The canoeing competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is off to a flier with the hosts France picking up its first gold medal thanks to a sensational run from Nicolas Gestin the men’s canoe final.
As fans are flocking in huge numbers to cheer for their heroes at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, the ICF is pleased to share with you some of the best places to paddle in France.
Here is where you should go to get a taste of our wonderful sport.
Minaouet river, Brittany
A pretty river dotted with inlets and turquoise coves leads to a stretch of glorious coast strung with white beaches in this wild and artistic part of Brittany. The river flows through the countryside north-west of Pont-Aven (a village made famous by post-Impressionist artists such as Paul Gauguin), west to Pont Minaouet, past the sailing boats and out to sea at Pointe de Grignallou. White sand beaches line the coast, making a gorgeous location for paddlers progressing to moving water. This secret gem is a favourite playground of Hector Henot, the French canoe sprint athlete, and was a slam dunk with the judges who gave it top ratings on every category — tranquillity, beauty, excitement, uniqueness, and accessibility.
Marne River, Ile-de-France
Near Paris, before it enters the Seine, the Marne river passes through a pretty region of lakes and willow trees that’s a little slice of heaven near the city. SUP and kayak excursions explore little canals and drift along teal-coloured water, passing old boat houses on Fanac island. Distance paddlers could follow the river all the way to Epernay, in the Champagne region. French canoe sprint athlete Julien Delaporte tipped about training in this peaceful stretch.
Odet river, Brittany
Pretty pink buildings line the shores in Sainte Marine, one of the nicest places on the river Odet in western France, according to our kayaking contributor Breizh Surge. The river runs through the extreme west of Brittany, through Quimper and into the Atlantic at Benodet, and is a charming route for paddlers of all levels.
Isere river, Savoie
The Trois Vallees area is famously home to many of the French Alps’ most epic winter ski resorts, but in summer there are just as many thrills to be hand on the Haute Isere river, which surges through the Haute Tarentaise, fed by glacier meltwater. Anyone with a decent level of fitness and a taste for adrenalin can give the whitewater a go in certain sections, and there are beautiful calm stretches for peaceful paddling. The experts, however, come to test their mettle on the Aime and Centron rapids and the slalom course near Bourg St Maurice, which hosts international competitions.
The Calanques National Park, Bouches-du-Rhone
Fjord-like channels of turquoise water penetrate dramatic limestone karst rocks along the coastline between the fishing town of Cassis and the vibrant city of Marseille, forming one of Europe’s most stunning national parks, and a fantastic setting for paddle sports. Crystal clear and calm waters backed by white sand beaches, are towered over by cliffs that are as popular with nesting kestrels and eagles as they are with rock climbers. Dramatic enough to impress seasoned paddlers, yet water friendly enough for newbie paddlers and families, they are easily accessible, with the largest, Calanque Sormiou, connected by road. A popular suggestion from our contributors, and highly rated on all aspects by the judges.
The list is based on a public vote conducted by the ICF. Here is a link to the top 100 places to paddle around the world.
