Water sports and leisure activities New Aquitaine

Created by Sophie Begin, the manager of Bécalou canoe-kayak, Arès Kayak Nature is an environmental awareness association whose aim is to help you discover the local biodiversity of the Parc Naturel Marin du Bassin d'Arcachon and the surrounding area... in a rabaska! This "big canoe" is ideal for those who don't want to get too wet. You'll be guided along the water by an enthusiastic expert in this natural environment. On the program: bird island, oyster beds, barnacles...

Numerous sporting activities at the Cherveux lake. Wood Wakepark rents out paddles and houses THE waterski lift of the 79. Beginners and experts alike can wakeboard from the pontoon, pulled by a cable.

Take to the heights with the accrobranche courses at Accros de Cherveux. Extra the 180 m zip line or those that fly over the lake!

Another choice: a laser game in the middle of the forest on a 2,000 m² plot, accessible from age 7.

Come and discover the joys of surfing on the great beach of Moliets with a team of passionate state-certified instructors! With pedagogy, the Soonline surf school offers you different formulas to discover surfing in complete safety, to know your first sensations and to improve your skills to tame the waves. The surf school is open every day in season, accessible from 5 years old. Soonline is also a skateboard school. Go to the store next to the beach, to rent your surf, skate or bike equipment! Possibility to book online.

The Aquaparc du Coucou is a 3,200 m² inflatable and floating water park accessible from 6 years old. Children from 6 to 8 years old must be accompanied. Several types of floating games: slides, toboggans, trampolines, giant plate, obstacle course and climbing, etc. It is certainly a sporty and pleasant activity when it is hot and when you are in a group of all ages, for which you will still have to put on your life jacket and know how to swim a little, but 5 qualified lifeguards are there. For the little ones, hand-held mini-pedal'ô are available.

Houeillès also has its own swimming pool. It has been completely renovated. Swimmers can enjoy a 25-meter pool, while little ones can have fun in the paddling pool. There are also various games around the pool, including a slide, swings, table tennis, table soccer and even a refreshment bar. Swimming lessons are available to help you learn to swim or perfect your strokes. All in all, it's a fun, friendly pool that's very popular with local families.

Departing from Saugnac for the day, or Moustey for the half-day, kayak or canoe down the Leyre to Belin-Beliet. You can choose to go out on your own, or be accompanied by a qualified instructor who will show you the forest and its biodiversity over a few kilometers. There's also a treasure hunt for you and your family, with clues left in the logbook of a lost adventurer... Get ready to explore the valley and solve the riddles, without fear of getting wet!

In summer, in addition to Aquaval in Marmande, Tonneins, Meilhan-sur-Garonne and Le Mas-d'Agenais offer 3 outdoor pools of 25 m each (with an additional 50 m slide in Tonneins) with paddling pools, water games, play and relaxation areas and picnic areas. More information on www.piscinevaldegaronne.fr

Le Mas d'Agenais - le bourg - ✆ 05 53 89 51 29

Meilhan-sur-Garonne - chemin de ronde de Sillac - ✆ 05 53 20 85 67

Tonneins - Avenue du docteur Vautrain - ✆ 05 53 79 04 19

Richard Azéma offers canoe, kayak and paddle rentals. He organises half-day or shorter trips (4 and 8 km) with circuits that allow you to discover the hidden secrets of Brantôme and its surroundings. He provides the complete equipment to the safety standards (unsinkable boat, buoyancy vest, canister, paddle). Prices vary according to the time of use. Also on site: climbing on the many cliffs of the Paussac, Bourdeilles, Rochereuil region, supervised by a state-qualified instructor. Refreshment bar.

Curious about nature? Go to the shores of the lake of Aureilhan to enjoy a superb guided tour in a Hawaiian pirogue made of Landes pine. Iris, hibiscus, water lilies, herons, waterfowl... At the rhythm of the paddles, you will discover the fauna and flora of this Natura 2000 site. From 4 years old, provided you can swim, this activity is also accessible to people with disabilities. All Water also offers paddle, kayak, kayaksurf, waveski, treasure hunts, etc. (all information online).

This aquatic complex offers a 25 m sports pool for experienced swimmers, with dedicated lanes or freestyle. Training courses, swimming lessons and aquatic activities take place in the learning pool. Finally, a play pool and a paddling pool, where baby swimming and water garden activities take place, complete the site's infrastructure. And a solarium for lounging between dives.

