La Courtade (Porquerolles)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
La Courtade on Île de Porquerolles is a sandy, family-focused bay with exceptionally clear Mediterranean water and generally small-wave conditions. The sea floor is sand and the water is reported as shallow near shore, making it feel more forgiving for entry compared with rockier spots, though depth and bottom coverage can change with conditions. Wind is most often aligned with W to WNW to NW directions, commonly shaped by the Mistral. Typical reported wind strength is roughly 15–35 knots, with gusts described as moderate. Depending on the season, the spot can feel better protected at times (shelter from parts of the Mistral pattern by the island spine), but very near shore there can be localized turbulence near harbor structures. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are strongly affected by seasonal regulations. In summer, kitesurfing is reported as prohibited for a defined window (mid-June to mid-September) to protect swimmers, and there are strict no-launch zones in swimming areas within a coastal zone. In practice, the spot is best planned for an off-season session when restrictions ease and crowds are lower. Safety planning is important because anchored ships/boats operate in the bay, and the area includes protected Posidonia seagrass meadows. Avoid anchoring (even if you see grass), respect the marine reserve rules, and use the appropriate gear (at minimum helmet and impact protection; colder-water wetsuits are often recommended by season).
- Crystal-clear turquoise water in a protected area
- Mistral-driven wind exposure from W/WNW/NW
- Shallow sandy conditions with small waves
- Crystal-clear, conservation-protected waters with shallow flat-to-choppy conditions
- Wind exposure to W/WNW/NW (Mistral-driven) and sheltered conditions depending on swell
- Off-season tends to be quieter and more practical for riders
- Summer kitesurfing/windsurfing restrictions and no-launch zones in swimming areas
- Beach can be narrow and the space for kite setup/self-launch can be limited
- Anchored boats/ships in the bay
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade
- Reliability
- Moderate; highly dependent on the Mistral weather patterns.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Sheltered from the Mistral (NW) by the island spine; slight turbulence very close to shore near harbor structures to the west.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Long, narrow sandy strip.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Described as shallow flat-to-chop conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Gentle sandy slope with easy self-launch in general; however the beach can be narrow and limited for kite setup, especially during high water or with tourists.
Through the year
Low crowds in winter; extremely crowded with tourists and swimmers in July and August.
Occasional heavy rain in October and November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Best used in the off-season for freeride and foiling; summer use can be restricted by protected zones and swimmer regulations. Conditions are generally shallow and clear with small waves, but the beach can be narrow with limited space for self-launching.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Freeride and bump-and-jump/bumpy sessions when the Mistral blows; practice is regulated in the summer coastal zone and launch areas near swimmers.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Scenic, crystal-clear water suitable for foiling; depth increases quickly away from shore, but the approach from the ferry with gear can be taxing.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Minimum depth approximately 1 meter near the shore.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1 meter near the shore, quickly becoming deep enough for long masts.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for La Courtade (Porquerolles) in the full forecast view.
La Courtade (Porquerolles) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–20 ktsGusts 34 kts
- Direction
- NW309°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2420 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–2.2 m4s period
- Temperature
- 14–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, La Courtade (Porquerolles) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 34 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.2–2.2 m with a period of about 4s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Ships (anchored vessels in the bay, ships traffic)
- Posidonia seagrass meadows (can cover the beach depending on conditions; protected—do not anchor)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Contact the CROSS Med for maritime emergencies. Nearest medical facilities are on the mainland in Hyères (European emergency number 112).
Rules of the spot
Marine reserve rules apply: no anchoring on Posidonia/seagrass meadows; motorboats cannot enter the bay; kitesurfing and windsurfing are typically prohibited within the 300-meter coastal zone during summer (mid-June to mid-September). Practice is strictly regulated by the Port-Cros National Park.
- No anchoring on Posidonia (marine reserve).
- Summer ban for kitesurfing (June 15 to September 15).
- Strictly no-launch zones in swimming areas (summer).
- No motorboats in the bay.
- Avoid anchoring on Posidonia meadows to prevent fines and backlash.
- Use a trolley to transport gear from the ferry terminal to the beach (helps with the walk).
- Check the latest National Park / local authority regulations before crossing in summer.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hyères
- Nearest Town
- Porquerolles (Village)
- Parking
- No cars allowed on the island; parking available at the ferry terminal at La Tour Fondue on the mainland. No parking on the island.
- Public Transport
- Primarily via ferry from La Tour Fondue (Giens).
- Access
- Take a ferry from Hyères to Île de Porquerolles; from the port follow signage for La Courtade. From the Porquerolles harbor it is typically a 10–15 minute walk or about 5 minutes by bike east to the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Porquerolles village accommodation (short walk from the port/launch access).
- Food & Drink
- Beach bar/restaurant options during the day and restaurants and bakeries in the main village near the port.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental is available via a local center (listed for windsurfing and water sports). Additional island bike rentals exist, but dedicated wind/kite rental is not described as available on-island.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated gear storage is described as none/limited; riders typically carry gear or store at accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- No repair services on the island; repairs handled by shops on the mainland (Giens/Hyères area).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Porquerolles is described as a conservation-focused island with beaches and a relaxed village feel, explored mainly on foot or by bike.
Largest and most visited of the Golden Islands; part of Port-Cros National Park.
Voted among Europe’s most beautiful beaches; pine-fringed white sand.
18th-century military village and fort.
Contemporary art foundation in a Provençal farmhouse with underwater-themed architecture.
16th-century fortification with panoramic views over the island and Hyères roadstead.
Over 50 kilometers of marked trails through vineyards and coastal forests.
Coastal hiking paths linking beaches and calanques.
Popular village-square Mediterranean cuisine.
Gently sloping beach with shallow, monitored water (Argent Beach).
Protected marine areas for discovering Mediterranean flora and fauna.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at La Courtade (Porquerolles)?
The best overall months at La Courtade (Porquerolles) are April, May, June, September, October. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at La Courtade (Porquerolles)?
La Courtade (Porquerolles) works with W, WNW, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at La Courtade (Porquerolles)?
Recommended equipment sizes at La Courtade (Porquerolles): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–35 kts.
What skill level is La Courtade (Porquerolles) suitable for?
La Courtade (Porquerolles) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.