Canoeing in the Cévennes: The main canoeing sites in Hérault
Hérault is an ideal department for camping vacations.
As well as offering magnificent beaches, it’s also the perfect place for canoeing in the heart of a beautiful natural setting.
The gorges de l’Hérault, south of the Cévennes, are a remarkable place for canoeing with family or friends in a dream setting.
Canoeing down the Hérault gorges
The 150 km-long Hérault river offers wild gorges that are a favorite destination for nature lovers. The Hérault gorges are a Natura 2000 listed site, a Grand Site de France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Canoeing down the river is a real delight and a must-do during your vacation at Le Val d’Hérault campsite.
You’ll be captivated by the magic of the setting, with its towering cliffs and lush greenery. On sparkling water, let yourself be transported to the heart of magnificent, unspoilt nature. It’s the ideal place to recharge your batteries and disconnect from everyday life. Whether you’re with adults or children, whether you’ve got a few hours or a whole day ahead of you, you’re bound to find a downhill course to suit your needs and desires.
Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, or a thrilling ride down the mighty river, the choice is yours! One thing’s for sure: you won’t soon forget this relaxing and fun canoe trip.
Canoeing at Saint Bauzille de Putois: from Ganges to Issensac
Ready for a 5-6 hour canoe trip down the Hérault river? From Ganges to the bridge at Saint-Étienne d’Issensac, 13 km of adventure and discovery await you in the heart of the Hérault gorges. The course is exceptional, allowing you to tackle both a 7 km sporting section and a more leisurely 6 km section.
Please note: The Val d’Hérault campsite and its partner VTR Voyages offer special rates for your sporting outings (canoe package alone or combined with climbing, caving, via ferrata or karting). Don’t hesitate to ask at the campsite.
The route: You start from Ganges, where the river cuts a path through the limestone walls, with the Agonès mountain as a backdrop. You then pass by the charming medieval village of Laroque, which still retains the memory of its castle with its restored ruins. After crossing the Laroque slide, hang on! Now you’re ready to take on the most impressive rapids on the course, the “Grand S” and “Les Piquets”. After these thrills, you enter a superb limestone gorge as far as Saint Bauzille de Putois. From Saint Bauzille Putois to Aubanel, it’s time for a relaxing section through the garrigue, dotted with superb pebble and sandy beaches. These are ideal spots for a relaxing picnic break, a chance to recover from all your emotions!
Finally, once you’ve crossed the last rapid at Mas d’Enrivière, at your Val d’Hérault campsite, you’ll arrive at the end of the route at the superb site of Issensac, with its medieval bridge.
Canoeing at Saint Guilhem le Désert and Aniane in the Hérault Valley
Fancy a canoe trip in the heart of nature? For even more canoeing adventures, head for another popular site further down in the Cévennes at Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Aniane.
Paddle in a sumptuous wilderness setting under the rock arches of the Pont du Diable in the Gorges de l’Hérault. Here are some of the canoeing and kayaking organizations you’ll find on site for your favorite recreational activity.
Kayapuna: 4 km discovery/initiation course Duration: approx. 1 hour. Can be enjoyed all day, with equipment returned by 6pm. 12 km “wild descent” route: approx. 4 hours (including a picnic and swimming break). Same principle, canoeing all day long.
Canoë Rapido: 12 km descent of the Hérault: from age 6, some small rapids, accessible to beginners. 4 km cliff circuit: accessible from age 4, very quiet route.
Canoë Borg: Balade des Plagettes, 6 km: from age 3, no time constraints. Adventure Course, 14 km: minimum height requirement 1 metre, unlimited hours.
Canoe rental at Pont du Diable
Taste of adventure: Price depends on duration, 1 hour or ½ day. Information on 04 34 48 02 39.
