Are you fed up with the heatwave? Then cool off with a canoeing trip in the Pyrenees!
The Pyrenees form a mountain range between France andSpain. It is France’s second largest mountain range after the Alps. Rising to an altitude of over 3,400 m, the Pyrenees are known for their gentle way of life and their great opportunities for winter sports. Skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing… But that’s not all!
You can also go canoeing in the Pyrenees. From placid lakes to raging torrents, there’s something for everyone in this distinctive southern massif. With the warm weather just around the corner, why not come and enjoy it for yourself?
To find out everything you need to know about canoe-kayak hire in the Pyrenees, Generation Voyage offers you this complete guide to paddling without the hassle. Get ready to paddle!
The best activity: canoeing on the Gave de Pau river
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Amateur007
? Rates: from €20 per person
? The best thing about this activity? an introduction to rapids.
Here’s THE best way to go canoeing in the Pyrenees! Find below a description of the activity and all the information you need to know to give it a try.
The course of the activity
Canoeing on the Gave de Pau in the Pyrenees means discovering this tributary of theAdour in a whole new way. It all starts on the road to Lourdes, in Montaut to be precise. The time and place of meeting will have been agreed at the time of booking. A small nautical base along the river will be the starting point of the adventure!
You’ll then meet the team of friendly, experienced instructors who will show you around. After a visit to the changing rooms, if necessary, you’ll be fitted with your life jacket (and wetsuit if required). Here, canoeing in the Pyrenees begins with a bus ride to the launch. Your boat, for one or two people, is waiting for you… after you’ve familiarized yourself with the safety instructions and best practices on the water. Don’t worry, it’s simple and intuitive!
The kayak (for one person) or the « hot dog » canoe (for two) are inflatable for maximum fun. They’ll take you down the river, interspersed with a few rock jumps. Canoeing on the Gave de Pau, between Lourdes and Lestelle Bétharram, means tackling class 2 to 5 rapids. Don’t worry, your instructor will ensure your safety!
In particular, you’ll have the chance to discover the Flip Flap wave and the Pont des Grottes. These are internationally renowned spots where prestigious competitions are held. Whatever the weather conditions, your session can be maintained as the itineraries can be adapted. The trip lasts between two and three hours, depending on the strength of the current. At the arrival point, the shuttle will pick you up and take you back to the base. Showers, snacks and photos await you!
Information you need to know
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Chaton Chokpatara
Canoeing and kayaking in the Pyrenees can’t be improvised. It is essential to know how to swim and, for children under 18, to present parental authorization. However, they must be atleast 12 years old to be able to go down the river.
You’ll also need a swimsuit or shorts, closed-toe sneakers that can get wet, and a towel. A buoyancy vest and wetsuit will be provided.
Prices are more than reasonable: from €20 per person (for groups of more than eight) to €28 per person (for groups of one to four). The site is closed in January, February and December. Final recommendation: beware of glasses, smartphones and other gadgets on the kayak. Not only are they expensive to lose, they also, and above all… pollute this sublime waterway!
Alternatives
Canoeing at Lac de Bious-Artigues
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jordan Faget
? Rates: between €15 and €30 per person
? The best thing about this activity ? the discovery of a sumptuous stretch of water.
Lac de Bious-Artigues is located at an altitude of 1,400 metres at the gateway to the Pyrenees National Park. You’re at the foot of the majestic Pic du Midi d’Ossau, surrounded by superb mountain panoramas.
This artificial lake is fed by the Gave de Bious and several streams. The water varies from deep blue to emerald green. Canoeing in the Pyrénées (Atlantiques!) on this stretch of water is safe and appeals to a very broad clientele. Canoe hire is available, as is a guided tour led by a friendly instructor.
For example, an hour’s rental of a two-seater canoe costs €15. The canoe package with an overnight bivouac costs just €30! Life jackets are provided on loan, so you can explore the area in complete safety. Accessible from the age of three, we recommend this activity between June and September.
Canoeing on the Ariège river
Photo credit: Flickr – Sébastien Launay
? Rates: between €18 and €60 depending on the package chosen
? The plus of this activity ? company committed to eco-tourism
Welcome to Le Château, a hamlet in Saverdun, between the towns of Pamiers and Cintegabelle. You’re in the heart of the Ariège department, which owes its name to the river of the same name.
In fact, you’ll be going down the latter! This dynamic river has many small rapids and a constant flow all year round. There are many options for canoeing and kayaking in the Ariège Pyrenees. The trip down a nine-kilometer stretch of river lasts between 1 h 30 and 2 h(€18 per child, €20 per adult).
You can even opt for forty kilometers of descent over a day and a half! Accessible from the age of 6, you can choose to do the activity accompanied by an instructor… or on your own by renting your own boat. On the menu: small beaches, pretty river landscapes and a finish under the arches of Cintegabelle’s red-brick bridge… Magnificent!
Our tips for canoeing and kayaking
For a successful canoeing or kayaking session, there are certain prerequisites. Nothing major, but essential information for a memorable experience.
- Whether you choose a canoe or kayak session (which are two different boats), remember to stand up straight throughout the activity. Your back will thank you;
- Paddle slowly, but surely. To go faster, there’s no point in paddling faster. All you need to do is get deep into the water and paddle hard, with wide, sweeping strokes;
- Appropriate clothing (sportswear, water-resistant) is obviously recommended to ensure you get the most out of the activity;
- Before any canoeing or kayaking session, find out about currents and navigation conditions (flow rate, river classification, dams, etc.) This information is available from Voies navigables de France (VNF) regional offices, tourist offices and town halls;
- You don’t need a medical certificate or to be in very good physical condition to go canoeing;
- Always wear a lifejacket, even if you know how to swim perfectly. In the event of an accident, it could save your life.