Before you come

Practical info

Opening hours, what goes in the bag, what happens at the base and on the water. And the answers to the questions we are asked most.

Opening hours

The two bases

April · May · June10am – 6pmClosed on Wednesdays. Last departure two hours before closing. Limeuil opens in May.
July · August9am – 7pmEvery day, both bases. Concert evenings at the Guinguette.
September10am – 6pmClosed on Wednesdays. Autumn colours on the river.

In the event of an orange or red weather alert, flooding or dangerous conditions, we close for your safety: rescheduling or a full refund. For today's information, call the base or check our Facebook page.

In the bag

What to bring

Essential

  • Swimsuit
  • Closed shoes, trainers or sports sandals
  • Waterproof sunscreen, cap or hat
  • Sunglasses, on a strap
  • Water, at least 1.5 litres per person
  • A picnic if the route is longer than two hours

Recommended

  • Light UV-protection T-shirt
  • Towel, change of clothes left in the car
  • Waterproof camera
  • A bag for your rubbish

With children

  • Cap firmly attached, light waterproof
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Beach toys for the breaks
  • A full change of clothes

Dry barrel for hire, €2, for phone, keys and documents. Otherwise leave your belongings in the car, the car park is free.

On the water

Your day, in three parts

1

At the base

Registration, life jackets, paddles, a dry barrel if you hire one, and a safety briefing. Free parking.

Allow 15 to 30 minutes
2

The minibus

It takes you to the starting point. The scenery you see through the window is what you will paddle back down.

10 to 30 minutes depending on the route
3

The descent

At your own pace, with stops on the beaches. You arrive straight back at the base, at your car.

From 1h30 to a full day

Allow 3 to 4 hours in total, transport and briefing included, for a route advertised as two hours on the water.

Safety

The rules, and what to do if you capsize

Good to know

  • Being able to swim is essential. Minimum age 5 to 6 depending on the route, minors accompanied by an adult.
  • The life jacket is worn at all times on the water.
  • No alcohol before or during. No diving, the bottom is never far.
  • Paddle in the middle of the river.

If you capsize

Stay calm and keep your life jacket on. Regroup with your crew. The water is shallow on our routes and you can usually touch the bottom, although some stretches are deeper depending on the month. Flip the canoe back over and climb in calmly.

Emergency on the water: +33 6 37 98 90 02 or +33 6 37 98 90 00.

The boats

Canoes, kayaks, paddle

Riviera canoe

2 to 4 seats

Family-friendly, stable, seats with backrests.

XL canoe

4 to 6 seats

Large capacity, groups and families.

Touring canoe

2 to 3 seats

Multi-day trips, luggage space.

Brio double kayak

2 seats

Enclosed tandem, sporty and manoeuvrable.

Legs Inside kayak

1 seat

Enclosed, technical, high performance.

Sit on top kayak

1 seat

Open, easy, ideal for beginners.

Stand up paddle

1 person, from age 12

Stable 3.10 m board, suitable for beginners.

Life jackets and paddles provided with every boat. Kayak: €2 more per person.

Frequently asked

What we are asked most

Do I need to book in advance?
Strongly recommended, especially in July and August and at weekends. You can book online at any time or by phone. In low season, call before you come to check the day's departures.
Can my 4-year-old come?
The minimum age is 5 to 6 depending on the route. The child must be able to swim and sit still. The short routes, 7 km in about an hour and a half, are ideal for a first family outing. We have life jackets in every size.
I have never canoed, is that a problem?
Not at all: 90% of our guests are beginners. You get a full briefing with a demonstration of the basic moves. Our routes are calm, with no rapids. Within ten minutes everyone is paddling properly.
Can we stop whenever we want?
Yes, that is the whole point of a free descent. Stop as often as you like on the beaches to swim, picnic or rest. The descent goes one way, the current carries you, so there is no turning back.
What if it rains on the day?
Light rain does not stop us, you will get wet anyway. In the event of an orange or red alert, flooding or thunderstorms, we close for your safety: free rescheduling or a full refund, your choice.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes, and it is free, as long as it can swim and stays calm in the canoe. Bring water for it. We do not provide dog life jackets, you are welcome to bring your own.
How does cancellation work?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before, full refund. Less than 48 hours: rescheduling subject to availability. Weather closure: rescheduling or refund, always.

Another question?

In season we answer every day from 9am to 7pm. We speak English.