Campsite in Verdon » Sports activities » Canoeing in the Gorges du Verdon

Canoe rental in the Gorges du Verdon

Where to go canoeing in the Gorges du Verdon?

Lake Sainte-Croix and the Baudinard Gorges for calm waters Covering 2,200 hectares, Lake Sainte-Croix is the largest lake in the Verdon area and also a stunning stretch of water. Unlike the narrow gorges, Lake Sainte-Croix offers wide, beach-like shores with a seaside feel, making it ideal for beginners and families with children.
The Lower Gorges of the Verdon for a taste of paradise For a longer outing in a peaceful setting, the Lower Gorges are your best choice. Between Esparron-de-Verdon and Quinson, this less-crowded route invites you to slow down and fully enjoy the scenery.
The Grand Canyon, birthplace of adventure For more experienced paddlers, the Grand Canyon remains the most suitable route thanks to the strong river flow. This very popular itinerary lets you take on white water, waterfalls and famous rapids, delivering thrilling sensations in complete safety.

Rent a Canoe or Kayak in the Gorges du Verdon

Verdon Canoë Located on Galetas Beach in Aiguines, Verdon Canoë offers canoe and kayak rentals for 1.5-hour or 2-hour circuits, including either a visit to the gorges alone or the gorges combined with the start of Lake Sainte-Croix. For the 1.5-hour excursion (5 km, including 4 km through the gorges), prices range from €15 for a single kayak to €25 for a four-seat canoe accommodating up to two adults and two children (children must be able to swim). The 2-hour trip (7 km, including 4 km in the gorges) costs between €20 and €30 depending on the size of the craft, paddles included.
Haute Provence Outdoor This outdoor adventure company based in Castellane offers white-water canoeing and kayaking in the Gorges du Verdon. River descents depend on the opening of the dam upstream from Castellane. In July and August, outings are only available on Tuesdays and Fridays. Several routes are available: a 3-hour family route open to ages 12 and up, plus a sport route and a full route lasting 3.5 and 4 hours respectively, both accessible from age 14. Prices range from €50 to €70 depending on the chosen route.
Verdon Canoë Paddle This company offers canoe excursions in the Lower Gorges of the Verdon, departing from their watersports base in Esparron. The waters are calm and the activity is family-friendly. Various boats are available for hire: 3- to 4-seat Canadian canoes, 2- to 4-seat kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Expect to pay €25 for a half-day family outing and €35 for a full day.

Aquattitude : base nautique située à Montpezat, Aquattitude propose la location libre de canoës, kayaks et paddles, ainsi que des excursions encadrées pour découvrir les paysages grandioses du canyon de Baudinard.
Il est possible de louer des kayaks 1, 2 ou 3 places, ainsi que des canoës à 3 ou 4 places, pour un prix à l’embarcation variant de 15 à 35 euros le forfait 3 heures, et de 20 à 40 euros le forfait 6 heures.
Des formules encadrées vous permettent de découvrir le canoë dans les gorges du Verdon avec un moniteur : les excursions se font en groupe, sur 2h30-3h00 pour un tarif adulte de 25 euros, et sur 4h00 à 4h30 pour un tarif adulte de 35 euros.
Loisir Aventure Kayak LAK : depuis la base nautique de Quinson, Loisir Aventure Kayak propose à la location des kayaks, canoës et canoës-kayaks pour partir en balade nautique dans les gorges du Verdon de Quinson à Esparron.
Comptez 8 euros l’heure pour un kayak une place, 12 euros les deux heures, 16 euros les 4 heures et 22 euros la journée.
Pour un modèle deux places, les prix varient de 12 euros l’heure à 30 euros la journée.

Canoeing Through the Gorges du Verdon

Do you dream of discovering the lakes of the Gorges du Verdon by canoe or kayak during your stay at a campsite near the Gorges du Verdon?
Canoeing gives you access to parts of the canyon that cannot be reached without taking to the water.

In certain areas, such as the Baudinard Gorges, a true exploration experience awaits. On white water, you will paddle through the spectacular setting of “Point Sublime,” overlooked by one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Gorges du Verdon.
On calmer waters, you can explore the shores where Lake Sainte-Croix begins, then enter the Grand Canyon corridor, gliding over turquoise, crystal-clear waters framed by towering cliffs.

Paddling at your own pace allows you to observe the surrounding nature: the many fish living in the Verdon and, if you look up, vultures nesting in the high rocks.
You may even see paragliders overhead and rock-climbing enthusiasts scaling the legendary routes carved into the canyon walls.

In the Lower Gorges, around Quinson and Esparron, a rich variety of wildlife and plant life awaits: kingfishers, ducks, swans and coypu will likely greet you as you pass by. You can also enjoy other water activities such as aqua hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply swimming with the family.

Tips and Practical Advice

On the calm waters of Lake Sainte-Croix and the upstream gorges, canoeing is possible with very young children, from around age 4.
For white-water kayaking, the minimum age is generally 12 for family routes and 14 for the more challenging ones.
A 25-metre swimming certificate is usually required for minors.
Bring as few fragile or valuable items as possible, even on calm-water outings.
In summer, aim for early morning departures to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Be mindful of the temperature difference between the cool Verdon waters and the warm air heated by the rocky cliffs. The risk of cold-water shock is high.