The 8 Best Canoe Trips in France

1.Canoe and kayak rental in the Verdon Gorges

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

From Aquattitude’s Montpezat base, choose a single or double kayak, or a 3 or 4 seat canoe, then paddle into the Baudinard Canyon. Calm water, tall cliffs, caves, beaches, and two lakes make this a relaxed outing for families, beginners, and experienced paddlers. Life jackets, paddles, and a waterproof container are included.

“Excellent value for money with picturesque views of the Verdon Gorge. Highly recommend”

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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 on a self-paced canoe trip down the Dordogne. Choose a route lasting about 2 to 6 hours, paddle past castles, cliffs, caves, villages, and wooded banks, stop to swim or picnic, then catch the shuttle back. Canoes Loisirs provides equipment, safety gear, instructions, and English service.

“This is one of the best experiences around. Such a relaxing trip amongst great scenery. If you are a fan of castles, this is for you.”

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3.Dordogne River Canoe Rental

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

Paddle your own canoe or kayak from Vitrac to Beynac on a calm, scenic stretch of the Dordogne. You will pass La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud, Beynac, and several castles, with time to stop for a picnic, drink, or swim. Canoes Loisirs provides equipment, parking, safety gear, and an hourly shuttle back to your car.

“Loved it! Really well organised company with friendly staff. The experience of canoeing down the Dordogne with stunning views was fabulous. Would definitely recommend.”

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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

Join Alain Bateaux for a relaxed 12 km family canoe or kayak trip from the Mazes plain. Amélie, Frédéric, and Loïc provide safety advice and paddling help before you set off. Expect three slides, gentle rapids, picnic and swimming time, a passage beneath Pont d’Arc, and a return shuttle to the shaded Salavas base.

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

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5.Mini Discovery Descent of the Ardèche by Canoe Kayak: 2 hours – approx. 6 km

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 59 reviews · 1 day · from $33

Spend about two hours paddling 6 km of the Ardèche River with Alain Bateaux, passing beneath the famous Pont d’Arc. You’ll receive a safety briefing, canoe or kayak gear, practical advice, and a return shuttle. The route suits first-timers and families with children over 7 who can swim.

“super leuke activiteit om te doen. 6 kilometer is top met jonge kids. ophalen aan het einde van de tocht ging ook heel soepel. wij zijn van 10 tot 14.00 uur geweest. leuk om nog even te kunnen stoppen tussen het kanoenen en te zwemmen. was idd wel even zoeken naar waar we heen moesten om te starten maar uiteindelijk alles gevonden. uitleg voordat we gingen kanoenen was ook top, goed Engels sprekende jongen. zelfs onze jongste van 9 kon hem prima verstaan. mooie stevige kanoes ook, zeker t.o.v andere kanoe verhuur die we voorbij zagen komen. kortom zeker een aanrader.”

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6.Canoe Butterfly

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews · 1 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $26

You’ll collect a canoe, paddle, life jacket, route guide, and safety briefing at Canoës Butterfly near Castelnaud-la-Chapelle. A shuttle carries you to the launch point, then you paddle the Dordogne at your own pace. Choose a short outing or spend up to five hours on the water, with an initiation available on request.

“This was a great way to experience the beauty of the region. The staff was friendly and very helpful with my limited french. The operation was run very smoothly from check in, to launch, to landing.”

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7.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 descent through the Ardèche Gorges. You will pass under Pont d’Arc, paddle through the nature reserve, stop at quiet beaches, and return by shuttle. Bring water, lunch, closed-toe shoes, and solid fitness.

“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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8.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 shaded parking. Allow 5 to 6 hours on the water, with rapids and no urban development.

“Zeer leuk! Een unieke belevenis! Je moet wel sportief zijn voor 24-32 kilometer kajak.. zeer verrassende momenten! Die je niet snel zal vergeten!”

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