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Table of Contents
1. Verdon Gorge
Kayaking the Verdon Gorge in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence brings you close to the most stunning natural beauty in France.
You will feel small and ecstatic as you paddle between tall limestone cliffs (some measuring over 700m tall!) but the pristine waters will keep drawing you in all the way.
Plan a day trip to this gorge from Nice and paddle the 1.5 miles of the Gorge on Verdon River and enjoy all kinds of sceneries (including lavender farms and beautiful beaches).
Note that this is a very busy section of the river, especially during the summer months. Kayak rentals are available nearby and the spot is easily accessible by car.
2. The Ardeche
The gorges on the 22 miles stretch of the Ardeche River attract hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic paddlers from across Europe.
You will be kayaking inside a 16 miles canyon during this journey while exploring some of the best landscapes the Ardeche region has to offer. Although the descent can be done within a day, this is not a trip for kayaking beginners. There are many sections with rapids.
These sections will test your kayaking skills to the limit.
Other sections are okay and you will have an easy cruise as you enjoy the stunning landscapes. In some places, you will be gliding under massive caves that make the adventure more thrilling.
Along the route, there are several places where you can stop and break if you want to rest and enjoy a meal or a drink before continuing with the journey.
3. Antibes
The pristine waters of Cap d’Antibes can turn even the most reluctant person into an avid kayaking enthusiast.
You will be gliding in calm, clear waters that offer a perfect reflection. This is a great place for beginners.
There is an amazing coastline, no rapids, and beautiful creeks and coves to explore.
The sunset on the Antibes is something to behold.
Take note that you may also find numerous boats and yachts on the Antibes. The best time to visit here is during the summer.
4. Southern French Alps
There are several rivers to explore in the Southern French Alps but the most spectacular and popular for kayaking are the Ubaye, the Guil, Durance, and Bachelard.
Although there are many rapids on the Ubaye River, the 31 miles stretch from the Italian border to Serre-Poncon Lake will be a most exciting ride.
The river has been marked in sections, allowing everyone (including absolute beginners) to have their fun here. If you are an adrenaline seeker, tough rapids sections are waiting to be conquered. Some of these sections are so rough that it was believed for a while that they were impossible to navigate.
The Durance River also tests the skills and endurance of kayakers to the core. You will start slow at Saint Clement before brazing yourself for a tough, but exciting ride later along the course of the river.
People seeking to see deep canyons can head to the Guil River on the edge of the Ecrins national park. This is an amazing river for whitewater rafting. It is a fairly rough course though, not ideal for beginners.
5. Bordeaux
The Bordeaux region in France is renowned for wine and football. Interestingly, it is also one of the best regions in France for outdoor lovers to engage in white water kayaking.
Many rivers flow from the Pyrenees to the Bay of Biscay, and almost all of them offer excellent paddling and kayaking adventure.
If you plan on a family kayaking trip, the La Leyre River, 40 minutes’ drive from Bordeaux town, would be your best choice.
There are fewer rapids here and many instructors to offer your kids kayaking lessons.
If you want to kayak for several days, explore the 56 miles journey from Marmande to Bordeaux following the Garonne River.
There are many excellent places along the way to take breaks and explore different attractions before continuing with your adventure. The kayaking trip on the Garonne River is not suitable for beginners.
Sea kayaking lovers can head to the Bay of Arcachon and enjoy white water kayaking. The adventurous lot can try heading upstream on the river Leyre as it enters the sea in this bay.
6. Loire Valley
Loire River is the longest river in France, at 629 miles. A kayaking experience here can last several days.
The best thing about kayaking here is that the river offers an almost unparalleled white water experience. You will have the time to enjoy the enchanting, unspoiled nature in Touraine and on the islands of Loire.
You will pass many quaint, beautiful villages that invite you to have a meal with the locals and refuel before continuing your journey.
The numerous castles along the banks of river Loire will also force you to slow down and admire the beautiful medieval architecture.
The popular castles you should expect to see along the way are Chateaux de Bois, Domaine de Chaumont Sur Loire and Chateaux d’Amboise.
7. Brittany’s Coastline
Brittany is famous for artichokes, cauliflower, and delicious apples.
The beautiful coastline has also made this location popular as people come to kayak and enjoy looking at the picturesque surroundings.
There are hundreds of inlets, and with a coastline that extends for more than 1678 miles, there is something for everyone here.
There are many places to launch your kayak, depending on what you want to see. There are several kayaking sections, each graded according to the level of difficulty, so choose your battles wisely.
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.
READ MORE: 12 Best Beaches in Brittany, France
8. Normandy
In Northern France, outdoor adventure does not come any better than what Normandy has to offer.
There are many inland rivers here and the long English Channel coastline makes the location a great one to explore in a kayak.
Beaches, small fishing villages that have stood the test of time, beautiful harbors, and beautiful natural landscapes are some of the attractions you should expect to experience when you come kayaking in this region.
The most popular river in Normandy for white water kayaking is River Orne. This river meanders through astonishing natural landscapes that have not been interfered with for thousands of years.
9. Lac de Sainte Croix
Extending over 2200 hectares, Lake De Sainte-Croix offers kayaking enthusiasts one of the best locations to enjoy the sport in France.
It is an artificial lake, created by a water reservoir and offers excellent grounds for white water kayaking.
Some of the interesting things to see here include beautiful, old villages, artificial beaches, and dense forests. Kayak rentals are available on the lake.
10. The Allier
The Allier is considered to be one of France’s widest rivers.
The navigable sections of the river take you through the natural, wild-forest habitat.
You will have a serene kayaking adventure on this river. You will find beautiful, expansive gorges and no matter whether there will be other people close, the feeling of isolation within a spectacular natural environment will awe you.
Rapids are present in several sections and these sections are not recommended for exploration by beginners.