Leucate – Sémaphore Falaise EST

Leucate – Sémaphore Falaise Est is a Mediterranean coastal cliff site on France's Côte Vermeille, tucked into a small valley just in front of the Sémaphore. The NE–E takeoff faces perfectly laminar Tramontane air, giving a very predictable soaring experience — you generally fly about 40 m above the top. Wind is the deciding factor: don't fly below 17 km/h; the best window is 25–30 km/h; the cap is 35 km/h. Fly window is typically 12:00–15:00. Watch the white caps on the sea — when they arrive right in front of the beach, it's too late; land before then.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff inside a small valley in front of the Sémaphore, oriented NE–E. A second takeoff exists on the opposite face 50 m further along with SE orientation — do NOT fly past 125° max orientation. Minimum wind 17 km/h; best 25–30 km/h; maximum 35 km/h.

Getting there & local rules

Between Leucate village and Leucate plage, turn towards the lighthouse. Park at the top and walk less than 10 minutes along the cliff to the Sémaphore. Landing on takeoff: on your right at launch there's a small natural stone wall that runs 40 m into the land — use it as your landmark. Come back to the south keeping at least 20 m up, turn just before the wall, fly left following it. At the top there's a road going right — turn right and follow it, keeping it just on your right without going too far. After 30 m you'll see a little parking-like area — make several S turns and land there. Landing on the beach is possible in emergency but prohibited otherwise (very small beach, dangerous for holidaymakers).

Local rules & hazards

Flyable NE to ESE only. Wind can stop quickly — if it's your first flight here, plan to land when you're around 25 m up. Don't fly below 17 km/h — you'll sink. Watch the white caps on the sea: once they're right in front of the beach, wind is above the safe cap — land before then. Do not land on the beach except as absolute last-resort emergency; it's very small and full of vacationers.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Leucate – Sémaphore Falaise EST, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Leucate – Sémaphore Falaise EST with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.