La Rochelle
La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, France
La Rochelle offers year-round watersports from two distinct beaches. Les Minimes works at all tides with W–NW winds — rocky bottom, so booties are essential. Aytré's sheltered flat-water bay suits beginners around high tide. Schools, parking and the city's restaurants are minutes away. Kitesurf is restricted at Les Minimes in summer.
Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Wind directions: SW, W, NW
Water: Flat, Chop
Bottom: Sand, Rock
Sports: Wingfoil, Kiting, Windsurf