Places in West France?

[Fatfish98]

We're going in August to West France (near Royan,Palmyre) Which is the best overall beach (town etc) to go to. What are the conditions like etc. It looks as though there is a lot of kitesurfing going on around this area so it should be pretty good.

[gaffer]

conditions on the stretch of coast from Royan down to Biarittz are pretty much the same.

Winds are gonna be onshore sea breezes and the beaches can be quite steep and have a heavy shorebreak, not a nice place to drop your kite and difficult to get beyond when directly onshore. Some sandbanks/rivermouths might prove helpful in such cases.

Not sure how the lifeguards react to kites but they can get a bit worked up if you just surf near the swimmers so maybe best to avoid the busy spots.

The lakes near biscarrosse are worth checking, flat, shallow water a long way out and warmer than the sea. Launch sites can be quite tight though.

[sandpiper]

lac de lacanau was popular 18 months ago when we passed through.plenty of kites out.

[Guest]

i used to spend my vacations there. in summer the beach of royan and la palmyre are pretty full, but you can still practice (better in late afternoon) there is also la pointe espagnole a very very wide beach on the "cote sauvage" where you can also do some buggy. last summer was quite windy (lot of N/W thermic)wich usually start from 12-13h so it leaves you room for some surf during the morning.
if you want to party it can get pretty wide, lots of bar a very good disco. for more informations you can go there : http://www.couleursduciel.com and leave an email
machiavel