We will be in Provence for a week and would like to take a canoe/kayak trip one day. I have read about one that goes under the Pont du Gard and another that goes to Isle sur la Sorgue. Which of these is better? Any difference in the crowds or temperature? We are going in August and want to avoid the crowds as much as possible. That said- we still definitely want to see Pont du Gard - so would it be better by canoe or on land? Also - is it worth sticking around the area to see the Pont du Gard at night?
Never canoed at the Pont du Gard so can't comment on that. Have canoed many times from Fontaine de Vaucluse to I-s-l-S (note that you stop before getting to the latter). The Sorgue ride is VERY relaxing - hardly have to paddle at all. You do need to hop out a few times and to carry your boat over a few small dams. Water temp is a constant 14-odd degrees. Extremely refreshing ! Go on a hot day. As for crowds, the Fontaine de Vaucluse is one of the most visited sights in Provence - a veritable mob scene in August. But you'll be on the river between the two villages, so actually quite peaceful indeed - unless of course your group includes a bunch of French teenagers, in which case, I'd let them get well ahead of you !
I leave others to comment on the Pont du gard canoeing...
I think both are very gentle stretches of river. The fast water kayaking is higher up the river valley on the Herault, Tarn, etc.
Hard to beat this ?
Just worth adding that the Vieux Moulin Hotel at PdG has reopened after 10 years. It became cut off during the visitor centre renovations when the old road was closed. Recent pic :
Pont du Gard, hands down. from your canoe/kayak, you see PdG in an angle that magnifies its greatness - as though it needed magnifying ! Rent a boat from nearby Collias, which itself is a very pretty village. The water is very calm in both places. It is crowded everywhere in August, but I hope less so on the river.
[Edited at poster's request to correct typo]
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Roz,
For whatever this is worth -- we absolutely LOVED swimming in the river under the Pont du Gard just a couple weeks ago. It's a very unique way of seeing up close that amazing structure. I'm sure the canoeists floating past us would've agreed.
Originally posted by JacquiQ: For whatever this is worth -- we absolutely LOVED swimming in the river under the Pont du Gard just a couple weeks ago. It's a very unique way of seeing up close that amazing structure. I'm sure the canoeists floating past us would've agreed.
Small world - I was sat on the hotel terrace a couple of weeks ago watching the swimmers and kayakers opposite !
Look here for some recent posts about canoeing the Gardon. Our paddle under the PdG was a highlight of our recent 3 weeks in France. Do go early in the day though, as I imagine it will be VERY hot in August.
I want to take my two kids this year canoeing - is the PdG for the beginner paddler (moi) and can we all go in one kayat/canoe? I was also thinking about going to the Carmargue and trying a hand at it there...any opinions?
Paddling is the easy part. The worst that could happen is that you take longer to reach your detination. You are going to pass by one of the most beautiful sights in the world. So what if it takes longer? In fact we always tell the renters that it will take us an hour or two longer, so that we can stop paddling and just drift in the middle of the river and have our lunch and savor the sights.
The iffy part is that in certain places the river could be deep. The boat operators recommend that you know how to swim.
How old are your kids? Can they swim? Is your partner going with you? I have the impression that the boats are two- or three-seaters. I have not seen a 4-seater.
is the PdG for the beginner paddler (moi) and can we all go in one kayat/canoe?
The river is not difficult, mostly flat, but there are a few spots that are a little fast, and some shallow areas are a bit rocky. If your kids aren't old enough to help paddle, and you aren't experienced, it might be tricky getting through those spots on your own.
Here is a photo of my husband with the 2-seat canoe we rented. You can see that there at the takeout spot the river is very calm. The website of Kayak Vert says that they also have 3-seat canoes. They do give you life jackets, of course.
Thanks for your help - my kids are 12 and 10 (boys) and they are excellent swimmers...if it is shallow and we get stuck I can always send one of them out to push!! I think we are going to give it a try on Saturday....will report back on our adventure!
I know this wasn't on your original list, but what about canoeing through the Gorges d'Ardeche? The drive itself through the Ardeche region to get there is spectacular. The river is fast enough to provide a little excitement without being too dangerous. And paddling under the Pont d'Arc is a phenomenal experience.
We did go to the Pont du Gard that Saturday and plan to spend the day there again next week with friends. The water was very very low and we actually did need to get out and push ourselves out of a few places which was nice and cooling and provided lots of laughter. There was a brisk wind blowing the day we went which provided no challenges until we hit the maelstrom that was directly under the pont. Really, the wind was blowing everyone around, capsized a couple of boats and made that one little section (where everyone is watching you of course) extremely challenging. We made it though and really enjoyed ourselves. My advise, which is what we did, pack a picnic lunch, spend your time stopping, eating, swimming, exploring the shore.
I met someone who told me his canoe was tipped on the Ardèche, and two topless German ladies rescued him. That was years ago. The older gentleman still looked so dreamy he was nearly teary. While his wife rolled her eyes. I wonder if it had occurred to her that her husband might have seen something and then done something to tip the boat…
