Languedoc Roussillon

Thrill seekers, you have found your guide! Dominique not only collects diplomas and qualifications, he also knows how to share his good mood and his passion with you. When this big, stocky and smiling guy takes you to a canyon or on a hike, he knows what he's talking about. And his playground is the gorges of the Llech or the canyons of the Vallespir. Aventure Active also has a nautical base in the gorges of the Aude and invites you to beautiful descents in rafting, hydro-speed or kayak in dreamlike scenery...

Le Moulin is the first canoe rental company in the Gorges du Tarn, and has just celebrated its 50th anniversary. And the place has a history, which Muriel, Jeannot and Charlie will share with you. Here, we work in good spirits and as a family... Located on the outskirts of the village, you'll be welcomed into a local heritage site. The mill will take you down the most beautiful stretch of the Tarn, from Sainte-Enimie to the Pas de Soucy, via the Cirque des Baumes. A magical descent! Slow bike rentals have recently been added to the range.

The Locanoë team manages a small fleet of boats and offers free canoe and kayak trips. Several routes are available, from the "zero-carbon" (2-hour) 6-kilometer run between Castelbouc and Sainte-Enimie, with a return walk along the Tarn, to the classic (afternoon or full day) 13-kilometer run between Sainte-Enimie and Rives Basses, or the "escape" 29-kilometer run over 2 days between Castelbouc and Baumes Basses. You can also rent a paddle on the Castelbouc lake.

An ideal starting point for exploring the Hérault gorges, this watersports base along the river is bordered by cliffs. With family or friends, you can spend a few hours or a whole day walking and swimming. There are five routes, ranging from 3 to 17 km, from Laroque, Saint-Bauzille de Putois or Aubanel. You'll find all the amenities you need, including shaded parking, a refreshment bar and a private beach. A special package allows you to enjoy a descent at the end of the day, with aperitif, barbecue and bivouac.

To enjoy the most sporting river in the Mediterranean, there is nothing better than a canoe or a kayak. Grandeur Nature offers you to sail on this water in complete safety and according to your desires. The less adventurous can rent a two-seater canoe or kayak to canoe and stroll around the lake. For the others, the routes vary from 5 km to 35 km, the longest is spread over 3 days. Surrounded by instructors you will discover incredible landscapes, a charming calm but also areas with rapids, a dam with slide to cross... A beautiful walk!

The meeting point is at Saint-Sériès in the Hérault department, but Kayak tribu offers you the chance to explore the Gard on kayaks ranging from 1 to 3 passengers, as well as paddles to navigate the Vidourle river and the magnificent Hérault gorges. Accessible from the age of 5, the activities include several courses ranging from 1 (for the paddle) to 14 km. An axe- and tomahawk-throwing stand has also recently opened. Lifejackets disinfected after each use, watertight containers and equipment are provided. Have a great vacation!

The classic route, which lasts 3 to 4 hours, covers 12 km in the heart of the wilderness. Starting upstream from the village, there are no roads, villages or campsites. With short rapids suitable for beginners, you'll cross the Hérault gorges, an area accessible only on foot or by boat. Another 4 km route, starting downstream, is ideal for children. You can enjoy canoeing for as long as you like, picnicking, swimming and immersing yourself in the lush natural surroundings.

For over 30 years, this association has been canoeing the rivers of the Haut Languedoc. Tours range from 5 km to 36 km, or from 1.5 hours to 3 days (with bivouac), depending on level. Experienced paddlers can simply hire the equipment, while beginners will be accompanied by qualified, licensed professionals. Along the way, you'll discover the waterways and rapids of the Orb before your very eyes... In winter, depending on water levels, rafting is also available. You can also eat and camp on site.

To discover the Côte Vermeille on a stable, fast and ecological boat. Aléoutes is a multi-activity leisure club where sea kayaking holds a central place that takes you to places accessible only by kayak with a mask and tuba break in wild creeks. We like the sunset formula with aperitif break, the camp-hiking, coastal trekking through the marine reserve to reach the Costa Brava or passing Cape Béar to enter the bay of Collioure. The more adventurous will appreciate the raids over several days.

Kayak-Med offers kayak and stand-up paddle rentals, for beginners and advanced, as well as classic or electrically assisted bicycles. Several types of guided excursions on the Thau lagoon or at sea are proposed to discover Sète and the surrounding area with family or friends. The city center tour, to discover Sète in a different way: the canals, the port, the secret corners. Or, on the Mediterranean side with the port, the creeks and the sea caves. Or the fauna and flora of the Thau lagoon and the oyster beds.

