Are you coming to visit this beautiful region of South France? Discover our selection of the best places to make canoe-kayak in Occitanie!
The historic and cultural region of the South of France, Occitania has since 2016 brought together the former regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées. Located between the mountains Pyrenees , the south foothills of the Central Massif and the Mediterranean Sea, this beautiful French region is crossed by many rivers. They form perfect playgrounds to practice canoe-kayak and many other live water sports! With family or friends, you can go down Gorges du Tarn , of the Aude, the Gardon or the Hérault, but also the countless torrents and rivers of the Pyrenees! Are you coming on holiday in the South of France? So here is our selection of the 8 best places to make canoe-kayak in Occitanie.
1. ♪ Gorges du Tarn
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Stephane GEUS
In the north of Occitania are the Gorges du Tarn, between Causse Méjean and Causse de Sauveterre. These gorges are mainly located in the department of Lozère but they also flow into the Aveyron. The source of the Tarn is on the plateau of Mount Lozère. From there, the river dug a canyon from 400 to 600 metres deep, 53 kilometres in Quézac and Le Rozier. These gorges are obviously one of the best places to make canoe-kayak in Occitanie. Throughout the Tarn you will find many sites where to rent a boat to discover the wonders tested along the river.
During your descent, you can admire various remarkable circus, such as Cirque de Pougnadoires, Cirque de Saint-Chély-du-Tarn or Cirque des Baumes. But the most impressive place in the Gorges is certainly the Straits. This point is the closest point in the river. Only accessible by boat or canoe, the canyon has a depth of 500 meters in this place! On the way, you can also admire the local fauna. The river is home to many species of molluscs, vultures, birds or beavers.
2. ♪ Gorges du Gardon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – wolffpower
Located in the Gard, north of Nimes , the gorges of the Gardon form an exceptional natural site, which exposes its riches over twenty kilometers. This tumultuous river flows from the Cevennes to cross the Gard and the Lozère. The dug canyon then forms a beautiful playground for lovers of live water sports! The Gardon Gorges are thus one of the best places to make canoe-kayak in Occitanie.
The river has set thousands to draw these sinner gorges through thick limestone rocks. The result is breathtaking! You will evolve here in a landscape made of vertiginous cliffs, quieter shores, populated with rich fauna and flora. Near the Mediterranean, the gorges of the Gardon will lead you under the famous Pont du Gard . This aqueduct was built in the 1st century of our era by the Romans. With its three floors, it measures more than 40 meters high. Ranked at Unesco World Heritage, he survived the ages and rose with majesty above the river!
3. ♪ Gorges de l’Hérault
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Eider Anduaga
If you are passing through Montpellier or in the department, you should absolutely discover the Gorges de l’Hérault. This place is certainly one of the best places to make canoe-kayak in Occitania. So if you're tired of the beach or a nature lover, don't miss visiting it. Located 45 minutes west of Montpellier, this canyon is dug between Saint Bauzille de Putois and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert . The latter is certainly one of the more beautiful villages in the territory And worth the detour!
Along the water, you will admire a sublime landscape of Mediterranean garrigues and hills, picturesque villages and vertiginous cliffs where the thyme, oak and pine hang. You will also find many swimming areas, to enjoy during your descent. On the way, travellers can also admire the famous Pont du Diable In Aniane.
4. La Haute Vallée de l’Aude
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Riska Parakeet
Located in the heart of Cathar country, the high Aude Valley is also a great place to make canoe-kayak in Occitania. We especially recommend the part between Axat and Limoux. In this place you will have the choice between a quiet family ride, a playful descent or a more sporty course. In the rapids of the Saint George Gorges and the Gorges de la Pierre de Lys, the sensations are guaranteed!
Scenic landscapes also await you. At the parade of Pierre-Lys, the river crosses for example impressive limestone bars of the pre-Pyrenees! You will enjoy a breathtaking scenery here. Along the water, you will also follow small villages typical of the region. In short, the region of the high valley of Aude is ideally discovered in canoeing, so don’t miss this adventure!
5. Along the Orb
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jim Penn
The French coastal river of the Occitania region, the Orb crosses the departments of Aveyron and Herault before embarking on the Mediterranean Sea. Taking its source in the Mounts of the Escandorgue, it fills the lake of the Orb Mountain Dam, before flowing through the gorges of the Orb to Bousquet-d’Orb.
Crossing the entire Regional Natural Park of Upper Languedoc by the west, it flows into beautiful cities such as Bédarieux, Roquebrun or Cessenon. Throughout your descent, you can enjoy breathtaking views: the cliffs of Camps, the picturesque villages of Vieussan, Ceps and Roquebrun. The river offers so many rapids for sensations as quieter moments to stroll and enjoy swimming!
Along the Orb, you will find fantastic places to make canoe-kayak in Occitanie! Several routes are thus presented to you, from the quiet discovery for half a day to an adventure of several days. Don't miss out on discovering this charming occitan river during your stay in the region!
6. ♪ Gorges de l’Aveyron
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sarah_Dias
The Tarn, the Gorges de l’Aveyron are another exceptional playground for outdoor water sports, especially for canoeing and kayaking in Occitanie! You will find them between Bruniquel and Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, in Tarn-et-Garonne.
Starting from Najac, you can admire its beautiful Royal Fortresse, overlooking the river. Then you will slip into a cradle between rocks and perched villages. Sites where canoes are rented in Najac and Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. Several courses and experiences are offered to you along this beautiful river of Aveyron!
7. The Gorges de la Dourbie
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Anastasia Galkina
Affluent of the Tarn, the Dourbie flows near immediate Millau . Upstream of the city you will find the green gorges of the Dourbie. They offer an equally charming and spectacular route as its twin sisters of the Tarn and Jonte Gorges. Located in the heart of the Grand Causses Regional Natural Park , the Gorges de la Dourbie offer breathtaking landscapes to the temeraires.
You will admire along the vertiginous cliffs, especially between the Black Causse and the Larzac Causse. But you will also enjoy picturesque views, on the Moulin de Corp, or on Cantobre, Saint-Véran or Montméjean. Perched on cliffs or built on rocky promontories, these character villages will not leave you indifferent! By continuing your way to Millau, and joining the Tarn, you will also have the chance to pass under the famous Viaduct de Millau .
8. The Gorges de la Jonte
Photo credit: Shutterstock – LOUIS-MICHEL DESERT
Upstream, you can also descend into the Gorges de la Jonte. This beautiful river also flows into the Tarn, but a little higher than the Dourbie. These gorges are another beautiful place to make canoe-kayak in Occitania.
Scenic discoveries, impressive landscapes and sensations will also be at the rendezvous along this occitane river!
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