AVENTURE 34 / NATURE & SPORTS RECREATION
MONS
Les Gorges du Tarn, Sud de France Développement
La Dordogne, D.Viet
Les Gorges de l'Aveyron, D.Viet
Ice canyoning dans les Pyrénées, HPTE
The Tarn Gorges, the gorges in Aude, as well as in Dordogne, Lot and Aveyron: few regions have as many options for white-water sports as Occitania. A canoe trip with the children or an excursion on a raft with friends... On the way, you can enjoy the landscapes forged by our rivers over thousands of years: majestic gorges, rocky passes and river bends lined with cliffs. Where should you go first? Here are our tips.
The Tarn gorges, a major canoeing spot in France! Have fun on your journey along the blue-green ribbon of the River Tarn as it makes its way through an impressive landscape of cliffs, breaches and ridges.
In the same area, the Jonte gorges and the Dourbie gorges, named after tributaries of the Tarn, are also great canoeing destinations. Continue on in a canoe into the Tarn valley: you will pass under the Millau viaduct, the highest and longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, going from river bend to river bend all the way to Ambialet. Albi is not far away…
Canoë dans les Gorges du Tarn, A.Cougnenc
With children
Most of the rivers in Occitania alternate between peaceful sections and faster sections with no major difficulties. They are perfectly adapted to all trips with your family or outings to explore nature.
Near the Mediterranean Sea, the Gardon gorges will take you below the famous Pont du Gard. 30 minutes from Montpellier, the Hérault gorges attract visitors with their untamed outline and the fragrances from the heathland. You'll arrive at Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert by canoe.
In the land of the Cathars, the upper Aude valley is great for canoeing, especially between Axat and Limoux: you can choose between a family trip, a fun descent or a more challenging course. Sensations guaranteed in the rapids of the Saint-Georges Gorges and the Pierre de Lys Gorges!
Canoë sur le Gardon vers le Pont du Gard, Kayak vert / Collias
Countless mountain streams and rivers criss-cross the Pyrenees. In a setting like this, white-water sports are a real tradition in the Pyrenean regions: Pyrénées-Orientales, Ariège, Hautes-Pyrénées and Haute-Garonne at the southern tip.
A chance for you to enjoy canoeing, rafting, hot-dogging or swimming in white water. Supervised by professional guides, you can tackle the River Gave de Pau that rises at the heart of the Cirque de Gavarnie, or the River Neste with its turbulent waters crossing the Aure and Louron valleys.
Rafting en Ariège, Le Belle Verte
Useful information
A raft, steered by an instructor, is an inflatable vessel big enough for several people. On a mini-raft (or hot dog), only one or two people are on board. Powerful emotions guaranteed!
The Aveyron gorges are another ideal spot for canoeing. From Najac to Bruniquel via Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, you'll be making your way through a green setting, between rocks and hilltop villages.
Three other beautiful rivers, the Lot, the Célé and the Dordogne, are also accessible from a whole host of embarkation points. Cliffs, castles and beautiful villages such as Entraygues-sur-Truyère, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Cabrerets, Carennac and Gluges will add a wonderful savour to your trips.
Canoë dans les Gorges de l'Aveyron, ADT Tarn et Garonne
Canyon de Saugue dans les Hautes-Pyrénées, HPTE/ Thomas Braccini
Lozère, Aveyron, Pyrénées-Orientales, Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne, Ariège, Aude: you can enjoy canyoning in all the mountain regions of Occitania, from a single trip for beginners to longer courses. In the mountains of Cévennes, the Pyrenees or Aubrac, tectonic forces have carved out unique gorges with relatively steep slopes and featuring waterfalls, pools and natural slides.
With children
Water hiking, a fun activity accessible to all (from age 8). It involves making your way on foot through a mountain stream with light equipment. You can give it a try in Ariège, Lozère, Aveyron, etc.
Find in this list all the whitewater providers in Occitania: to contact for the rental of canoes and kayaks, but also to accompany your outings. Note that a number of professionals offer other outdoor activities, depending on the season.
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Regional Committee for Tourism and Leisure Occitanie
Others websites
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