Departure is from Place des Poulies in Saint-Loup-Lamairé. By pedal boat or canoe, it's an opportunity to discover the Gâtine in a different way, as seen from the lovely Thouet. It's a charming and refreshing way to enjoy the region's heritage, including a magnificent panorama of the Château de Saint-Loup. Bookings can be made at the tourist office. 6 canoes (3 pers.), 4 pedal boats (5 pers.) and 3 rosalies (3-4 pers.). Low prices for great experiences !

Dedicated to school activities, the Lidon is open to the public for 6 weeks in summer. Access to the initiation basin and the wild marsh is free. Kayaks and canoes can be rented directly from the site at low cost for up to 3 hours (rates according to family income). There are also signposted trails to help you discover the local flora and fauna. Information on niortagglo.fr, base nautique du Lidon.

Want to bask in the sun or cool off in the water? On the banks of the Vienne river, the Queaux beach is a real place of relaxation. On site, there are many activities: games for children, fishing, bowling, miniature golf, volleyball, ping-pong, paddling pool... Swimming is supervised in July and August, in the afternoons. In addition to the picnic area, on the restaurant side, there is also the Guinguette du Renard, open every day in summer (2:30-8:30 pm). The beach comes alive with its festival in summer, every Friday evening with a free concert.

In fine weather, what could be more pleasant than to enjoy the cool waters of the Creuse? The setting invites you to relax and picnic on the riverbank: majestic trees cast the right shade for lounging. The leisure area offers games for young and old alike (pétanque, canoe hire...). Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the natural riches of the river. Great fun for all!

The river Clain flows peacefully through Saint-Benoît, a town where life is good. A boat ride on the river is one of the must-do activities of the summer season. Whether as a duo, with family or friends, this walk in the heart of this green setting will bring a feeling of serenity to all. Relaxation and tranquility are on the agenda. The Mon Repos port offers five boats for rent that can accommodate five people.

On the banks of the Charente, Saint-Macoux offers a very pleasant leisure center for a family refreshment. The little ones will be delighted to slide down the water slide and the parents will be reassured to know that they are safe because in July and August, the lifeguards are watching over them. Fishing (except in summer), children's games, zip line, petanque area, the Marais leisure center promises good moments of relaxation. You can eat at the restaurant of the Marais.

The Lathus outdoor center offers a wide range of activities: kayaking, stand-up paddle, archery, mountain biking, caving, rock climbing, Accro'Lathus, tree climbing, circus, horse riding, Disc'Lathus, hiking, Tèrra Aventura, educational farm... In summer, activities (booking required) are organized every day by qualified activity leaders. Numerous accommodation options are available on site for groups. Don't miss the Les Improbables festival on Ascension Day.

You'll enjoy a lush green setting and a host of facilities, including picnic tables, playgrounds and signposted footpaths. Swimming is supervised all summer long, and you can take advantage of the activities (beach handball, etc.) and go boating: paddles, canoes and pedal boats are available for hire. You can pitch your tent at Flower Camping Côté Lac (3 stars). The Côté Plage bar-snack-restaurant welcomes you all year round.

Wade or pretend you're an Olympic champion in this beautiful pool. Take advantage of the indoor facilities: a counter-current river, water jets and even a waterfall. And, for those who are not so cold, swim from April to October in the Nordic pool outside, but in water that is always 27°C! The aquatic center will also seduce you with its fitness room, sauna and hammam. It also offers aquabike and aquagym classes... as well as a time slot for baby swimmers. A real pleasure for children and adults alike!

At bridge level, it's not unusual to spot a few canoes below on the Anglin. Since 2010, Canoécolo has been supplying boats, vests, paddles and watertight canisters to get you out on the water. Discover this little corner of paradise and enjoy its enchanting valley. Stroll at your own pace, swim... what a pleasure! The trick is to get back to the starting point, but the river is calm and navigable in both directions. The small company also offers its services in La Roche-Posay, where you can discover the confluence of the Gartempe and Creuse rivers.

La Palue is a small river that you can canoe down with the Castets club (affiliated to the French Canoeing Federation). Summer is the ideal period for leisurely descents. Starting from the base (from 10am to 4.30pm), 8 kilometres of discovery and relaxation in the heart of the Landes forest are offered to you. Good news, swimming is allowed. The canoe can accommodate up to 3 people (2 adults and 1 child). The best thing is still to book!

