Monteynard-Avignonet (Vineyards)
- Freestyle, Foil
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- 15–35 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Monteynard-Avignonet (Vineyards) is an advanced freshwater kitesurfing venue in the Monteynard-Avignonet lake system near Treffort. Multiple sources emphasize a reliable thermal breeze that typically develops in the afternoon under sunny weather, with a riding window that can extend toward early evening. Conditions are described as flat to choppy, supporting freestyle and foil-focused riding when wind is steady enough. Wind can ramp quickly and become very strong. One source reports gusts exceeding 40 knots, and another highlights turbulence close to shore due to the surrounding mountainous terrain. This combination—high gust potential plus near-shore variability—makes the launch and early planing phase demanding, especially on the technical rocky beach used for the kite zone. Access and logistics are straightforward from Grenoble via A51 toward Sisteron with exits for Monteynard/Treffort, and parking is described as close to the water but paid/not free from May through September. Safety guidance across sources stresses careful forecast-checking, riding with others, and being vigilant about shore hazards and water crossings. The area can be busy with multiple user types (foils, wings, and paddlers), so prioritizing crossing awareness is repeatedly recommended. For gear, at least an impact vest is recommended; wetsuit and boots are also referenced due to cold-to-moderate mountain lake water and rocky/rough launch conditions. Rescue availability is described as limited (rather than lifeguarded), and one source also notes that kitesurfing is restricted to the designated kite zone—launching from non-designated areas is prohibited during summer season.
- Reliable afternoon thermal wind development under sunny conditions
- Dedicated kite zone with local rules
- Flat/choppy freshwater ideal for freestyle and foil when wind is within range
- Advanced-level environment due to gusts and technical launch
- Thermal wind that develops reliably under sunny conditions (afternoon window described)
- Freshwater conditions reported as clean/clear, typically flat to choppy depending on wind
- Dedicated kite zone (with rules), and strong local kiting infrastructure presence around the lake
- Advanced spot with strong gusts reported up to 40+ knots
- Technical/narrow/rocky launch and steep banks around the shore
- Gusty/turbulent wind very close to shore can complicate takeoff
- Busy water with crossings and multiple disciplines
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, S, SSW, SW, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal lake wind (Vent du Sud / Vent du Nord described locally) developing under sunny skies; two named wind directions are referenced across sources.
- Reliability
- Almost daily in spring and summer (reliability described as high/very reliable in summer sunny weather, though one direction is less frequent and more gusty).
- Gust Factor
- Extreme gusts — Gusts reported up to 40+ knots; also described as gusty/turbulent very close to shore.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Wind can be gusty and turbulent very close to shore due to surrounding mountain terrain.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand is referenced, while another source describes pebble/rock launch characteristics; near-launch surface can be rocky/pebbly.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Flat water and chop are both referenced; one source also notes wave/texture as flat.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Chop/roughness is referenced alongside flat riding; one source classifies water type as flat and chop.
- Launch
- Small — One source describes easy self-launch with large space at north beach; another describes a very narrow, technical rocky launch at the vineyards.
Through the year
Often quite crowded on water in spring/summer, with very crowded conditions on sunny weekends in July and August.
Thunderstorms are common in late afternoon during hot summer spells.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat/choppy freshwater conditions with powerful, consistent thermal wind are described as ideal for freestyle and foil riding; one source also notes the launch and zone are dedicated for kitesurfing within a separate area that can be technically tricky when busy.
Described as excellent for flat water/foil work due to afternoon thermal conditions, with a note that the local area can be busy and the launch at the vineyards is rocky.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Deep water and consistent thermal conditions support foil riding; one source states minimum depth around 2 meters.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Monteynard-Avignonet (Vineyards) in the full forecast view.
Monteynard-Avignonet (Vineyards) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–7 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- NNW342°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 287 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 6–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Monteynard-Avignonet (Vineyards) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. 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
- Very strong winds with gusts exceeding 40 knots
- Steep and rugged surrounding terrain
- Shore hazards
- Rush currents possible if drifting
- Technical rocky/narrow launch area (slippery or muddy depending on water level)
- Floating driftwood after rain
- Large tourist boat that traverses the lake
- Power lines near shore
- Ships
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence indicated; rescue described as limited.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited; safety-boat surveillance during high season is provided by local nautical associations and the SIVU.
- Emergency Info
- France emergency number: 112; nearest major hospital: CHU Grenoble Alpes.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism indicated.
Rules of the spot
Kitesurfing is restricted to the designated kite zone. The zone on the south side is noted as not always respected by other users. South beach kite zone not always respected by other users; launching from non-designated beaches is prohibited during summer season.
- Not suitable for beginners
- Designated kite zone only
- Summer parking fees apply
- Always ride with others.
- Check forecasts carefully before going out.
- Be very careful about shore hazards.
- Be vigilant on crossings due to foils, wing, and paddlers on the water.
- The north wind (Bise) is described as more stable with high pressure and clear skies.
- Check the lake level before going, as low levels can make the launch very muddy.
- There can be a lot of people on the water; expect foil/wing/paddle users and plan crossings.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Treffort
- Nearest Town
- Monteynard
- Parking
- Parking close to the water; not free May to September (paid parking mandatory from May to September at the Treffort lakeside area).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and other lodging options exist around villages around the lake, including Treffort.
- Food & Drink
- Snack bars and restaurants at the main Treffort beach area; nearby restaurants are referenced in addition to onsite food during the summer season.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental is generally available at the main Treffort beach area; specific kite rental at the vineyards is limited to school operations.
- Gear Storage
- Storage lockers available through local sailing clubs and seasonal schools.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services available at main nautical centers in Treffort.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The wider lake area offers scenic mountain scenery and an outdoor sports community built around dependable thermal wind conditions, plus nearby hike and suspension-bridge attractions.
Two spectacular suspension bridges spanning the Drac and Ebron rivers with hiking loops and panoramic views.
Two Himalayan-style suspension footbridges offering views above the gorge.
Historic tourist railway with panoramic views of the valley and the lake.
Hiking trail linking two suspension bridges (Passerelle de l'Ebron and Passerelle du Drac).
Mountain hiking on the heights of the lake near the gates of the Vercors Regional Natural Park.
Extensive network of trails surrounding the lake and the Trièves balcony.
Lakeside dining with local specialties and views of water sports action.
Eateries in local villages around the lake.
Scenic lake cruise between the two shores.
Swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding in clear turquoise waters.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Monteynard-Avignonet (Vineyards)?
The best overall months at Monteynard-Avignonet (Vineyards) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Monteynard-Avignonet (Vineyards)?
Monteynard-Avignonet (Vineyards) works with N, NNE, NE, S, SSW, SW, NW, NNW winds.
What skill level is Monteynard-Avignonet (Vineyards) suitable for?
Monteynard-Avignonet (Vineyards) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced.