The coast is excellent for windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddle boarding, while the étangs just inland from the beaches provide more sheltered conditions. There are a number of lakes where watersports can be enjoyed, while the rivers provide opportunities for kayaking and rafting.

Windsurfing on the Lac du Jourres

Windsurfing

If you have your own windsurfing or kitesurfing kit you can sail straight off the beach at the Lac du Jouarres and Gruissan – just avoid the dedicated swimming areas. La Franqui is also excellent for kitesurfing.

Sailing

The Mediterranean is a wonderful place to sail – warm, sunny and tide free. Blast across the waves in a catamaran from Gruissan or St-Pierre-La-Mer, sail a dinghy along the coast or spend a day aboard your very own yacht. Dinghy sailing is also available on the Etang des Bages, which is ideal for beginners.

 

Kayaking and rafting

Eaurizon, based in nearby Puichéric, offers independent canoe hire or supervised sessions; for the more adventurous the company also organises white-water rafting and canyoning (at other locations).

Hire and tuition

Many sailing centres offer tuition in both French and English; do check which languages are spoken before booking.

The Lac du Jouarres is the closest windsurfing centre. Windsurfing courses run from Monday to Friday mornings.

Port Nautique sailing centre on the Etang des Bages offers hire and tuition and runs courses in windsurfing and sailing for children.

Pôle Nautique, Gruissan, provides hire and tuition for windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and catamaran sailing.

Glisse & Kite, St-Pierre-la-Mer (just east of Narbonne Plage), gives lessons in windsurfing, kite surfing, Optimist sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Independent hire also available.

A number of hirers offer day boats, motorboats and ribs from Gruissan marina, as well as yacht hire with or without skippers.