Poitou-Charentes

At the confluence of the Vonne and Clain rivers, Vivonne's canoeing and kayaking association promises great fun on the water! Rent canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddles from Les Pagayous. All equipment is provided. There are three itineraries to choose from (4, 7 or 13 km). You'll be transported upstream from the base, and then all you have to do is enjoy the ride through nature, at your own pace. A real treat on a hot day! And as an added bonus, take a quiz along the way to learn more about the local fauna, flora and heritage.

While the island of Oleron is famous for its fine sandy beaches, it also harbors another treasure: marshes that can be visited to the silent rhythm of canoes. To discover this activity, head for the Perrotine channel. Canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddling are the best ways to discover this unspoilt natural site. With only the sound of your paddle plunging into the water and the rhythm of the tide, you'll spot many birds and animals. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about the environment.

Kayak doors are located on an arm of the Charente. To enjoy and rent a boat, call Claude Harter, President of the Youth Circle, Canoe Section. He will be happy to guide you in your water.

Starting from the old Thouars abattoir, there are 2 routes: upstream to the chaussée du Château (2.5 km); downstream to the Ursulines meadow (1.2 km). Sailing on the wild, lush Thouet river offers a different view of the Deux-Sèvres, a blend of nature and heritage. A visit to the Château des Ducs de la Trémoïlle is a must! Canoes, kayaks, paddles and pedal boats are available for hire, solo or with the family. Jackets, paddles and watertight canisters are supplied. Please note that boat reservations are mandatory. Ahoy!

For paddling enthusiasts, experienced sportsmen and quiet explorers, this is the ideal club. Rentals are available by the hour, by the day or for two- to four-day trips/bivouacs. The usual boating area stretches from the base to the Saint-Yrieix lake, a 4 km stretch of waterways where you can discover the flora and fauna of the Charente and Trouve rivers. Last but not least, you can try your hand at stand-up paddling and discover the banks of the river like a tightrope walker. Initiations are supervised by federal instructors.

The Charente Sailing School gives children and adults alike a taste of the joys of sailing on the Saint-Yrieix lake. You can rent catamarans, windsurfers, canoes and mountain bikes by the hour or half-day. Introductory and advanced courses are available on reservation. Finally, around the base, you can take advantage of the many activities available: jogging and mountain bike tracks, playgrounds, handball, five-a-side soccer... Of course, you can also swim in the lake!

From April to September, the La Roche-Posay Tourist Office offers nature sports outings to discover the Anglin or Gartempe valleys. A minibus will take you to a place called "Rives" for a 10 km descent accompanied by a qualified guide. Would you like to sail on your own? Opt for the free canoe trips between Vicq-sur-Gartempe and La Roche-Posay (10 km). Another option is an accompanied introduction to stand-up paddling on the Creuse River, with a 5 km course. Meeting point at La Cale in La Roche-Posay.

Canoe and kayak rental, but also stand up paddles and pedal boats. The club offers walks and circuits from 30 minutes to 3 hours on the water for the more adventurous.

A merry band, this association for the defense and protection of nature! In the land of the European otter and the grey heron, a host of guided outings are organized in Natura 2000 protected areas. Observe the microscopic world that surrounds us! You can also hire a light boat, on your own or with a guide, to paddle down the tranquil Argenton river. Nature's treasures and heritage are yours to discover.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Saint-Georges-d'Oléron is a town on the island of Oléron. One of the region's main attractions is Fort Boyard, famous thanks to the TV show of the same name. Built in the 19th century to protect the Charente estuary, the fort is now an emblematic monument of the region. It can be admired from Boyardville beach or the Saumonards state forest, or on a sea cruise. In addition to Fort Boyard, Saint-Georges-d'Oléron also offers other heritage attractions. The town's Romanesque church, listed as a historic monument, is the oldest on the island. It boasts a beautifully sculpted facade, a model ex-voto ship and a wooden Virgin and Child. The Château Fournier, built in 1877, is another place of interest to visit. Also nearby is the Villa Briquet, dating from 1881, with its charming history. Finally, the fish locks are another important part of Saint-Georges-d'Oléron's heritage. These horseshoe-shaped structures, built according to an ancestral method, were used as fish traps. In conclusion, Saint-Georges-d'Oléron offers visitors the chance to discover the famous Fort Boyard and other interesting heritage sites. Whether admiring the scenery from the beach, visiting a historic church or exploring the fish locks, there's something for everyone.

When the weather's nice and warm, why not take advantage of the Clain! Canoeing down the river is an opportunity to discover a different side of the surrounding area and of Poitiers, and to take time out to admire nature. Departing from Ligugé, Îlot Tison or Dissay, with friends or family, with or without children, don your life jacket, brandish your paddle, climb into your boat and off you go! It's great fun on the water! Other skiffs are available: paddle, unicorn or pink flamingo. Ready for adventure?