Your frequently asked questions about leisure activities in the Gorges du Tarn

There are two essential differences between canoeing and kayaking. Firstly, the position adopted in the boats: in a kayak you sit with your legs slightly bent. In a canoe, you sit down. Secondly, the paddle: relatively short for the canoe, it has only one blade and a handle at the other end. For kayaks, it is longer and has a blade at each end. On our rental bases we have all the boats in double or single paddles for you to choose from

You can take your children on a canoe trip, from the age of 4, depending on the level of the river.
For this activity, knowing how to swim and being able to put your head under water is compulsory.

Appropriate clothing will allow you to make the most of your canoe trip. In summer, swimming costumes or shorts and a UV-resistant T-shirt are best. In any case, don't forget the sun cream! Don't forget also your cap and sunglasses, which you should fasten, just like your shoes! And to provide closed water shoes they are mandatory by DDJSPP.

On a day trip: Sainte-Enimie - Le Pas de Soucy is a beautiful canoeing trip, and certainly the most complete of the Gorges du Tarn. Rightly named "La Grande Boucle", it represents a circuit of 24 km.
On a half-day trip: La Malène le Pas de Soucy is undoubtedly the part not to be missed, the one which passes through the most beautiful part of the Gorges: Les Détroits

Several canoe and kayak routes are available in the Gorges du Tarn. The introductory circuits, starting from La Malène, last from 2 to 3 hours. Short or long day trips are available from Sainte-Enimie, Saint-Chély-du-Tarn. Routes from Montbrun are also available in the form of multi-day hikes.

Stand-up paddling is practised in rivers, standing up. It can be defined as a mix between surfing and canoeing. This water sport is ideal for discovering new views of the Tarn Gorges.

Stand-up paddling is very suitable for families. As all participants, especially the youngest, are comfortable with the water, paddling is a great way to have fun with the family. It is a fun activity where "we are all in the same boat"!

Canoeing is a leisurely water sport that you can enjoy alone, as a couple or with your family. Offering a route to be followed over several days, the canoe trip will allow you to discover ever more dazzling places by immersing yourself in the depths of the only inhabited gorges in France (accommodation along the gorges in camps or hotels).

Both are very easy as our clients are mainly beginners, the kayak is easy to manoeuvre and very playful. It is shorter and lighter than a canoe.
With the canoe, there are two or three of us with the children, we learn together, it's different.

The Gorges du Tarn offer a pleasant alternation between rapids and calmer water crossings. The routes, sometimes playful and sporty, sometimes calmer and more relaxing, cross magical and extraordinarily beautiful landscapes.

The first risk is getting into the water! It is essential to be able to swim and to wear a properly closed lifejacket. In winter, cold water creates an additional risk of hypothermia. You also have to be careful not to lose your equipment: paddle, bags, glasses, shoes etc.

Taking your dog on a canoe trip is a great idea! He will enjoy it and will probably fall asleep, lulled by the rattle of the water.  So, be prepared and provide him with a life jacket. This is compulsory for humans and your dog deserves this safety measure too. Use our special dog canoes where the dog has a real place.