🛶 FAQ – Canoe & Kayak Rental in France
(prices, routes, shuttles, safety, weather, dogs, rules, access…)

Last updated: today. This page answers the most common questions before, during, and after your trip. Use the table of contents to jump to what you need.

Contents
Prices, Booking & Terms
Routes, Durations, Shuttles & Put-ins
Safety, Gear & Swimming Ability
Weather, Winds & River Flows
Regulations (dogs, fires/stoves, drones, bivouacs, alcohol)
Logistics, Parking & Access
Families, Groups & Dogs
Rental Gear & Options
Mini-Guides by Destination (France)
Emergency & “Ready to Go” Checklist
Useful Links to Check Before You Go

Prices, Booking & Terms

💶 How much does rental cost (1–2 h, half-day, full day)?
Plan roughly €12–20 / person (1–2 h), €20–30 / person (half-day), €30–45 / person (full day). Prices vary by river/lake, season, equipment, and whether the return shuttle is included.

🧾 What’s included in the price?
At minimum: boat (2-seat canoe or 1-seat kayak), paddles, life jackets, dry barrel/bag, safety briefing. On linear routes, the shuttle is often included.

🗓️ Do I need to book in advance?
In summer and on sunny weekends, yes. Book ahead on high-demand spots (Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Pont du Galetas, Pont du Gard, Dordogne around La Roque-Gageac).

💳 Do you take a deposit? Which payment methods?
Many outfitters take a deposit/hold (card imprint). Payment by card/cash, sometimes ANCV holiday vouchers. Check T&Cs for cancellation or weather-related changes.

🔁 What if the weather is bad or the river is in flood?
Most bases offer a reschedule or credit if navigation is inadvisable or closed. Always follow the outfitter’s guidance.

Routes, Durations, Shuttles & Put-ins

🗺️ Which “family” routes (1–2 h) do you recommend?

• Ardèche: sections Vogüé – Balazuc – Chauzon (calm water, coves).

• Verdon: Lower Gorges from Quinson or Esparron (out-and-back).

• Dordogne: loops around La Roque-Gageac, Beynac, Castelnaud.

• Gardon: Pont du Gard (out-and-back).

• Hérault: Pont du Diable → Saint-Guilhem (depending on flow).

• Lakes: Annecy, Bourget, Aiguebelette, Sainte-Croix, Castillon.

⏱️ How long should I allow for each distance?
As a guide (without long breaks): 6–8 km: 1h30–2h30 • 12 km: 3–4 h • 24 km: 5–7 h.

🚐 How do shuttles work?
On a linear descent, you start at a put-in and finish at an official take-out; the shuttle brings you to the start or back to base. On out-and-back routes (lakes/lower gorges), you return to your put-in.

⚓ Where are the well-known put-ins (examples)?

• Ardèche: Vallon-Pont-d’Arc (Beach), Châmes, Saint-Martin (Sauze), Vogüé, Balazuc, Chauzon.

• Verdon: Pont du Galetas (Sainte-Croix), Quinson, Esparron, Montpezat/Artignosc (Baudinard), Saint-André / Saint-Julien (Castillon).

• Dordogne/Vézère: La Roque-Gageac, Beynac, Castelnaud, Montignac.

• Tarn: Sainte-Énimie, La Malène, Le Rozier.

• Gardon: Remoulins / Pont du Gard.

• Hérault: Pont du Diable, Saint-Guilhem.

🔁 Are there loops without a shuttle?
Yes, on lakes (Annecy, Bourget, Sainte-Croix, Castillon) and some lower gorges (Quinson ↔ Esparron).

Safety, Gear & Swimming Ability

🦺 What safety gear is mandatory?
Wear your life jacket at all times. Also take closed-toe water shoes, a phone in a waterproof case, 1–1.5 L water/person, sunscreen, cap.

🏊 Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. Outfitters typically require being able to swim 25 m and submerge without panic. Children (≈ age 7+) go on calm sections.

🆘 What should I do if we capsize?
Stay calm, keep life jackets fastened, reach an easy bank while holding the boat, then empty and re-board. Do not swim through a rapid.

Weather, Winds & River Flows

🌬️ Best time of day?
Morning: less wind and fewer people. On lakes (Sainte-Croix, Annecy, etc.), thermal winds pick up around midday.

🌊 Flow too high / too low—what then?
Adjust the distance: low = slower/shallow (choose shorter), high = sportier (consider guided trips or postpone). Follow local base advice.

Regulations (dogs, fires/stoves, drones, bivouacs, alcohol)

🐶 Are dogs allowed on board and on beaches?
It depends on municipalities and reserves. In some protected areas, dogs are forbidden on board or on certain beaches/times. Check locally before coming with your pet.

🔥 Fires and camp stoves?
Fires are almost always forbidden on riverbanks. Camp stoves are often banned in summer—prefer a cold picnic.

🚁 Drones?
Often forbidden in reserves and near bathers. Check local orders.

⛺ Bivouacs
Only authorized on official areas where they exist (e.g. Ardèche: Gaud and Gournier with reservation). Wild camping: no.

🍺 Alcohol
Strictly controlled and sometimes forbidden on certain sections/areas. Safety and quiet come first.

