Canoe Rentals in the Verdon Gorges
Where can you go canoeing in the Verdon Gorges?
- Lake Sainte Croix and the Baudinard Gorges for calm waters. With an area of 2,200 hectares, Lake Sainte Croix is the largest of the Verdon lakes and also a magnificent body of water. Unlike the gorges, Lake Sainte Croix features beaches with a seaside feel, ideal for beginners and children.
- The Lower Verdon Gorges: A Taste of Paradise. For a longer hike in a peaceful setting, the Lower Gorges are the best choice. Located between Esparron-de-Verdon and Quinson, they offer a less-traveled route that leaves plenty of room for contemplation.
- The Grand Canyon, the cradle of the adventurous spirit. For the most experienced among you, the Grand Canyon remains the best route because the whitewater river has a substantial flow. This popular route will give you the chance to tackle whitewater, waterfalls, and famous rapids, guaranteeing thrills in complete safety.
Rent a canoe or kayak in the Verdon Gorge
- Verdon Canoë: At Galetas Beach in Aiguines, Verdon Canoë offers canoe and kayak rentals for 1.5-hour or 2-hour trips, including a tour of just the gorges or a tour of the gorges and the upper part of Lake Sainte-Croix. For the 1.5-hour excursion—a 5-km trip, 4 km of which are through the gorges—prices range from 15 euros for a single-person kayak to 25 euros for a 4-person canoe that can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children (who must be able to swim). The two-hour trip—covering 7 km, 4 km of which are through the Gorges—is available for 20 to 30 euros, depending on the size of the boat, with a paddle included.
- Haute Provence Outdoor: An outdoor recreation agency based in Castellane, Haute Provence Outdoor offers whitewater canoeing and kayaking in the Gorges du Verdon among its activities. The opening of the dam located upstream from Castellane determines whether river descents and canoe trips can take place. In July and August, these activities are only available on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Several routes are available: a 3-hour family route open to participants ages 12 and up, as well as a sport route and a full route lasting 3 hours and 30 minutes and 4 hours, respectively, open to participants ages 14 and up. Prices range from 50 to 70 euros depending on the route chosen. - Verdon Canoë Paddle: This agency offers canoe trips in the Lower Verdon Gorges. Trips depart from the club’s water sports center in Esparron.
The waters are calm, and it’s a family-friendly activity. Various types of boats are available for rent: 3- to 4-person Canadian canoes, 3- to 4-person kayaks, 2-person kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Expect to pay 25 euros for a half-day family outing and 35 euros for a full day.
- Aquattitude: A water sports center located in Montpezat, Aquattitude offers self-guided rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, as well as guided excursions to explore the spectacular scenery of the Baudinard Canyon. You can rent 1-, 2-, or 3-person kayaks, as well as 3- or 4-person canoes, for a price per boat ranging from 15 to 35 euros for a 3-hour package and from 20 to 40 euros for a 6-hour package. Guided tours allow you to experience canoeing in the Verdon Gorges with an instructor: the excursions are group tours, lasting 2.5–3 hours for an adult rate of 25 euros, and 4.0–4.5 hours for an adult rate of 35 euros.
- Loisir Aventure Kayak LAK: From the Quinson water sports center, Loisir Aventure Kayak offers kayaks, canoes, and kayak-canoes for rent so you can set out on a water excursion through the Verdon Gorges from Quinson to Esparron. Prices are 8 euros per hour for a single-person kayak, 12 euros for two hours, 16 euros for four hours, and 22 euros for the day. For a two-person kayak, prices range from 12 euros per hour to 30 euros for the day.
Canoeing Down the Verdon Gorges
Do you dream of exploring the lakes of the Gorges du Verdon by canoe or kayak during your camping trip near the Gorges du Verdon?
Canoeing provides access to parts of the canyon that are inaccessible without traveling by water. A true exploration experience awaits you in certain areas, such as the Baudinard Gorges.
On whitewater, you’ll have the chance to paddle through the stunning scenery of the “Point Sublime,” overlooked by one of the most legendary viewpoints in the Gorges du Verdon.
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On calmer waters, you can explore the shores where Lake Sainte-Croix begins, then enter the Grand Canyon corridor, with its turquoise, crystal-clear waters surrounded by high cliffs.
Paddling at your own pace will allow you to take in the natural surroundings: the many fish that inhabit the waters of the Verdon and, if you look up, the vultures nesting in the high cliffs.
Sometimes with a paraglider soaring overhead, you may also spot climbing enthusiasts on the cliffs as they scale the legendary routes opened up in the canyon.
In the lower gorges, near Quinson and Esparron, you can observe a variety of flora and fauna: fish-eating birds, ducks, swans, and nutria will no doubt greet you as you canoe through the Verdon Gorges. You can also enjoy other water activities such as water hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply swimming with your family.
Tips and Tricks
- On the calm waters of Lake Sainte-Croix and the gorges leading up to it, you can go canoeing with even very young children, as young as 4 years old.
- If you’d like to go whitewater kayaking, the minimum age is 12 for family-friendly routes and 14 for the more challenging routes.
- Minors are generally required to provide proof that they can swim 25 meters.
- Take as few fragile or valuable items with you as possible, even for a trip on calm waters.
- In the summer, visit in the morning to get the most out of your experience, when there are fewer people and the temperatures are still pleasant.
- Be aware of the temperature difference between the cool waters of the Verdon and the air, which is warmed by the rock cliffs. The risk of hypothermia is high.
