Leucate anchorage
Étang de Leucate · Port-Leucate
42°51.2'N 003°03.4'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m on excellent mud. Outstanding all-round shelter — one of the best Tramontane refuges on the coast. Shallow — check tide.
About This Anchorage
The Étang de Leucate (Lake Leucate) is a large coastal lagoon between the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales departments, entered via Port-Leucate at the S end. The lagoon is a protected Tramontane refuge with excellent holding on mud, but it is also France's premier kitesurfing and windsurfing destination — ironically, the strong Tramontane that terrorizes sailors is perfect for wind sports. The lagoon is spectacular for water sports watching. Port-Leucate marina (the S entry) provides full facilities.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · E · W · S
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Kitesurfing and windsurfing exclusion zones in the active water sports areas (marked). Speed limit in the lagoon. Entry channel: check SHOM chart for minimum depth.
Hazards
- !High-speed kitesurfing and windsurfing throughout the lagoon — collision risk; maintain clear water
- !Shallow entry — check tide and channel depth before entry
Skipper's Tips
- →The Tramontane that drives you into this lagoon is the same wind that makes it Europe's kitesurfing capital — spectacular to watch.
- →Stage here when Tramontane is forecast — excellent shelter for 3–7 day Tramontane episodes.
Facilities
Port-Leucate marina has restaurants and shops.
Nearest provisions: Port-Leucate (1nm)
Best Months & Season
April, May, June, September, October, November
Year-round Tramontane refuge. Entry channel may be restricted in very strong Tramontane conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
When the Tramontane builds to 40 kt overnight, Safety Anchor Alarm alerts you the moment your boat drifts — giving you time to act before the situation becomes dangerous.
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