Located in the center of the village, in the arms of the river Clain, the Pont Creusé lake and leisure area offers a refreshing break. The 6-hectare site, part of which is shaded, is ideal for resting, fishing, walking, playing pétanque, ping-pong, volleyball... Children's games and a few teepees provide fun for young and old alike. It's also an ideal place to start a hike. A picnic area and Le Martin Pêcheur restaurant (with its terrace overlooking the water) overlook the reservoir.

Water sports aren't just for the sea! On Lac de Moncontour, you'll discover the pleasures of gliding, towed by a cable using an environmentally-friendly electric-powered system. Kneeling first on a kneeboard to get your bearings, you'll then take off standing on a wakeboard to cover the 535 m at 30 km/h. For the more experienced (and adventurous), take to the ramps to perform tricks. Crazy sensations for all levels.

Come aboard and cruise the Vienne. For an hour, a half-day or a full day, accompanied or unaccompanied, take the time to let yourself be carried by the river and admire the surrounding landscapes. Several boat sizes are available, transport is provided, and all you have to do is paddle along and discover the treasures of nature. Several routes are available: discover Chauvigny, pass in front of the pretty château de Toufou or go as far as the Henri IV bridge in Châtellerault. Stand-up paddle rentals are also available.

The lake is surrounded by the Dive river and the Fontou stream, with its pretty spring. The estate extends over 22 hectares, including an 8-hectare pond, and hosts a wide range of outdoor activities. The site is freely accessible all year round, so you can picnic, fish (with a river fishing card), work out on the outdoor fitness trail, solve Tèrra Aventura's "L'Odyssée de la Grand'Goule" riddle, enjoy the playground or simply relax by the water and appreciate the calm and beauty of this place.

The large pool of this open-air pool has a T-shape and stretches for 25 meters. It has a large slide and water jets. A paddling pool for the little ones completes the installation. Numerous activities are offered throughout the summer with parties, swimming lessons, aquagym... A large grassy area allows you to rest and dry out quietly in the sun. There are also many games: trampoline, volleyball court, mini-football, badminton, ping-pong, swing, games for children... A real pleasure for everyone!

The Rouffiac leisure park in Lanouaille offers a multitude of activities and events all year round. Visitors can take advantage of a walking trail along the lake to discover this area dedicated to outdoor leisure activities. Activities on offer include water sports such as windsurfing, canoeing and paddling, as well as land-based activities such as hiking and fishing. For thrill-seekers, there's a tree climbing course and a bike park.

On the banks of the Dordogne, a Unesco World Heritage river, Pelouse Plage is a recently opened bathing area accessible to all, including people with reduced mobility. There's also a sandbank for children to build their own constructions. The site is well equipped for families with baby carriages. Swimming is supervised in season, and there are floating inflatables to keep both young and old amused. Feeling a little thirsty? Don't hesitate to visit the bar at Les Batailleurs campsite.

Discover the Arcachon basin in a different way, it's possible! Moreover, if you like strong sensations, you will be served. Dolphin Jet School offers you jet ski rental without a license from 16 years old, jet ski tours with a certified instructor, but also Sea Doo scooters of the latest generation equipped with silent 4-stroke engines and certified Very Low Emission, buoys, wake-boards or boats with a compulsory coastal license. On the program: discovery of the basin, tour of the Ile aux Oiseaux... They organize your group outings.

Created in 2001, the Chauvigny Valdivienne Canoe Kayak Club offers initiation, improvement, competitions and leisure outings. Come and discover the Vienne river according to different formulas proposed (from 2 hours to one day) from Saint-Martin-la-Rivière, Cubord or the Civaux-Chauvigny circuit. In high season, take advantage of the courses to discover canoeing, kayaking and paddling but also of some night descents. Unforgettable moments in an enchanting setting!

Come aboard and cruise the Gartempe. For an hour, a half-day or a full day, take the time to let yourself be carried by the river and admire the surrounding scenery. You'll pass by Saint-Savin Abbey, a superb vantage point! You'll also see the Château de la Roche. Several sizes of boat are available, and transportation is provided, so all you have to do is paddle along and discover nature's treasures. Several routes are available. Stand-up paddles can also be hired.

In the heart of the Basque Country, close to the villages of Bidache and Sames, you'll discover a well-equipped water sports base that has nothing to envy the infrastructures of the coast. On a 24-hectare site, including a 14-hectare lake, the base has a beach reserved for supervised swimming in season, sheltered picnic tables, chalets for hire, an 894 m² inflatable course (35 modules), slides, paddle rentals, a waterski lift... Year-round catering and picnic tables for families in search of peace and quiet.

