LE MAGAZINELittle-known wingfoil spots
At first glance, when you imagine yourself winging foil, you almost always imagine an ocean, a sea lined with sand and sunshine. But this isn’t always the case, as there are many little-represented spots where you can practice wingfoil, and some of which are real nuggets. We’d like to introduce you to a few little-known wingfoil spots in the Alps and France.
Little-known wing spots foil in the Alps (France)
Lac du Bourget, Savoie:
Located in the French Alps, Lac du Bourget is a real gem for water sports enthusiasts. With its clear waters and surrounded by majestic mountains, this lake offers an ideal setting for wing foil. The region’s regular thermal winds create perfect conditions for gliding sessions. Get ready to soar over the water while admiring the spectacular scenery of the Alps.
Lac de Serre-Ponçon, Hautes-Alpes :
Then there’s the lake nestled in the French Alps, Lac de Serre-Ponçon, a real gem for water sports enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters surrounded by majestic mountains, this lake offers an idyllic setting for wing foil. The region’s regular thermal winds create favorable conditions for this sport. Get ready to soar above the water while admiring the breathtaking scenery.
Lake Monteynard, Isère :
In the heart of the French Alps, Lake Monteynard is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. With its turquoise waters surrounded by majestic mountains, this lake offers a breathtaking backdrop for wing foil. These same mountains create a venturi effect that accelerates the wind, producing thermals that can exceed 30 knots in June. The region’s steady thermal winds create ideal conditions for soaring over the water.
Lac de Sainte-Croix, Provence :
Finally, in the heart of the Verdon regional nature park, Lac de Sainte-Croix is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. With its turquoise waters surrounded by spectacular cliffs, this lake offers a breathtaking setting for wingfoil sessions. The thermal winds of the Verdon create ideal conditions for taking on this majestic lake.
Little-known wingfoil spots all over France
The Alps aren’t the only mountain range bursting with spots of all kinds, so let’s take a look at what’s in store for the rest of France.
Étang de Thau, Hérault
Somewhere between Sète and Marseillan, the Etang de Thau is a little-known spot with great potential for wingfoiling. This saltwater lagoon offers ideal conditions for this sport, with steady winds and shallow water. Explore the pond’s many canals and lagoons, and let yourself be seduced by the beauty of the area. What’s more, the water’s surface area and layout make it possible to sail whatever the wind direction.
Vouglans lake, Jura
Located in the Burgundy Franche-Comté region of France, Lac de Vouglans is a little-known area with great wingfoil potential. With its emerald summer waters and beaches, this lake offers an idyllic setting for memorable sessions. The region’s relatively frequent northerly (bise) and southerly winds create ideal conditions for this sport. Explore the lake’s various coves, and let yourself be enchanted by the unspoilt beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Pays des Abers, Brittany
The abers, located in Brittany, are inlets of the sea that penetrate the land, creating spectacular coastal landscapes. The Aber-Wrac’h, Aber-Ildut and Aber-Benoît abers are particularly suitable for wingfoiling. With their calm waters and steady winds, these abers offer the ideal setting to soar over the water and enjoy the wild beauty of Brittany. Plan your session around the tides to take advantage of the best conditions. Make sure you are well positioned on the water to avoid any collision with a shoal.
Glénan Archipelago, Brittany
The microclimate of Les Glénan is ideal for water sports. Winds are regular, especially the famous south-westerly, ideal for wing foil. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find spots to suit all levels. The calm waters and shallow depths offer a safe environment for serene practice.
The Glénan archipelago is also renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. The seabed is teeming with life, offering a unique spectacle during your wing foil sessions. You’ll be able to admire schools of multicolored fish, seaweed rippling with the current, and maybe even spot dolphins or seals, which sometimes come to visit the luckiest of you.
Lake Gérardmer, Alsace
Lac de Gérardmer, in the Vosges mountains of Alsace, is another little-known spot with great wingfoil potential. This freshwater lake, surrounded by mountains, offers a magnificent setting for peaceful wingfoil sessions. The often light but steady winds in the area create perfect conditions for wingfoil. There’s a club on site, with amazing facilities for the area.
Lakes in the Paris region
Among the most popular lakes are Lac d’Enghien-les-Bains, Lac de Créteil and Lac de Cergy-Pontoise. These sites offer a variety of landscapes and infrastructures suited to wing practitioners foil. There are also a number of gliding schools on site, offering lessons and equipment hire to help you learn or improve your skills in this discipline.
Proximity to the capital is a major advantage of lakes in the Paris region. In just a few minutes by public transport, you can be in the heart of nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break from your hectic daily routine and recharge your batteries while practicing your passion.
In a nutshell
In summary, it’s important to note that these little-known wing foil spots in France, with the exception of the Etang de Thau, are located in the mountains. As a result, the practice of wing foil is mainly concentrated during the summer or spring seasons, when temperatures are milder and wind conditions are more favorable. It’s best to plan your sessions with these factors in mind.
In addition, it is essential to note that the presence of specialized wing stores foil may be limited in these regions. It is therefore advisable to check and maintain your equipment before you go. Make sure that your wing, board, foil and accessories (and more generally your wing package foil) are in good working order before you set off on your adventure. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself in a beautiful place with faulty equipment! We can deliver within 24 hours.
Let’s be responsible!
Finally, don’t forget to respect the environment and follow local sailing rules. These unspoilt spots are natural treasures that should be preserved for future generations. Respect protected areas, avoid littering and be aware of your impact on the surrounding environment.
Now you’re ready to discover France’s little-known wingfoil spots. Enjoy these hidden nuggets. Fair winds and good sessions to you all!
If you have any further questions, or if you have any other requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Le Magazine
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