Kayak & canoe · FRANCE KAYAKING TOURS
Good france kayaking tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
From Sud Kayak at Port de la Lave, paddle along Marseille’s Côte Bleue with guides such as Loup, Jordan, or Audrey. Expect a safety briefing, rocky coves, Establon and Aragnols creeks, a beach swim stop, and roughly three hours on the water. Morning departures suit beginners best.
“fun activity. the guide was very considered of the participants. Nice route”
Spend three to four hours aboard a comfortable catamaran from Marseille’s Vieux-Port. Cruise past Vallon des Auffes, Château d’If, and the Frioul Islands, then swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and jump from the roof board. Guides such as Julie, Nico, and Clem add local stories in English and French. Drinks, wetsuits, and gear are included.
“It was really memorable trip! Thanks to our lovely hosts! Merci beaucoup!”
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”
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.”
Meet your French or English-speaking guide near Cabane Bambou and paddle from Chemin Garonne along Pampelonne Beach toward Cap Camarat. You’ll stop to snorkel among fish, starfish, and cuttlefish, with an optional 3-metre rock jump. Kayaks, life jackets, waterproof bags, and snorkel gear are included.
“Absolutely recommend. It’s a three hour kayaking trip along the coast of ST tropez, beautiful scenery, frequent stops to snorkel, and our guide even took us to a cliff diving spot. Make sure to bring sunglasses and a hat, and apply lots of sunscreen, you’ll be in the harsh sunlight for 3+ hours! Our guide Robin was super friendly and accommodating.”
Launch from KayakMed at Sète’s Saint-Louis nautical center for a guided three-hour paddle in a single or double sit-on-top kayak. You’ll explore the Corniche, small cliffs, and marine caves when sea conditions allow. Guides such as Nicolas, Sylvain, and Olivier also share local stories and may switch to the canals when waves are too strong.
“Superb experience well organized and guides at the top a good team to redo without hesitation We loved it.Auto-translated”
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.”
Meet your English or French-speaking guide at Isolella, 15 minutes from Porticcio, for a three-hour tour in a two-seater sea kayak. After basic paddling practice, follow the rocky Sette e Nave coast, pass a historic Genovese tower, and stop to swim. Kayak, paddle, and life jacket are included.
“Attività divertente e gioiosa in mezzo al mare. La guida è stata molto carina, disponibile sia a parlare in francese che in inglese per i turisti multilingua. La consiglio per una gita di qualche ora.”
Spend 2.5 hours kayaking from Agay along the Corniche d’Or with a qualified guide. You’ll weave between Esterel’s red rocks, hear about local fauna, flora, and geology, and stop for a swim if you wish. French, Italian, and English are offered, with small groups advertised at up to 10 people.
“Avons passé un super moment ! 2 heures de découverte avec un animateur passionné et passionnant. Paysages magnifiques Première expérience de kayak pour nous mais sûrement pas la dernière ! Merci beaucoup”
Sail from Antibes toward Île Sainte-Marguerite with a small group of up to nine people. Your skipper introduces you to the boat, shares the story of the Man in the Iron Mask, and anchors near Fort Royal for snorkeling and paddleboarding from May 15 to September 15. In colder months, enjoy a one-hour island visit instead.
“We had a great time sailing and snorkling with Valentin as guide! Super fun for both kids and adults! Can strongly recommend!”
Paddle a single or double sit-on-top kayak from Sète’s Môle Saint-Louis with a French or English-speaking guide. KayakMed takes you along the Corniche to cliffs, small marine caves, and quiet coastal spots, adding stories about fishing, jousting, and the Canal du Midi. Changing rooms, showers, lockers, and waterproof boxes are provided.
“The guide was informative , personable and professional. Loved kayaking and viewing the backside of Sete. Should have used a longer boat. My fault. The option for a swim was great. Thank you a million times over. Kind Regards”
Meet Nathan at Plage de La Plagette for a two-hour sea kayak trip along Cap d’Agde’s volcanic coast. After equipment and a safety briefing, you’ll paddle past marine life, hear local legends, and see Grande Conque’s black sand beach. Swimming ability is required, and the small group is limited to 14 people.
“Nathan is a nice and social guy, and he makes the trip very good. We didn't expect That we are going snorkeling, so That was a nice surprise.”
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”
Paddle for about three hours between Pampelonne Beach and Cap Camarat with a certified guide. You’ll explore the protected Three Capes coast, stop at a quiet cove for swimming and snorkeling, and have the option to jump from a roughly 3-meter rock. Guides including Marco, Nico, Brad, Thomas, and Manue have led this family-friendly outing.
“The organization and running of the event went smoothly - we particularly liked the very friendly and helpful guide, who took enough time for all participants and was always very polite and courteous. The kayaks and equipment were in perfect condition. A wonderful scenic experience - suitable for both experienced and beginners. Any time again!”
Paddle real sea kayaks from La Ciotat to Île Verte, Calanque du Mugel, and, on the full-day trip, Figuerolles. Your English or French-speaking guide shares local stories, explains the coast, and keeps the pace friendly for beginners. Guides have included Oliver, Ellie, Romy, Thomas, and Alexi. Swimming and cave visits depend on the route and weather.
“The whole experience was wonderful. The guide spoke native French but also fluent English and went out of his way to make sure everyone was included. Great trip - hope to come back some day!”
Pick a coast, a cave or a river.
