6 Canoe Trips in France for Every Kind of Paddler

1.Montpezat: Canoe and kayak rental in the Verdon Gorges

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 361 reviews · 3 - 6 hours · from $20Our pick

Rent a single or double kayak, or a 3 or 4-person canoe, from Aquattitude in Montpezat. Paddle through the Baudinard Canyon between Lake Montpezat and Lake Artignosc, beneath 150-meter cliffs and past caves. Staff explain the route, picnic stops, and return details before you set off.

“My husband and I were greeted in arrival and the guide was very helpful. The gorge is beautiful and we had a great time kayaking. Would recommend this company.”

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2.Sarlat la Canéda: The Dordogne valley by canoe

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 297 reviews · 2 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $29

Set out from Vitrac with Canoes Loisirs for a gentle downstream paddle on the Dordogne. Choose a short trip of about two hours or a longer route lasting up to six, passing castles, cliffs, caves, villages, and picnic spots. Equipment, instructions, and shuttle transport are provided, with pickup available from Sarlat.

“Just a general really enjoyable day on river seeing lots various views which you wouldn’t see when travelling in a car on the road. As it was extremely hot it great to be by the river.”

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3.From Vitrac: Dordogne River Canoe Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 162 reviews · 3 hours · from $34

Start at Canoes Loisirs near Domme and paddle independently from Vitrac to Beynac. The gentle three-hour route passes La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud, Beynac, and several castles. Stop for a picnic, swim, or village visit, then take the shuttle back to your car. Canoes, paddles, life jackets, parking, and insurance are included.

“Great experience, regardless busyness we were on the water in no time, staff was friendly and helpful. Amazing views, definitely worth it! Shuttle service was great, short journey and you’re back near your car. Highly recommended!”

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4.Family Canoe/Kayak Trip on the Ardèche: 3 hours – about 12 km

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 82 reviews · 3 hours · from $42

You’ll paddle about 12 km from the Mazes plain through calm water, three slides, gentle rapids, and beneath Pont d’Arc. Alain Bateaux provides the boat, safety gear, briefing, and return shuttle. Amélie, Frédéric, and Loïc are praised for clear instruction and a warm welcome. You must be over 7 and able to swim.

“Super activité le personnel sympathique et la descente en canoë c'est super bien passé”

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5.Sporty descent of the Ardèche Gorges by canoe/kayak: 6 hours – approx. 32 km

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 10 reviews · 1 day · from $47

Set out from Alain Bateaux in Salavas at 8:30 AM for a demanding 6 to 7 hour canoe or kayak run through the Ardèche Gorges. You will paddle about 32 km, pass beneath Pont d’Arc, stop for swimming and a picnic, and finish at Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, where the team returns you and your equipment to the starting point.

“1. Organisation & Service Von der Buchung bis zur Rückkehr lief alles reibungslos. Die Reservierung war unkompliziert, das Personal war freundlich, kompetent und hat uns alles erklärt — Bootstyp, Tourverlauf, Sicherheitsregeln. Es gab einen zuverlässigen Shuttle-Service, der uns am Ende der Tour wieder zurück zum Ausgangspunkt gebracht hat. 2. Ausrüstung & Sicherheit Das Material war in sehr gutem Zustand: stabile Kanus / Kajaks, ordentliche Paddel, saubere Schwimmwesten. Bevor es losging, erhielten wir eine gründliche Einweisung in Paddeltechnik und Verhalten in schwierigen Streckenabschnitten – besonders wichtig bei Stromschnellen. 3. Tour & Natur Die Strecke war atemberaubend schön. Atemb...”

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6.Canoe/Kayak descent of the Ardèche Nature Reserve: 5 hours – approx. 24 km

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 1 day · from $47Top rated

Start at Châmes, downstream from the Pont d’Arc, and paddle about 24 km through the road-free Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve. Alain Bateaux provides a canoe or kayak, safety gear, briefing, return transport, and parking. Allow 5 to 6 hours on the water. You must be over 7 and able to swim.

“Great Team an material. Felt very welcome. 24km tour might be quite exhaustilg but beautiful. Support your local family businesses. Thank you!”

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