Summer and winter alike, Spadium welcomes you in water at 29°C. A 25-metre sports pool, a fun learning pool, a paddling pool, whirlpools and a large slide: nothing has been forgotten! There's even a solarium and outdoor towel area. Last but not least, Spadium also features two spas, a relaxation room, a sauna and a hammam. Numerous activities are on offer, from aquagym to learning for children and adults. The beauty center is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Speed, glide and water are the winning trio for guaranteed thrills. Thanks to Watersports, on the Vienne river, you can experiment with towed buoys, with family or friends, for 2 to 8 people. Hang on, here we go. Lying down or sitting up, smiles and giggles guaranteed! Our teams welcome and guide you. For a fun and refreshing time on your own, you can also try your hand at water skiing or wakeboarding (with a board), always towed by a motorboat. Children as young as 4 can try their hand.

For fun on the water, don't hesitate to visit the canoeing and kayaking base at Moussac. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, you can canoe down the Vienne, either upstream from Moussac via L'Isle-Jourdain, or downstream via Queaux. For the more sporty, you can combine the two! You'll be given advice and equipped with waterproof vests and canisters. Once your one- or three-seater boat is in the water, take time to observe, paddle quietly, enjoy the flora and fauna, picnic, swim... In short: enjoy! In a word: enjoy!

The Rivière de Chauvignac, located in Chenac-Saint-Seurin-d'Uzet, is an exceptional natural site classified Natura 2000. It offers a canoe-kayak rental service, enabling visitors to glide on spring water and discover authentic nature. The scenery is both fresh and beautiful, including a bamboo island and wild sheep. The tour is suitable for families with children, and lasts an average of 1h15 with no particular difficulties. However, you will need to be able to swim to take part in this activity.

Laruns is a town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of France. For adventure sports enthusiasts, there's a company called EXPERIENCE Canyon that offers canyoning activities. They offer a variety of products, such as canyoning gift cards, fields days of various levels, half-day canyoning in the Ossau Valley, training courses and more.

Located in Aureilhan, All Water is a water sports equipment rental company. You can rent paddles, pirogues, kayaksurf and other equipment. Rentals are available for all ages, from 6 years for paddles, kayaks and pedalos, and from 4 years for pirogues. In the event of bad weather, activities may be postponed and customers will be contacted in advance to arrange an alternative date. All Water does not require a health pass, as activities take place in the open air. Health protocols are in place to guarantee safe activities.

Chantier Naval & Port à Sec La Perrotine is a must for water sports enthusiasts. With 50 years' experience, it offers a wide range of services for yachtsmen. The yard boasts an 8-metre slipway and 80-metre private pontoons, offering breathtaking views of Fort Boyard, Fouras, Île d'Aix and La Rochelle. Experienced technicians are qualified to carry out all types of projects, including mechanical, electrical, laminating and painting, osmosis treatment, sea and road transport, and wintering. The shipyard is also a dealer for renowned brands such as Mercury, Zodiac, Bombard, Nottoy Boats, Protagon Yachts and Invictus. In addition to these services, La Perrotine also offers used boat sales and rentals. With its privileged location opposite the famous Fort Boyard, this shipyard is a must for sailing enthusiasts.

ProD' Sports et Loisirs is the leader in outdoor activities in the town of Couthures-sur-Garonne, in the heart of the Lot-et-Garonne region. Managed by Eric JOLIT, European Canoe-Kayak champion and state-qualified sports educator, the center offers a variety of outdoor activities for all levels and tastes. The center offers rentals, training, entertainment and events, both scheduled and on request.

The André Couraud intercommunity pool is a municipal swimming pool located in Surgères, Charente-Maritime. The pool offers activities such as synchronized swimming. It has a swimming pool and diving boards, including a 1-meter flexible springboard and a 5-meter platform. A lawn solarium is also available for relaxation. The facility is well maintained and staff are friendly. However, it should be noted that a 3-meter springboard is missing for a complete diving facility.

La Cabane Verte is a sailing school located in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, on the Ile de Ré. It offers a variety of nautical activities, including kayak rental, beginner and advanced surfing, wing foil, windsurfing and paddleboarding. Courses and private lessons are also available for catamaran and windsurfing, for beginners and advanced alike. The school provides the necessary equipment, such as wetsuits and life jackets, but it is advisable to bring a windbreaker for the catamaran.