9 places to go canoeing in Aveyron

Where can you go canoeing in Aveyron? Here’s our mini-guide to help you find a river to paddle and navigate Aveyron’s waters!

Aveyron – formerly the province of Rouergue – is the fifth-largest département in France, lying between the south of France and the Massif Central, between Toulouse, Clermont-Ferrand and Montpellier. It is also one of the least populated, with just 278,644 inhabitants. Aveyron is a mecca for green tourism, with outdoor activities such as canoeing and kayaking on its waterways, including the eponymous river. Between the Aveyron gorges, Najac, Vimenet, Saint-Geniez-d’Olt-et-d’Aubrac, Millau, Broquiès, Thérondels, Sévérac-d’Aveyron, Conques-en-Rouergues, Pont-de-Salars, Aguessac and Mostuéjouls, there are plenty of places to enjoy nature walks.

If you’re looking for a place to kayak in Aveyron, the editors have put together a mini-guide to sites where you can rent a canoe or kayak to paddle down the rivers.

Base de pleine nature AAGAC

Canoeing is available at the Najac water sports center, AAGAC. Located in the west of the département – not far from Tarn-et-Garonne (82) – Najac covers part of the Aveyron Gorge south of the Villefranche-de-Rouergue fault. Canoeing on the Aveyron at Najac allows you to enjoy the wild, wooded gorges, with numerous rapids accessible to all. The river runs between Monteils and Laguépie, passing through Najac. The team will advise you on the best route for you, depending on your technical level.

Villefranche Sports et Nature

Villefranche canoë-kayak, Aveyron

Villefranche-de-Rouergue, a town of art and history classified as a « Grand site de Midi-Pyrénées », is the sub-prefecture of the Aveyron department, with a population of 20,133. If you come to Villefranche-de-Rouergue in summer, be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as it’s on average 2°C warmer than in Rodez and Millau, and the average maximum temperature can frequently reach 35°C and 40°C. With Villefranche Sports et Nature, you can go canoeing in the Aveyron gorges, on a very calm course, in one- to three-seater kayaks. On the way, you’ll discover the many mills that generate electricity, and explore the wildlife along the river’s banks. Beginners will be given advice on how to get started.

Asvolt

Want to go canoeing on the Lot? On the border between Cantal (15) and Aveyron (12), there’s a water sports center in the commune of Conques-en-Rouergue. Here you can enjoy half-day guided descents with the help of an experienced instructor. Reservations are required in advance. The descent takes place between Entraygues and Le Port. Here’s the address:

Canoes, kayaks, pedalos and paddles rentals

This organization belongs to the sports department of the commune of Argences-en-Aubrac, in northern Aveyron. A commune formed in 2016 following the merger of the communes of Alpuech, Graissac, Lacalm, Sainte-Geneviève-sur-Argence, La Terrisse and Vitrac-en-Viadène, the rental service offers kayaking on the Sainte-Geneviève-sur-Argence lake: rental of pedalos, canoes, kayaks, paddles and pedalos, with initiation and accompaniment on the Sarrans lake.

O’Paddle d’Olt

A 7-kilometer kayak course on the River Lot, in a wild, unspoilt natural setting, with refreshment bar, hammock and picnic facilities (booking required). The facility can accommodate up to 100 people.

Avenga canoe-kayak Saint-Geniez-d’Olt et d’Aubrac

For kayaking (or canoeing) on the Lot, the Avenga company rents boats from St Geniez d’Olt. You choose the location of your trip according to your preferences and technical level. You need to be able to swim 25 meters and put your head under water.

Canoe Marmot

This company is a must for canoeing down the Lot. Departure is under the Pont-Vieux in Saint-Geniez-d’Olt, via the Pont de Lous and the village of Cabanac. The hike explores the medieval village of Sainte Eulalie d’Olt, over a 6-kilometre route (allow half a day).

Bureau des accompagnateurs de canoë

Located in Sévérac-d’Aveyron, this is the perfect place to enjoy canoeing in Aveyron, as you glide along the water in the Aveyron Tarn gorges. Introductory courses, fun runs and training courses are organized with qualified instructors. A free descent is also possible. Tours can last from 2 to 5 days.

Millau Eaux Vives

The town of Millau has a sporting soul: surrounded by nature, it has an incredible natural heritage. For canoeing in Millau, the Roc et Canyon company offers canoeing from the summer base, exploring the Dourbie Gorges and the Tarn valley, passing under the famous Millau Viaduct.