Just 200 m from the village of Sainte-Enimie, on the road to Florac, Le Canophile offers a range of rental options: lazing around by the hour or five routes from 5 to 40 km. The "discovery" routes, upstream from Sainte-Enimie, start from Prades or Montbrun, depending on the distance chosen. Neophytes can try their hand on the water before embarking on a descent. For the more experienced, 2 and 3-day courses (32 km and 40 km) are available. In all cases, the Canophile will advise you on a circuit suited to your pace.

Starting from Les Vignes or Le Rozier, the structure offers three routes of 7 to 17 kilometers lasting from 2 to 5 hours, and a possibility of a two-day descent, with bivouac at the campsite. The easiest circuit, of 7 km, reaches Peyrelade, on calm waters, for a duration of about 2 hours. The sportiest one of 17 km combines the family course and the descent of the fast and lively waters from Les Vignes. But each one allows you to discover the landscape at your own pace. For all, the equipment and the shuttle to reach the starting point are included in the price.

Canoes are available for hire from the Sainte-Enimie base. For routes starting from Montbrun, the outward journey is made by bus, which allows you to discover the beginning of the Gorges, passing under the castles of Charbonnière, Castelbouc and Prades. All routes are also available downstream of Sainte-Enimie, the most beautiful part. The two-day route, 32 km, allows you to discover the whole of the gorges, and their wild beauty, also starting from Montbrun. The overnight stop is at a campsite in Sainte-Enimie.

The gorges of the Tarn are undoubtedly the ideal spot to practice kayaking, canoeing, paddle and other watercraft in Lozere. Aqua Loisirs has thus set up six circuits, starting from Les Vignes, where its base is, to take advantage of the sometimes rougher and sometimes calmer waters of the river. Their names (The Unforgettable; The Magnificent; The Sensational...) announce the colour very clearly: exceptional landscapes, emotions, surprises and pleasure above all, accessible to all levels thanks to the varied lengths and levels of the circuits.

This family-run business uses the Tarn gorges and their whitewater to develop a range of refreshing sports activities. Several descents, from 8 to 47 kilometers, from a few hours to several days, allow you to discover the area and its breathtaking panoramas. In addition to canoes and kayaks, paddles offer a different perspective on the river. Canoë 2000 also offers its customers supervised caving, canyoning and via ferrata, with routes to suit all ages and profiles.

We already know about the Ardèche gorges at Valon-Pont-d'Arc, but there's also the possibility of taking to the water and the waves on the Gardon and its gorges. Natu'Rando offers you a choice of boats to navigate from Fournes to Remoulins, as far as the Saint-Nicolas bridge. The longest course, the integral, is 35 km long, but a range of 6 courses, from the smallest to the largest, will suit every arm! Our qualified instructors will teach you how to paddle, either in a canoe or on a paddle. So grab your paddles! Bike rides and via ferrata kit rental.

To discover Le Grau-du-Roi from another angle than the mainland, head to the Ponant nautical base to see the bay of a flamboyant and lively Grau, the land seen from the sea and the waterways. The leitmotiv of the Windsurf Park is relaxation, experience and sharing. You can rent a catamaran, sea kayak, windsurf, stand up paddle for an hour or more and discover the many pleasures of the water with your family (from 6 years old). State-qualified instructors will supervise you and introduce you to the joys of gliding on the water.

The Cèze is a magnificent river, and here's a great way to make the most of it. A team of qualified instructors will give you the best advice depending on the temperature and water level, and the return trip is organized by minibus. You can choose from 4, 8 or 14 km routes, depending on your wishes and your level, and 29 km excursions over 1 or 2 days are also possible, outside the summer season and by reservation. Swimming stops can be made, and there's a small snack bar and an affordable equipment store on site.

Although in general we like to know the history of a city through its old stones, why not discover the history of Béziers along the water? This is what Smile Kayak proposes. In paddle, canoe or pedal boat, the regulars will be able to start the adventure without any problem while the beginners will be able to benefit from an initiation. The only conditions to be able to get into the water: to have sneakers and to know how to swim! For an even more pleasant trip, opt for the canoe and picnic on the banks of the Orb.