Renaud is a great guide who knows the waters and is very knowledgeable about the natural and human history as well. 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. There are many inland rivers here and the long English Channel coastline makes the location a great one to explore in a kayak. The canoe trip can be ideally combined with visits to some beautiful French cities. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Especially the annoying portage for families can be completely avoided here. We rented a paddle boat and I swear, it felt like we were paddling in a sea of gatorade! There are also plenty of opportunities for coastal paddling. You will have the time to enjoy the enchanting, unspoiled nature in Touraine and on the islands of Loire. Enter dates Filters 1 Outdoor Activities Traveller favourites Equipment Hire Kayaking & Canoeing Boat Tours Beaches Experiences taking safety measures Good for avoiding crowds English French Spanish German Rocher de Roquebrune Ile Verte ExpNature 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! You can choose the coastal locations, which will make your travel more accessible as you get to the most beautiful kayaking locations in the region. Then the water levels will be very much different during the year on most rivers, which will change the level of difficulty a lot. Expect sweeping landscapes from all! Its most crowded in July and August, so plan to arrive early to snatch a boat rental. 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 The beautiful and special thing about this hiking river is that it is largely natural. PressReader. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". We ended our tour directly in the old harbor Vieux Port of Marseille. We found Base Nautique de LEtoile to be the most convenient for where we were staying, but none are really that far from each other. Unfortunately, you wont find much if any public transportation near the Verdon Gorge. If youre planning a visit soon (HIGHLY recommended), this post gives you exactly what you need to know about this majestic landscape. It is popular to see many tourists visiting France for kayaking because of its versatility and rich natural environment. Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. The lower course of the river is characterized by a calm current and is also ideal for paddling beginners and families. We hope to do this experience again in the future! It winds sloooowly through the canyon. As always, thanks for the support. There are no rapids and no whitewater challenges. Wonderful Full-Day Tayrona Park Tour from Cartagena, Crystal Beach Sector. Not renting a car in the South of France and dont wanna attempt to navigate the buses?! It is so varied that one can never get bored. The southern part of France is famous for rafting and kayaking, and you can find unique places where you can water raft or kayak. Weather changes and restrictions are some of the things that you should consider, and in case any of those changes, then it would be prudent for you to change as well. 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. This location is also a perfect place to and kayak. The high-speed trains only head to the larger areas, including Nice, Avignon, Marseilles, and Aix-en-Provence. we did not hike or climb even a minute in this area (we were way more interested in being out on the water), but if youre a keen hiker, theres lots for you! Canoe and kayaking holidays in France | Campsited 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. A bike ride along the lake is also a lot of fun, which you can rent at one of the many rental shops in Annecy. Nothing should spoil your fun. There are parts on the Verdon where you can as well peddle freewheeling, but those are for short pieces. Turquoise colored water. And given its natural landmarks and incredible coastlines, it is a top kayaking and canoeing choice for adventurers. There is less human traffic, and therefore wildlife thrives in this location. The numerous castles along the banks of river Loire will also force you to slow down and admire the beautiful medieval architecture. And dont forget about those nasty Mistral winds fierce, cold, and dry winds from the north that can reach speeds of 50mph! 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. If you want to kayak for several days, explore the 56 miles journey from Marmande to Bordeaux following the Garonne River. In the south of France, the rivers often have very little water in high summer, which makes canoeing easier for inexperienced paddlers due to the lower currents. When you kayak in this location, you can navigate the waters down the course and raise back up again using the conveyor belt. Take note that you may also find numerous boats and yachts on the Antibes. Except perhaps the wintery March weather. Place your white wine in the bosom of your boat for some happy time later on. 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. Look at the specifics of each guided day trip to see how long youll have at the lake/gorge to ensure youll have time to rent a paddle boat/kayak for an hour or so! Dont fret theres a whole bunch of guided day trips you can take to get to The Gorges du Verdon! Keep on reading, as this post has everything you need to know and more. White water kayaking is the most popular here, as kayakers take advantage of the fast-moving water to drift and enjoy the sceneries the coastline has to offer. Towering limestone cliffs. For the most refreshing of holiday experiences, the country offers a tad more than your expectations. And depending on where in the sky the sun is, the water will look completely different shades of blue/green. The bridge overlooks the Verdon Gorge, the striking turquoise water, and all the boats entering the Verdon River through the towering limestone cliffs. Important Tip: If youre using Google Maps for directions, DO NOT put Verdon Gorge into your GPS. Your email address will not be published. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The Gorges du Verdon is super iconic and Ive been wanting to go ever since I saw a photo of its shimmering turquoise waters! 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. Are you going in summer, spring, autumn? Paddling down the 30km Ardeche gorge in Southeast France is one of the most scenic kayaking views in the world. You can cover half of the lake in a single day. I have been a sports educator for 6 years, Discover the small Venice of the South of France in an original way! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Around the lake there are very beautiful hiking trails that you can also explore. Perhaps a perfect kayaking experience is not complete with an amazing picnic. In spring until the end of May you can still travel relatively quietly by kayak. She remembered all our names and was so bubbly the whole time. We have the solution ! The tranquil scenery of the river makes promises and delivers an unmatched experience at any time of the year. After putting the kayaks in the water and leaving the port of l'Estaque, -"THE PLACE TO BE" because Exceptionally beautiful Plenty of amazing things to do there. Preparing To Kayak 3. Though deep, it is difficult to calculate its depth. The Bordeaux region is not only for wines and football. The most popular river in Normandy for white water kayaking is River Orne. We actually drove up that one when we were on the coast for views between Cassis and La Ciota, but thats nowhere near Verdon Gorge! Great tips from him, and great service even though I returned the kayak late cos I was having such a great time. There are many sections with rapids. Remember to book well in advance if youre visiting during the high season (June through September). End Of The Kayaking Journey: The Pick Up 11. We stayed in the Provencal village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for 2 nights and loved it! The most important thing that you can learn during your trip is to be flexible. What to consider when going kayaking in France. The Pont du Gard is located 26 kilometres west of Avignon in Provence. Piece of advice: If you decide to jump in the water from your boat, make sure youre able to get back in! By far, the easiest way to visit the Gorge du Verdon is by driving yourself via rental car. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a beginner looking to explore this stunning coastline, there are certain essentials that you'll definitely want to keep in your pack during your kayaking adventure. This was the best activity we did on our holiday, our instructor was absolutely fantastic, he was very calm and reassuring and made you feel safe, the Kayaks sat 2 people and had waterproof barrels to put your belongings, none of us had kayaked before but it didnt matter because you are shown everything, would highly recommend. 1. Rapids are present in several sections and these sections are not recommended for exploration by beginners. You can explore remote islands and beaches other means of transportation cannot get to and experience the best of nature. Verdon Gorge and Lavender Fields (from Nice): Not only does this tour stop at the Verdon Gorge, but if youre headed to France during lavender season (June to July), I highly recommend choosing a tour that also makes a stop at a lavender field (like this one)! This is the perfect way to discover the Aquitaine region of France, an incredible beauty with deluxe-class wines. You will feel small and ecstatic as you paddle between tall limestone cliffs (some measuring over 700m tall!) A 2/3 person canoe costs 20euro per hour as well, while a 1 person kayak costs 10 euros an hour. Im Aurimas, a man behind Go Look Explore. People seeking to see deep canyons can head to the Guil River on the edge of the Ecrins national park. I later learned that route des Cretes is a name given to drives with magnificent views in a mountainous tourist region. If youre visiting in summer, dont resist the urge to take a dip in the emerald waters talk about refreshing! But if you have only one day for a paddle, you should paddle the section between Vitrac and Beynac. It is a popular place to kayak and canoe in Europe and the amazing view will mesmerize you. Some of the best destinations for sea kayaking in Europe are Ardeche, France, Bordeaux, France, Soca Valley, Slovenia, Noce, Italy, Tara Canyon, Bosnia, Zrmanja and Krupa rivers, Croatia, etc. The second tour we did in July and the river had a nice current to go fast but there were no wild passages. Should Parc des Princes Become An Official Travel Attraction? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. While there are LOccitane stores all over California and even more in Provence, we couldnt not stop at the factory store in France! Psst: Some of the roads are curvy and steep. 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. There are many places to launch your kayak, depending on what you want to see. Thus, you often have the good weather on a canoe trip also on the side. The whole trip was excellent and especially the trip through the canals to see the city. THE 10 BEST France Kayaking & Canoeing - Tripadvisor There is a famous gorge, and you can kayak through the impressive cliffs and enjoy the height drop. The rivers are often clam, and what rapids there can often be avoided. Simply pop in Pont du Galetas, and youre there! For example, whether you have ever done it before, if so your preference; whether on flat or white water, the category of the water, and whether you are a strong swimmer or not all determines how much fun you will have. It is about 8 km (5 miles) to the small town of LIsle sur la Sorgue, so it is also perfect for families. We spent an entire morning paddling at the gorge and checking out the view from the bridge, and had tons of time to explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the lavender fields (at both sunrise and sunset), and sit by the pool at our hotel. Sea kayaking lovers can head to the Bay of Arcachon and enjoy white water kayaking. -In the heart of the nature reserve Kayaking the Gorges Du Verdon of France - The Wandering Lens I dont blame you. It affords you the chance to enjoy wine tasting kayak style along Gironde and other rivers close by. Instead, input Pont du Galetas for the bridge and/or Base de LEtoile to rent a boat. Heres a few highly rated campsites to check out: Its most likely gonna be pretty hot when you visit, so keep that in mind when packing for the day! Five dams have already been built here for energy production and flood protection, which means that nowadays some parts of the gorge have been swallowed up by these reservoirs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The Verdon is not water where one can quietly paddle and enjoy the setting, it is for the most part whitewater which makes it dangerous. