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Hourtin-lac kitesurf spot
France · Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Overview
Hourtin lake is one of the best beginner and intermediate kitesurf spots in southwest France, located on the largest natural lake in France (5,500 hectares). The flat fresh water, consistent southwest to northwest winds and wide sandy beach make it an ideal learning environment. Several kite schools operate here. A dedicated kite zone is marked with yellow buoys — practice outside this zone is prohibited. The lake also has a weather station providing live wind data.
Spot forecast for Hourtin-lac
Sunrise 08:26 · Sunset 19:11
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Hourtin-lac: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
193h
in July · 23 rideable days
The season runs from May to August, peaking in July: 21 rideable days a month and 193 hours of usable wind, at 24 °C. The low point is December, at 7 days.
Kiting is forbidden here from 8h to 20h, between 01/07 and 31/08. Juillet-août : zone de baignade interdite aux engins à voile en journée. Navigation kite uniquement hors zone balisée ou avant 8h / après 20h The spot is only open from 01/04 to 31/10. Saison principale — zone balisée par bouées jaunes
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 86% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is April, at 17 °C. The wettest month is September, with 95 mm.
Monthly averages: Hourtin-lac
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January closed | 12.5 | 102 h | 10 °C | 92 mm |
| February closed | 9.5 | 81 h | 12 °C | 107 mm |
| March closed | 12.0 | 93 h | 14 °C | 96 mm |
| April | 16.0 | 135 h | 17 °C | 62 mm |
| May | 22.5 | 184 h | 19 °C | 69 mm |
| June | 20.5 | 157 h | 24 °C | 58 mm |
| July hours | 23.0 | 193 h | 25 °C | 9 mm |
| August hours | 19.0 | 112 h | 26 °C | 48 mm |
| September | 14.5 | 135 h | 21 °C | 95 mm |
| October | 11.5 | 105 h | 19 °C | 80 mm |
| November closed | 8.0 | 54 h | 15 °C | 73 mm |
| December closed | 7.0 | 53 h | 11 °C | 63 mm |
Photo gallery of Hourtin-lac
Spot video
Technical details of Hourtin-lac spot
The spot works with winds from S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
Local association recommendations
FFVL certified spot
Spot functioning
The kite zone is to the left when arriving on the beach, marked by yellow buoys. Rigging area also on the left. Strictly respect the designated zones, especially in summer when swimmers are numerous. The zone is enforced by local police. Parking with 2m height limit. Access from Hourtin town via the Avenue du Lac — parking on the left upon arrival at the lake.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
-
- Open : from 01/04 to 31/10
Saison principale — zone balisée par bouées jaunes - Closed : from 01/07 to 31/08 (08:00 – 20:00)
Juillet-août : zone de baignade interdite aux engins à voile en journée. Navigation kite uniquement hors zone balisée ou avant 8h / après 20h
Open year-round. Best season: May to October. Summer brings consistent southwest to northwest winds. The lake is one of the most wind-reliable spots in the Gironde department. Kite schools open from May to September.
- Open : from 01/04 to 31/10
- Required level
- Beginner
On the water
Flat to slightly choppy freshwater lake — perfect for learning and progression. Sandy bottom near the beach shallowing progressively. No waves, no current, no shorebreak. In strong southwest wind, small chop of 0.2 to 0.5m develops. The largest natural lake in France gives a very wide wind window and long downwind runs.
Parking
Free parking at the beach. 2m height limit barrier — high vehicles must park on the road outside the peak summer season. Clean public toilets on site.
Wind specificities
Southwest to northwest winds are optimal, generated by Atlantic systems and thermal cycles. North-facing wind creates a significant wind shadow at takeoff — avoid pure north orientation. The lake's size generates its own thermal cycle on hot days. Wind is generally steady and smooth — ideal for beginners. The live weather station at the Kitezone School provides real-time data.
Hazards
Pine trees near the launch zone — be careful during takeoff with lines. Flat rock (alios) in some areas underwater — avoid shallow sections outside the main sandy zone. Do not practice outside the designated kite zone (yellow buoys) — forbidden and subject to police enforcement in summer. Foiling requires walking about 200m into the water for sufficient depth.
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Live
Kitezone School - Hourtin0.2 kmsource hourtin
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Webcams near Hourtin-lac
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Schools, shops and places to stay nearby
Directory: France
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