Canoe and Kayak Rental in the Verdon Gorges: The Complete Guide 🚣‍♂️🌊

The Verdon Gorges , considered the Grand Canyon of Europe , are one of the most beautiful natural sites in France. With their vertiginous limestone cliffs, emerald-colored river, and peaceful lakes, they attract thousands of visitors every year in search of adventure.

Among the flagship activities, canoeing in the Verdon occupies a special place: gliding on these turquoise waters, surrounded by rock walls over 700 meters high, is a unique experience that combines sport, discovery, and wonder.

Whether you're a beginner, a family with children, a group of friends, or a thrill-seeker, here's the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about canoeing and kayaking in the Gorges du Verdon : best spots, rentals, routes, prices, and practical advice.

Canoe and Kayak Rental in the Verdon Gorges: The Complete Guide 🚣♂️🌊

1. Why go canoeing in the Verdon? 🏞️

The Verdon is an ideal playground for water sports. Kayaking and canoeing offer many advantages:

• Close to nature 🌿: you sail in the heart of a wild, preserved and majestic environment.

• Immersive experience : only the sound of the water and your paddles punctuate the adventure.

• Accessibility : there are courses suitable for both children and experienced athletes.

• Variety of landscapes : calm lakes, whitewater rapids, secret coves, caves and monumental cliffs.

• Unforgettable memories 📸: the panoramas of the Gorges du Verdon are among the most spectacular in Europe.

2. The best kayaking and canoeing spots in the Verdon 📍

🛶 Lake Sainte-Croix

This is the most popular spot. With its calm waters and magnificent scenery, it's the perfect place for:

• a family outing,

• an introduction to kayaking,

• or a long, leisurely stroll exploring the gorges.

Many bases offer kayak and canoe rentals at Lac de Sainte-Croix , with trips ranging from one hour to a full day.

🌊 Castellane

For thrill-seekers, Castellane is the ideal starting point. You can try whitewater rafting in a kayak or canoe .

• Rapids accessible with supervision,

• Ideal for athletes or those who want to take on a challenge,

• A total immersion in the Verdon current.

🌿 Esparron-de-Verdon

Less crowded than Sainte-Croix, Lake Esparron is a gem for lovers of wild nature. Here, there are no crowds: peace and quiet reign supreme.

• Perfect for a romantic canoe trip,

• Many small coves accessible only by water,

• A dream location for paddling in complete peace and quiet.

⭐ Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Listed among the most beautiful villages in France, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also an excellent gateway to the Verdon. From its water sports centers, you can rent a canoe and explore both the lake and the first gorges.

3. Possible canoe-kayak routes in the

Verdon 🛶

The Verdon adapts to all profiles thanks to its different types of routes:

• Peaceful walks : ideal for families with children (Sainte-Croix, Esparron).

• Discovery trail : half-day or full day, to explore the meanders and hidden coves.

• Sporty descent : from Castellane, to take on the rapids and experience thrills.

• Combined tours : some providers offer kayaking + swimming + picnic packages for a full day in nature.

👉 Good to know: the courses are classified by level of difficulty, so that everyone can find what they are looking for.

4. Canoe and kayak rental in the Verdon 💸

Canoe and kayak rental in the Verdon Gorges is simple and affordable. Water sports centers are located in all major locations (Castellane, Sainte-Croix, Esparron, Moustiers).

Average prices:

• 1 hour : between €10 and €15 per person.

• Half day (3 to 4 hours) : €20 to €35.

• Full day : €35 to €50.

👉 Tip: In summer, especially in July-August, it is strongly recommended to book your kayak or canoe in advance .

5. Practical tips for a successful outing 🚦

• Equipment provided : life jacket required.

• What to bring : water shoes, hat or cap, sunscreen, water bottle, waterproof bag to protect your belongings.

• Best season : May to September, when water levels and weather are optimal.

• Level required : none for the lakes, but a minimum of endurance for the sporty descents.

• Safety : Always follow the rental company's instructions and monitor weather conditions.

6. Other water activities in the Verdon 🌊

In addition to canoeing and kayaking , the Verdon offers a wide choice of aquatic activities:

• Rafting : for more intense group descents.

• Stand-up paddle 🏄: on lakes, to work on balance and gentleness.

• Pedal boat 🚤: ideal for a simple family outing.

• Canyoning : descending rivers on foot, with jumps, abseiling and swimming.

  
  

Conclusion ✅

Canoeing in the Verdon Gorges is one of the best ways to discover this exceptional natural site. Whether you choose the tranquility of the lakes or the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting, you'll experience an adventure rich in excitement and breathtaking scenery.

👉 So don't wait any longer: book your canoe-kayak in the Verdon and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the turquoise waters! 💙

FAQ – Canoeing and Kayaking in the Verdon Gorges 🚣♂️🌿

1. Where can I rent a kayak or canoe to go down the Verdon Gorges? 🛶

• You can rent a kayak or a canoe in Sainte-Croix , Castellane , Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Esparron-de-Verdon . The water sports centers offer rentals by the hour, half-day or full day, with equipment suitable for all levels.

2. What are the easiest kayaking routes for beginners in the Verdon? 🏞️

• The Sainte-Croix and Esparron-de-Verdon lakes are perfect for beginners. Their calm waters, beautiful scenery, and short circuits make them ideal for a first kayaking experience.

3. Can you go canoeing or kayaking with children? 👨👩👧👦

• Yes, some sections are suitable for children from 6 years old, with life jackets provided by the bases. The short trails allow families to enjoy nature in complete safety.

4. How much does it cost to rent a kayak or canoe for half a day? 💸

• Average price for a half-day: €20 to €35 per person , depending on the water sports center and the route chosen.

5. Do I need to book in advance to rent a kayak or canoe? 📅

• Yes, especially during high season (July-August) . Booking guarantees availability and the course adapted to your level.

6. When is the best time to go kayaking or canoeing in the Verdon? 🌞

• May to September : pleasant climate and optimal water level.

• July and August are very busy months, so it is advisable to book early.

7. Can you go kayaking or canoeing on a sporty descent? ⚡

• Yes, especially from Castellane , with rapids suitable for experienced paddlers or those supervised by professional instructors.

8. Can you tell me some towns in the Verdons where I can rent a kayak or canoe? 🏕️

• Castellane : sporty whitewater descent

• Sainte-Croix : quiet family walks

• Moustiers-Sainte-Marie : tourism + nautical activities

• Esparron-de-Verdon : wild and peaceful setting

9. What equipment do you need for a kayak or canoe trip? 🎒

• Life jacket required (provided)

• Water shoes or closed sandals

• Cap and sunscreen

• Waterproof bag to protect your belongings

• Water and snacks for long runs

10. Are there other water activities in the Verdon? 🌊

• Rafting : for sporty group descents

• Stand-up paddleboarding 🏄: balance and relaxation on the lakes

• Pedal boat 🚤: a peaceful family outing

• Canyoning 🧗: descending rivers with jumps and abseils

11. What is the average duration of a kayak trip? ⏱️

• Family walk on the lakes : 1-2 hours

• Half-day discovery tour : 3-4 hours

• Castellane sports descent : 4-5 hours depending on the water level

12. Can you combine hiking and kayaking in the Verdon? 🥾🛶

• Yes, some excursions offer a mix of hiking and kayaking , to admire the gorges from land and water, and live a complete and unforgettable experience.