France has always honoured its flag in the World Canoeing Championships, making it the most successful country with over 150 medals to its credit. This fact says a lot about the spectacular natural reserves of the territory, making it one of the most popular destinations for both French people and tourists. If these few lines have piqued your curiosity, discover below five additional reasons that will further fuel your desire to go canoeing in France!
1. A fun and relaxing activity
Canoeing combines the pleasure of navigating through the water using your physical strength while enjoying the surrounding landscapes in absolute calm. In just one hour of canoeing, you can burn up to 413 calories! Of course, this is not the water activity that gives you the utmost thrill but is sure to give you a unique feeling of wellbeing in a crazy setting.
2. Great flexibility and versatility of exercise
The possibilities of canoeing are endless. In terms of the type of boat and the sport itself, a sea of options are available to you. You can choose between a single-seater canoe to canoe by yourself, or a double-seater canoe, to develop cohesion with your guide; it all depends on your wishes. As far as the boat is concerned, you can choose between inflatable canoes, playboats or even canoe-kayaks. This water sport can be practised during the day, on a sunny, cheerful day, while listening to the birds chirping. You can also practise it during the evening, admiring the beauty of the sunset in the greatest of tranquillity.
3. Discover the natural wonders of the territory!
France is home to several rivers, gorges and mountain streams that make canoeing very exciting. For those eager to discover it, you will be impressed. You will have the choice between the calm of the Ardèche, Dordogne or Loue rivers, the favourite sites of the Parisians, notably the Cure and the Chalaux, or the magnificent Gorges du Verdon! We can't talk about water sports without mentioning overseas, especially Corsica, which has the splendid gorges of Asco, the Calanques of the North or the lost creeks of the South-West coast. Onboard a canoe, many surprises await you.
4. A boat for everyone
If your dream is to participate in the Olympic games, you will find canoeing options for beginners and professionals. These have varying difficulty levels suited to your skillset. On the other hand, if you are looking for a fun aquatic activity to add some spice to your holidays, canoeing is perfect for everyone. If you are with your family, this is the ideal activity as kids above 6 years can participate too! Feel refreshed as you navigate through the best French rivers with gusto and develop a competitive spirit. The para canoe category also exists for people with reduced mobility, making this sport a discipline for everyone.
5. A green and sustainable discipline
Eco-responsibility is becoming more and more crucial over the years. And what could be better than practising your favourite water sport while protecting our country's natural resources? Canoeing allows you to discover new horizons, have fun and get physical exercise while developing ecological values exemplified in the preservation of the planet's waterways. Thanks to reusable boats, and mobility assured through paddles of the same category, there is no risk of harming the environment. Sail with a clear conscience!
When to go canoeing in France?
Canoeing is best done during the summer season, especially in spring and summer, when there is enough water to feed the rivers However, both in autumn and winter, you can navigate through the various waterways, given the strength of the rainfall during this period. As for the ideal time of day, we advise you to choose the early morning slot so that you can enjoy the water freely without many boats around. On the other hand, for those who want a quiet atmosphere while sailing, opt for the afternoon when you can sunbathe, have picnics and even swim in peace. The ball is in your court. Choose the time that suits you best!