The third and final of the most beautiful villages of France to pass by on the 16 kilometer canoe trip from Vitrac is the village of Beynac-et . This is a beautiful town, not only is it a holiday place, it is also a working town; that adds to the charm. A kayaking experience here can last several days. 2. Then the water levels will be very much different during the year on most rivers, which will change the level of difficulty a lot. If as an expert in canoeing or a seasoned kayaker, from another country, take time out to read up local regulations. Hotel Barge Cruises In France - French Waterways Heres a few essentials I highly recommend bringing along: You can easily spend a full day on the water at Gorges du Verdon, but we felt two hours were enough to get a feel for the lake and the surrounding landscapes. If you want to go on the water with kids then you can do it here; the current is weal and children can swim in the river or lake. The kayaking trip on the Garonne River is not suitable for beginners. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The Allier is considered to be one of Frances widest rivers. In Northern France, outdoor adventure does not come any better than what Normandy has to offer. Kayaking holidays in France for families. For paddling, the 150 km (93 miles) long section between Argentat and Limeuil is particularly interesting. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 1. The lot on the right is pretty tiny (only room for a handful of cars or so), but the other side has room for more cars. Place your white wine in the bosom of your boat for some happy time later on. LOccitane En Provence Boutique and Factory Store: A quick little stop on our way to Lisle-Sur-La-Sorgue, and not terribly far from Verdon Gorge and Valensole. The Dordogne is a 490 km (305 miles) long river in the southwest of France. While well-trained guides are on-site, you can hire kayaking equipment for the action. -The essential activity to do in , The Kayak is the best way to discover the Green Island (Ile Verte), the Eagle Beak (Bec de l'Aigle) and the Mugel Creek (, Located in the heart of the Argels-Gazost Valley, our course on the Gave de Pau will allow you to admire Nature and the, Born in the region, Especially the annoying portage for families can be completely avoided here. Its most crowded in July and August, so plan to arrive early to snatch a boat rental. Im Aurimas, a man behind Go Look Explore. In ideal weather conditions, which means no waves and stable weather conditions, the coast is suitable for wonderful sea kayak tours. Also, stock up on lavender products here think soaps, essential oils, candles, and even lavender honey (we brought some home and cant wait to drizzle some on French cheese!). The gorge is beautiful and you can pass under Pont DArc a huge natural stone bridge. If youre visiting in summer, dont resist the urge to take a dip in the emerald waters talk about refreshing! Note that tours dont take you on the lake itself thats not allowed. Not sure? Rapids are present in several sections and these sections are not recommended for exploration by beginners. Altogether excellent! The tour is 3 hours, with about an hour to hike up to a viewpoint and rest. This tour is similar in case the first one gets sold out (which might happen in the busy season!). Plus its just rude and inconsiderate take your pictures quickly if theres cars driving on the bridge, or wait for them to pass. Let your imagination run free and explore the region with outstanding natural features, and kayaking in this place is something that you have to do when you visit France. Psst: The Verdon Gorge is also known as The Gorges du Verdon (in French!). THE 10 BEST France Kayaking & Canoeing - Tripadvisor Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The company we rented our paddle boat from has a max rental period of 2 hours anyways but if you wanna go for longer Im sure theres others! We opted for a paddleboat since were, well not very coordinated and dont have much practice maneuvering a kayak together. Advice If You Decide To Kayak On The Dordogne 1. The numerous castles along the banks of river Loire will also force you to slow down and admire the beautiful medieval architecture. -In the heart of the nature reserve Some of the equipment are charts of the area with tidal flow information, a magnetic compass, a buoyancy aid, spare paddles, flares, paddle floats, a balling mechanism, tow lines, deck lines, and towing point, signaling mirrors, and an audible method of attracting attention. Therefore, anyone who does not like it so wild, but still wants to marvel at the beautiful scenery from a kayak, should rather plan a tour later in the summer. A comfortable day trip in this case would be the route Cassis to Calanque den Vau. You can explore remote islands and beaches other means of transportation cannot get to and experience the best of nature. Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. Lake chains are rather not found in France. Do not forget to take along water too if visiting in the summer. This popular sport has gained massive popularity across Europe and one of the best destinations to go kayaking in France. Just putting that out there if youre planning a visit in June/July to see the lavender fields as well. THE 10 BEST France Kayaking & Canoeing - Tripadvisor Further reading:Majestic lakes of France. If you want to have the river for yourself a little bit, you should ideally use your own boat or see if a rental company gives out a boat very early in the morning. We picked up our rental car in Nice (after taking a long train ride from Cinque Terre), and loved having the flexibility of going wherever, whenever we wanted! So you can hike up one of the mountains to admire the lake from a height. Apart from this, there are beautiful islands that you can explore and see how wonderful nature is, the tide in this location can reach eight knots. Paddling with kids in France 4. The Bordeaux region in France is renowned for wine and football. The scenery is so crazy dramatic and its unlike anything Ive ever seen before! And get this about 250 million years ago, the entire Gorges du Verdon was underwater! Castellane (1 hour away): This historic town with medieval churches is perfect for those with an adventurous spirit theres lots of outdoor sports right on Castellanes doorstep. Take note that you may also find numerous boats and yachts on the Antibes. There are kayak stations near the Fontaine de Vaucluse, which also receive the boats back at the destination point and organize the return transport to the starting point. Heading to the South of France and hoping to go paddle boating or kayaking on the Verdon Gorge? Kayaking is a perfect way to explore different places that you cannot reach, typically using a car or any other form of transport. If the worst comes to the worst, the next town or village is never too far away. It is very important that you choose a location where you can get more places to enjoy your kayaking activities. Plan for a busy morning/half day at the gorge, and then head to Moustiers for a late-ish lunch! Best time to go kayaking in France 5. Ardche - One of the most popular white water spots in Europe 6. As soon as we pulled up to the Verdon Gorge, I couldnt believe my eyes. Calanques National Park: The Complete Guide The adventurous lot can try heading upstream on the river Leyre as it enters the sea in this bay. 1. The place is famous for paragliding. Nature is actually in the foreground of every paddling tour, but it is different on a tour on the Gardon. Canoeing and kayaking on the rivers of France 11 rivers in France, a choice of more than 50 hikes and bivouacs offered from April to October. Kayaking Adventure in Corsica - Simply France A 2/3 person canoe costs 20euro per hour as well, while a 1 person kayak costs 10 euros an hour. 10 Amazing Places for Kayaking in France - Go Look Explore (2022) The canyon covers a distance of twenty-six kilometers, and there is so much that you can experience in this area. More on that later! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. There were three adults and one 6 year old who also said that it was her favourite part of the holiday. The railways of Provence dont stop near Verdon Gorge or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie either. And dont be one of those tourists who stands in the middle of the bridge blocking cars you WILL get honked at. By far, the easiest way to visit the Gorge du Verdon is by driving yourself via rental car. Remember to book well in advance if youre visiting during the high season (June through September). The beautiful turquoise waters and over eighty kilometers of shoreline and coves and creeks with an exceptional mountain backdrop make it a perfect location to kayak. Book risk-free with fully refundable, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It winds sloooowly through the canyon. At vacation times and in high summer, when the water level is quite low, the region is crowded with tourists. It is an expanse of water on the east side of the southern coast that is marked with islands. Chteau de Beynac-et Cazenac 8. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Home Kayaking through the Champagne region of France, from the English Channel to the Mediterranean, in search of the sun, was not what Foster expected. Interestingly, it is also one of the best regions in France for outdoor lovers to engage in white water kayaking. And if you want something more thorough, take on the full 60 km descent crossing dams on fun canoe toboggans. Whats your favorite place? In addition, the country is quite densely populated and you are never really in isolated wilderness. You will be kayaking inside a 16 miles canyon during this journey while exploring some of the best landscapes the Ardeche region has to offer. Kayaking is one of the most exciting and exhilarating activities you can do while traveling through Corsica, France. As an example, all paddlers are required to carry appropriate safety equipment according to the distance from shore they are leaving from. We have already kayaked through the Ardeche Gorge twice and we are sure that it was not the last time. You could easily spend one night and fit all those activities in on the same day, but we enjoyed breaking them up and really savoring our time in Provence. The river has a rich history because it was helpful during the wars in this region. 