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! From Cromarty to Dogger, an epic kayak voyage through the Shipping Forecast 2023-06-04 - Toby Carr and Katie Carr Constance Craig Smith . No, you definitely cannot do a day trip to the Verdon Gorge from Paris, sorry! Explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: While we stayed here for 2 nights and got to thoroughly explore the town, you need to at least visit for a few hours! All rights reserved. The highlight of this tour is the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, one of the best preserved bridges of the Roman Empire. If you are not with your own kayak, try to rent one early in the morning and not in the afternoon for a great choice. I think we spent the first hour and a half or so in the gorge, and then spend the rest of the time hanging out (not really paddling, haha) on the lake. Nevertheless, the region is a popular destination for many tourists, who use the reservoirs for summer bathing and go hiking and climbing in the gorge. On your canoe, you will glide on the waters of . Companies: Once you make your way to the bridge, youll see boat rentals on both sides of Pont du Galetas. Employing their services will certainly remove the hassle from your trip while you focus on relaxation. Whats your favorite place? The Verdon Gorge is the deepest gorge in France (it is a 700-meter-deep canyon afterall), and one of the largest canyons in all of Europe. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission but at no extra cost to you! In addition, the temperatures fluctuate as well, and this can be pretty challenging to. Thats why there are numerous boat rentals at different places in the gorge. Idyllic accommodations with equally beautiful hotels and guesthouses await you along many stretches of river. Thus, most campsites have playgrounds, swimming pools, restaurants and a small grocery stores. You will start slow at Saint Clement before brazing yourself for a tough, but exciting ride later along the course of the river. 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 . But it is equally worthwhile to explore the area by kayak from the water. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This is one of the best locations to go kayaking because it is strategically positioned on standing stones and rocks. Ideally, you start your tour from the Fontaine de Vaucluse, where the river rises. While you can easily make a day trip to the Verdon Gorge from elsewhere in Provence and even the French Riviera, I recommend spending a night or two over here to really get a feel for the area! Your email address will not be published. You start in the small harbor town of Cassis and head towards Marseille. There are a lot of things that you can learn in France when you visit the country. There are fewer rapids here and many instructors to offer your kids kayaking lessons. Situated in the south of France, Lac St. Croix is an ideal spot for kayak and canoeing for lots of reasons. At vacation times and in high summer, when the water level is quite low, the region is crowded with tourists. In Provence, whitewater rivers are waiting, flowing through gorges rarely found in Europe. Along the river, you will find rapids that will spice up your experience as the trip is really adventurous, and you should take great care. 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. Emerald waters and impressively tall gorges. Many rivers flow from the Pyrenees to the Bay of Biscay, and almost all of them offer excellent paddling and kayaking adventure. Heading to the South of France and hoping to go paddle boating or kayaking on the Verdon Gorge? Depending on the season and the amount of rain, the water level can vary greatly. Kayaking in France: A First-Timer's Guide - Guys Gab With over 1500 hiking trails in the area, youve got lots to pick from. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To say we loved our time on the water is a complete understatement, and as noted before, I could have stayed there all day! It is an artificial lake, created by a water reservoir and offers excellent grounds for white water kayaking. Blessed with a startling sight, the Verdon Gorge in the Provence has a length of 21 km and a depth up to 700m. Beautiful bays, azure waters and steep cliffs, such as those found near Marseille, definitely make for a unique paddling experience in good weather conditions. Doing research for our summer trip with our 12 and 8 year old and really hoping to get a day at Verdon Gorge! Its not what you think of when you picture the French countryside not one little bit! For the rest of the country, paddling is most fun in the summer outside the vacation season. ), so yes, there will be cars! Rented a kayak for 3 hours off season and had a great time exploring the nearby calanques and the Ile Verte. The popular castles you should expect to see along the way are Chateaux de Bois, Domaine de Chaumont Sur Loire and Chateaux dAmboise. Kayaking through Europe: From London to the Black Sea We chose to simply rent a paddle boat, so unfortunately I dont have more info on these other activities. France is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. There are many shops to hire canoe and kayaking equipment. Paddle Boating and Kayaking in Gorges du Verdon, France The only candidate here is Lake Geneva (Lac Lman in French), which the French share with Switzerland. 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! The most popular kayaking spot in Normandy is the dashing Parc Naturel de Normandie-Maine situated on the Sarthe and Varenne rivers. To go on kayaking, you should be conversant with basic rules and best practices so that you do not err for your own safety. Scenery Along The Dordogne River 4. Kayaking through the Calanques National Park in South France So. While there are no real beaches along the gorge itself, theres quite a few alongside the Sainte-Croix Lake. 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 Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! Raphael was an amazing and enthusiastic guide!! Kayaking On the Dordogne River 2. Nevertheless, there are also some beautiful lakes that invite you to a day trip. Canoeing and kayaking on the rivers of France - Canoe trips kayak Spanning about 500 km that reaches the sea near Bordeaux, Dordogne offers one of the best kayaking in the south of France. Filed Under: europe, World Travel Tagged With: france, provence, Your email address will not be published. I was surprised to learn that the lake is actually artificial! More on that later! Turquoise colored water. Regulations and rules are usually made for our safety. Kayaking Adventure in Corsica - Simply France In Cassis and Marseille there are also kayak rental stations.