Mondial du Vent

One of Europe’s most spectacular wind-sports events returns to the Mediterranean coast this spring as the Mondial du Vent takes place in Leucate-La Franqui from 22 to 26 April 2026. Now in its 29th edition, the event attracts the world’s best riders and thousands of spectators for five days of thrilling competition and seaside entertainment.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of La Franqui beach, famous for its powerful and consistent tramontane winds, the festival brings together the international elite of several fast-growing water sports. This year’s programme includes the GWA Wingfoil World Cup, the IFCA Windsurf Slalom World Championship, and an international parawing competition, with top athletes from around the world competing on the water.

But the Mondial du Vent is more than just a sporting competition. Throughout the event, visitors can explore the lively “village de la glisse”, where brands, athletes and enthusiasts gather to celebrate the world of board sports. Demonstrations, equipment tests, skate and BMX shows, and activities for all ages help create a vibrant festival atmosphere along the seafront.

Whether you are passionate about wind sports or simply looking for an exciting day out by the sea, the Mondial du Vent offers a unique chance to experience world-class competition in one of the windiest and most spectacular coastal spots in southern France.

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About La Franqui

The Tramontane, the famous north wind of southern France, sweeps across La Franqui with impressive force. Known locally as the wind of fine weather, it has shaped both the landscape and the culture of this dramatic stretch of Mediterranean coastline. Today it is exactly this wind that attracts thousands of windsurfers, kitesurfers and sand-yachting enthusiasts to Leucate each year.

Once a small fishing village, La Franqui has evolved into a charming seaside resort nestled beneath striking white limestone cliffs, crowned by the historic Semaphore of Leucate, which looks out across the coast from the Camargue all the way to the Spanish border.

Just behind the town lies the tranquil Leucate lagoon, a rich natural environment where flamingos and other birdlife thrive. The lagoon also supports one of the region’s most famous traditions: oyster farming. Along the narrow channel between the lagoon and the sea, rows of colourful oyster huts line the water’s edge. Many welcome visitors for tastings of freshly harvested oysters, often served with a glass of crisp local white wine. It is the perfect way to experience the flavours of the Mediterranean.

The beach at La Franqui stretches for miles, offering wide golden sands and spectacular views of the sea. During the summer months, a handful of seasonal beach restaurants appear on wooden stilts along the shoreline, serving seafood, grilled fish and prawns cooked à la plancha, accompanied by local wines and panoramic views across the water.

For those wishing to explore further, scenic walks lead along the dramatic cliffs and across the surrounding landscapes of the Corbières hills, where the ruins of the old Leucate castle overlook the coastline. Concerts and cultural events are sometimes held within its historic walls, adding to the unique atmosphere of the area.

With its vast beaches, striking cliffs and ever-present wind, La Franqui and Leucate offer a landscape both wild and beautiful, a place where nature, sport and local traditions come together just 30 kilometres from both Perpignan and Narbonne.