There is no better way to see the Dordogne River and its banks close-up than by canoeing along its waters. Several canoe hire operators offer a package that kits you out with canoe, paddle, life vest and waterproof container, together with transport that buses you upstream so that you can paddle down at your own leisurely or lively pace.
Dordogne Canoeing
The Dordogne River is one of France’s most famous rivers. Its width and calm water makes it perfect for beginners and families and offers great sightseeing en route.
Normandy Canoeing
Normandy is a great place to visit for a canoeing vacation. Sights to see include Mont St Michel, the D-Day landing beaches and the Bayeux tapestry.
The hot spot for water sports in Normandy is Granville. Granville is home to La “Haute Ville”, a picturesque fortified old town with its church of Notre-Dame and 15-18th century houses. It is also home to the region's water sports centre. The water sports centre has two sites, one in the heart of Granville, surrounded by the marina and the Herel beach, and the other at the beach at Jullouville.
Rhone-Alpes Canoeing
A favourite place to canoe in France is along the Ardeche River and this is the perfect environment for beginners to learn canoeing. With a dramatic gorge 300m deep, it boasts stunning scenery and is littered with fun packed Grade II/III rapids. Early to mid May sees the best water levels as the river becomes shallow in the heat of the summer.