1. From Cromarty to Dogger, an epic kayak voyage through the Shipping Verdon Canyon & Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (from Aix-en-Provence): Similar to the tours above, this tour from Aix-en-Provence visits the Verdon Gorge as well as the super cute town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. From Cromarty to Dogger, an epic kayak voyage through the Shipping Forecast 2023-06-04 - Toby Carr and Katie Carr Constance Craig Smith . Simply pop in Pont du Galetas, and youre there! Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! Hi, I'm Christian and love to discover the nature from the water at any time and in an easy way. While you can get fantastic views of Verdon Gorge from on the water itself and from the bridge right above, if you go a little further, the views will be even more impressive! In addition, you will find few gtes and holiday homes that offer the use of kayaks and life jackets in the price of the rental. The pristine waters of Cap dAntibes can turn even the most reluctant person into an avid kayaking enthusiast. 3. Compared to the rivers in other countries like Germany, they are often left in their natural state, making a canoe trip a lot more relaxed (less portages ) and natural. In spring until the end of May you can still travel relatively quietly by kayak. The highlight of this tour is without a doubt the famous Pont dArc rock passage. Good for. The Sorgue is known for its emerald waters in large parts of France. The bridge overlooks the Verdon Gorge, the striking turquoise water, and all the boats entering the Verdon River through the towering limestone cliffs. Among paddling enthusiasts, it is mainly the rivers that the country has to offer. And dont forget about those nasty Mistral winds fierce, cold, and dry winds from the north that can reach speeds of 50mph! 1. Dordogne - Paddling along picturesque villages, chateaux and castles 7. There is less human traffic, and therefore wildlife thrives in this location. Jerusalem Half Day Walking Tour (3 hours) from Jerusalem. It runs through Beynac, Agent, Quercy, and lastly, Perigord. The booking process was easy and confirmations and alerts were sent giving information for the trip. 10 Epic Towns to Visit in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala (My Favorite Villages), Swimming in Crater Azul near Flores: Guatemalas Breathtaking Blue Crater, The Pacific Grove Magic Carpet: The Prettiest Pink Flowers in Monterey, California, Santa Catarina Palopo: Lake Atitlans Most Charming Blue Village, 2022 Year in Review: The Year Life Kinda Got Back to Normal, Things to do in Menton, France: The Pearl of the French Riviera, Day Trip from Nice to Villefranche Sur Mer: The French Rivieras Most Colorful Town. For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, theres also rafting through rapids, paragliding over the gorge, mountain biking, canyoning, and even bungee jumping! Knowing this is important because it will determine whether you will paddle along with the current or against the current. The rivers are often clam, and what rapids there can often be avoided. Turquoise colored water. In our tour article on the canoe trip on the Dordogne we report on our 6-day trip. When you are well prepared, you will enjoy your time in France. Besides really beautiful villages, countless castles and chateaus await and there is even a cave or two. I originally thought it was super hard to find, but the bridge is literally a 2 minute drive from the boat rentals and is not a secret in any way at all (nor are those pictures taken with a drone). French kayaker, Jacques Saunier, caught the kayaking bug about fifteen years ago and has explored thousands of miles of rivers through France's beautiful countryside ever since in a variety of hard-hull and inflatable kayaks. Canoe and kayaking holidays in France | Campsited PressReader. Just before we delve into the catchy kayaking and cannoning spots in France; You should put this in place before setting out. While there are no real beaches along the gorge itself, theres quite a few alongside the Sainte-Croix Lake. For the most refreshing of holiday experiences, the country offers a tad more than your expectations. The highlight of this tour is the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, one of the best preserved bridges of the Roman Empire. This is located in southern France, and it is an ideal location where you can go enjoy canoeing and kayaking. You can rent a kayak, and if you want to go swimming, then this lake is the right place. If you are the type that loves extreme