Have you always been fascinated by aquatic sports in the Olympic Games? Well, these sports are not as inaccessible as they seem! All you need is the desire and motivation to make the most of the benefits of these fun and entertaining activities. Here are the top 5 reasons why France is THE country to practice water sports!
1. The best way to cool off in summer
In the summer, heat waves are everywhere in France. With temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees in the summer, your body will want some respite from the harsh sun. Your best allies during this season are water sports activities that will help you cool down. Canyoning, diving and jet skiing are just some of the many options available to you, sports where you have direct contact with the water, thus giving you a unique feeling of coolness.
2. Putting in physical effort!
Whether you're an exercise enthusiast or not, these activities are the perfect way to exercise easily, without realising how much effort you're putting in. For a 30-minute session, kitesurfing or windsurfing can burn up to 350 calories - the equivalent of chocolate fudge. Add to this the fact that France is home to some of the continent's best lakes, beaches, canyons, rivers and ponds, and you've got a water trip around an idyllic landscape that's sure to help you burn off energy. Combining business with pleasure is the motto!
3. Spice up your holiday
Planning water activities during your stay in France is the best way to make it even more enjoyable. With a wide range of offers in the most Instagrammable places in the country: from the creeks of Marseille to the most beautiful sites of Corsica, you will have something to remember forever. Whether you're a solo traveller, keen to explore or are accompanied by someone else, we have packages for everyone: family, group and children's packages. If you're on your own, many of our canyoning, rafting and boat party partners will be happy to integrate you into an existing group. This will allow you to make new connections with like-minded people!
4. An abundant choice of activities
The water sports disciplines abound in an 'ocean' of possibilities that will delight all tastes and desires. Choose between boat-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking, rafting or boat trips, or canyoning, diving, snorkelling and even fishing! There are so many activities available and you will undoubtedly find something that will suit your needs. The diversity of options available to you in France is not only about the activities you can practice, but also about the places you can visit. For example, the Gorges du Verdon, considered to be the largest canyon in Europe, is home to a whole host of water sports activities that you can enjoy around a backdrop that will leave you speechless.
5. Relax and get away from the routine
Work, studies and daily stress are among a thousand and one things that you have to deal with throughout the year. Observing the underwater fauna and flora or swimming with dolphins will give you a change of scenery for a moment and plunge you into a new universe, where relaxation is the keyword. There is no shortage of laughter during group activities, over a banana or in a boat! Both your body and your mind will be in a state of euphoria and disconnection, so necessary after long days of work.
When is the best time to do a water sport in France?
The best time to do your favourite water sport will depend on the specific requirements of the sport itself. You will find activities that require wind like windsurfing, some sports rely on the release of water from dams, such as canyoning. Some require a combination of wind and wave heights like surfing. However, you will find an exhilarating activity at any time of the year, regardless of summer or winter. Remember to pack snacks and soft drinks in the summer and warm clothes if you want to fish early in the morning in the winter. You may need to be physically fit and have previous experience if you want to do advanced training or professional water activities.