Logistics, Parking & Access

🅿️ Where can I park?
Rental bases have private parking (often free for customers); municipal car parks may be paid at busy put-ins. Arrive early in high season.

🚍 No car?
Some spots are reachable by bus from nearby towns. Ask the local tourist office for timetables.

♿ Easy access / PRM / seniors
Choose gentle-slope put-ins/take-outs with even pebbles (often on lakes and lower gorges). Teams can sometimes help with carrying—just ask.

Families, Groups & Dogs

👶 From what age can kids go?
Generally ≈ 7 years old on calm routes. Some canoes accept a child seat (small build) in addition to two adults.

👨‍👩‍👧 Do you offer family/group deals?
Yes: family packs, group rates, bachelorette/bachelor events, school groups. Dedicated time slots may be available in high season.

🐶 Can my dog come aboard?
On easy routes, some outfitters allow a calm dog. Bring a short leash, mat/towel, water, ideally a dog life jacket. Confirm before booking.

Rental Gear & Options

🛶 Two-seat canoe or single kayak?
The tandem canoe is stable, ideal for families/couples. The single kayak gives more glide and straight-line tracking for confident paddlers.

🎒 Useful add-ons?
Backrest, extra dry bag/barrel, phone mount, wetsuit (seasonal), water shoes, dog life jacket.

⚖️ Weight distribution (tandem)
Put the heavier paddler in the stern for better tracking; the bow sets rhythm and looks ahead.

Mini-Guides by Destination (France)

🇦🇷 Ardèche (iconic)

• Easy: Vogüé – Balazuc – Chauzon (3–12 km) – swim stops, very gentle rapids.

• Signature day: Châmes → Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche (24 km).

• 2 days: only via official bivouacs (reservation required).

🇻🇪 Verdon

• Grand Canyon entrance: Pont du Galetas (Sainte-Croix) – paddle up to the buoys.

• Lower Gorges: Quinson ↔ Esparron (out-and-back, sheltered coves).

• Baudinard: narrow, wild; variable current, cool water.

• Castillon: large mountain lake, family-friendly.

🇹🇷 Tarn
Sainte-Énimie → La Malène (½ day); La Malène → Le Rozier (full day) – clear water, dramatic cliffs.

🇫🇷 Dordogne & Vézère
La Roque-Gageac → Beynac / Castelnaud – castles, villages, pebble beaches.
Vézère (Montignac → Les Eyzies) – more intimate.

🇬🇦 Gardon (Pont du Gard)
Relaxed out-and-back under the aqueduct (depending on level).

🇭🇷 Hérault (Saint-Guilhem)
Pont du Diable → Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (flow-dependent) – limestone scenery, clear water.

🇫🇷 Loire / Allier
Long nature paddles (calm stretches), official bivouacs on some sections.

🇫🇷 Alpine Lakes & Coast
Annecy, Bourget, Aiguebelette: sheltered coves, perfect for families.
Atlantic/Mediterranean coast: sea kayak close to shore in stable weather.

Emergency & “Ready to Go” Checklist

⛑️ Water emergency: what to tell 112/114?
State the river/lake, your direction of travel, a landmark (bridge, beach, village), your bank (right/left facing downstream), and, if possible, your GPS position. Stay together, life jackets fastened, move away from any rapid.

🧭 Quick checklist
Life jacket • Closed-toe shoes • 1–1.5 L water/person • Sunscreen & cap • Phone in waterproof case • Dry bag/barrel • Route map • Snacks • UV shirt / light windbreaker as needed.

Useful Links to Check Before You Go

Local tourist office for your spot (hours, access, parking).
River levels & local weather (wind/storm).
Local regulations (dogs, fires/stoves, drones, bivouacs).
Outfitters (availability, shuttles, family/dog options).

♿ Accessibility & Comfort for Everyone

Want to rent a canoe even if you’re not very sporty, a senior, or using a stroller/PRM? Choose gentle-slope put-ins and sheltered out-and-back routes: Quinson ↔ Esparron in the Lower Verdon Gorges, Vogüé–Chauzon on the Ardèche, or the alpine lakes (Annecy, Aiguebelette). Ask the outfitter for a very stable sit-on-top tandem canoe, carry assistance at the start, well-fitted life jackets, and, if needed, a comfort backrest. Go early morning (less wind/crowds), keep short paddle lengths to reduce fatigue, and pack 1–1.5 L water/person, a dry barrel/bag, and sun protection. Good bases clearly indicate the put-in, take-out, shuttle (if linear) and paddle times—don’t hesitate to book a suitable slot.

🔐 Insurance, Deposit & Lost Items: What to Know

When you rent a kayak or tandem canoe, a deposit (often a card hold) may be required: it covers breakage or loss (paddle, dry barrel, life jacket, seat). Your personal liability insurance doesn’t replace an optional damage waiver if the outfitter offers one—read the T&Cs, excess, and exclusions (e.g. a phone dropped in the water). In practice: secure your phone with a mount + waterproof case, clip dry bags/barrels to the boat, and count your gear at the take-out before the shuttle. If you forget something, contact the base quickly (lost-and-found, statement for insurance, invoice). For better pricing, book online outside peak hours; for peace of mind, pick an all-included package (life jacket, paddles, dry barrel, return shuttle, safety briefing) and check cancellation/reschedule terms in case of strong wind or flood.