Cavaliere (Le Lavandou)

Cavalière (Le Lavandou) is a sandy, medium-sized beach known for crystal-clear water and generally small waves with chop—an environment that suits controlled freeride-style sessions, especially for intermediate riders. Launch and landing can be tricky because the beach can be narrow and close to the road, so precise kite handling is important, particularly near the shore. Wind is typically discussed in terms of southerly to southwesterly flows (S, SSW, SW) as well as easterly conditions (NE/E/SE), and kitesurfing sessions are often described as most enjoyable when winds are coming in on those directions. Reported typical wind strength is roughly 12–25 knots. Gustiness is noted as moderate, with the bay sheltered from the north and northwest in a way that can make Mistral (NW) days particularly gusty and offshore. For kitesurfing, local guidance emphasizes launching downwind of the harbour wall to reduce the effect of shorebreak further along the beach. Safety is a central concern: hazards include swimmers, ships/boats, a nearby bridge/jetty structure, and moored boats (especially during warmer months). During summer, strict zoning applies—kitesurfing can be restricted to designated channels or banned during peak beach hours to protect swimmers. On the seasonal side, lifeguard service is described as seasonal (May–September) with an on-site poste de secours, and emergency help can be reached via 112. Water visibility is consistently highlighted, and temperatures across the year range from cold winter waters (about 13–14°C in January/February) up to summer warmth (mid-20s°C). Overall, the spot is commonly treated as a practical option for wind sports in off-season and shoulder conditions, when beach space is less congested and boat moorings are reduced.