Racou Plage, Argelès

When the region's prevailing wind, the Tramontane, blasts the water flat with Force 10 winds at the northern spots, 'Racou Plage' is usually still rideable and could even offer some waves. There's always some shorebreak, as the sandy beach drops away quite steeply. There are similar conditions at the northern end of Argelès; 'Plage Nord' has recently become a kite spot. Both are particularly interesting when a south-easterly thermal develops around Perpignan (outside of high summer), which can hit 25 knots while there's not a breath in 'Leucate'.