sport and adventure, do not forget to rent a canoe or kayak during your holiday in the south of France for a momentous vacation experience. The sandy beaches and a quiet turquoise lake mean that you can paddle around the lake without significant risk. The Dordogne is highly recommended for canoe trips lasting several days. Your email address will not be published. As always, thanks for the support. Share your thoughts below. While there are LOccitane stores all over California and even more in Provence, we couldnt not stop at the factory store in France! This is one of the best locations to go kayaking because it is strategically positioned on standing stones and rocks. But if you have only one day for a paddle, you should paddle the section between Vitrac and Beynac. Towering limestone cliffs. For anyone used to drifting off to sleep to the sound of Radio 4's Shipping Forecast, there is something hypnotic about the names of the sea areas around the Paddle boating or kayaking the Verdon Gorge is the most popular thing to do over here, and I bet this is what you wanna do as well! For such a day trip, however, it is better to avoid the vacations and weekends, as this route is very popular and accordingly very busy. Kayaking in southern France through Pont du Gard is a wonderful way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site and get great photos of it. Except perhaps the wintery March weather. Olivier was a superb guide and explained the city to us which is unlike no other. Nothing should spoil your fun. We recommend May and September as ideal travel months for the south of France. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. *This drive is different from the route des Crtes near Cassis, France, although they have the same name. See below for critical route dimensions, and distances, timings and lock numbers taken from VNF's own route planning app. These services come in different packages at affordable prices. The river is mostly overgrown with trees and wild bushes and therefore offers enough shade on the water even on hot summer days. Provence and the Verdon Gorge experience all four seasons, although a bit milder than what were used to in the United States. Verdon Gorge Another option for the best kayaking in France is Verdon Gorge. I dont blame you. Its a 24 km circuit which loops around the canyon. On the other hand, you will have to tow or carry your canoe in places where the water is too shallow. It is common for the tidal flow at the entrance to the Golfe to reach in excess of 8 knots as the full force of the Atlantic tidal floods in making for interesting current conditions, perfect for a strong kayaker but sometimes tough going even for the powerful inter-island ferries. Paddling down the 30km Ardeche gorge in Southeast France is one of the most scenic kayaking views in the world. You will feel small and ecstatic as you paddle between tall limestone cliffs (some measuring over 700m tall!) Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you! These places are best for kayaking & canoeing in Normandy: Aux Plaisirs de Mon Moulin; Cercle Nautique de Ver sur Mer; Cercle Nautique Villers-sur-Mer; Centre Regional de Nautisme de Granville; Le Bistrot du Kayak; See more kayaking & canoeing in Normandy on Tripadvisor You will find beautiful, expansive gorges and no matter whether there will be other people close, the feeling of isolation within a spectacular natural environment will awe you. Kayaking is fun and it offers a distinct angle from which to view and explore the gorgeous natural coastline and rivers. Required fields are marked *. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The most important thing that you can learn during your trip is to be flexible. In the summer, the waters are warm and it is a common spot for families in search of laid back, sunny days on the river. Dont get confused! Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. If you love to engage in more activity, then the Verdon River is the place to go for you. This tour also makes a stop in the charming medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for lunch basically, all three of my favorites of this region in one day! Discover the Sete's cliffs of the corniche, small marine caves, rocks, hidden beaches, with sea-kayaks. Here you can discover beautiful nature, idyllic villages and the most famous castles of the region within a short time. There is an amazing coastline, no rapids, and beautiful creeks and coves to explore. Are you visiting soon?! Hi, Im Jess. If you are an adrenaline seeker, tough rapids sections are waiting to be conquered. Blessed with a startling sight, the Verdon Gorge in the Provence has a length of 21 km and a depth up to 700m. For families with children, the country offers the best conditions. Even more impressive is the turquoise water of the Verdon. Raphael was an amazing and enthusiastic guide!! Although it did look super refreshing! Do not miss out on a Kayaking & Canoeing experience on a visit to France.