park there! Many swimmers in summer — respect supervised swimming zones. Sailing regulated by municipal decree (No. 2015/982). Access to Anse de Carteau from Napoléon specified in the decree. Paid parking in summer (mid-June to end of August, 9am-5pm, approx. 4 euros).
