France is a unique country offering numerous rivers for paddling. The Canoë France offers you 12 of them, with unique experiences, top-notch teams, and breathtaking scenery.
The most beautiful canoe routes in France
Top 12 places for canoeing
Classifying French rivers, let's not kid ourselves… it's complicated! Each one has its own charm, its own biodiversity and a very different nature, so we thought we'd advise you based on what you liked during your trip down the Dordogne.
Haven't had the chance to explore the heart of our valley yet? Because we can't be entirely objective about the beauty of our river, come and try our routes on the Dordogne. Discover all our day and half-day trips , as well as our multi-day excursions with overnight stays in bivouacs or campsites .
And if you've already gone down our river, here are our recommendations for other rivers to explore based on your favorites:
- If you enjoyed nights camping on a wild beach by the water, you will surely appreciate a self-guided canoe trip on the Loire or the Allier.
- If your eyes have been dazzled by the castles of Périgord, its heritage, and by the caves and chasms of the Lot, then rent a kayak on the Vézère, explore the Vallée de l'Homme for its tranquility, and visit the Lascaux cave…
- If, on the other hand, it was the wildest section between Argentat and Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne that captivated you (your heart, not your kayak!), discover the Ariège, Aveyron, and Vienne by canoe, or the spectacular views of the Tarn or Chassezac from your kayak…
- Do you want to discover the must-see rivers in France? Then set off to explore the Ardèche or the Drôme, exceptional rivers in the south-east of France.
- For guided walks in small groups, enjoy the Sorgue at Fontaine de Vaucluse, a magnificent place where the water is fresh all year round.
The best hiking and backpacking experiences in France
If you'd like to enjoy the river for more than just a few hours, why not try a multi-day canoe trip? In our French nature reserves, rich in flora and fauna, here are our favorite destinations:
- For a first experience, over 2/3 days: The Vézère
- For a flexible and accessible stay of 2 to 7 days: the Dordogne
- For a longer trip of 2 to 8 days: the Loire
- For a sporty and thrilling 2- to 6-day holiday: the Allier
- To discover the legendary Pont d'Arc in 2 or 3 days: the Ardèche
- To be dazzled by the gorges and the immensity of the cliffs in 2 or 3 days: the Tarn
Find our most beautiful hiking tours in France right here !
Tips for preparing your kayaking adventure
Essential equipment for a successful excursion
To enjoy a day or half-day trip along the waterways, here are the essential items to plan for:
- Appropriate sportswear and a change of clothes for when you arrive
- A pair of closed shoes such as sneakers or water shoes
- Sun protection such as UV-protective T-shirts or mineral sunscreen
- Depending on the weather, don't forget sweatshirts and windbreakers
- Picnic lunch and drinks (1.5L of water per person)
Do you want to travel from village to village for several days in the heart of nature? Check out our articles " Top 5 bivouac equipment " and " What equipment should you take on a canoe trip?"
Safety and rules to follow on the water
Before any canoe trip, regardless of the river or waterway, there are a few rules to always follow to guarantee your safety:
- Check the river category (class) and make sure you have a sufficient level (physical condition, number of km).
- Make sure you can swim 25m unassisted and that everyone is over 6 years old.
- Check local water levels (RiverApp) and navigation scales to be observed
- Check the weather forecast for the next few hours and make sure you have enough time to complete your activity without any weather alerts
- Inform your loved ones and family about your kayaking trip and its route
- Check your equipment to ensure it is not defective
Are you a beginner or don't own your own equipment? Opt for professional equipment rental or a guided outing! By choosing professional rental, you benefit from:
- Constant monitoring by the lessor of water levels, weather and current prefectural decrees
- Equipment guaranteed to meet CE standards and checked after each use
- Professionals with professional liability insurance and a consumer mediator
- Monitoring of its customers and maximum implementation of all possible means to guarantee customer safety
Not sure which canoe-kayak rental company to choose? Opt for a rental company that is a member of the FNPLCK (National Professional Federation of Canoe-Kayak Rental Companies) and/or a member of the Canoë France.
