Canoeing and Rafting in France

(Benenden on the Tarn)

There's lots of activity in the areas around the French centre with canoeing on the Tarn and Ardeche rivers and rafting on the Tarn at Les Vignes, indeed Mt Lozere is called Le Chateaux des Sources, as so many major rivers have their origins on the mountain. The area is a major attraction for tourists wishing to take advantage of water sports and the degrees of difficulty vary from novice to expert according to the area chosen and the time of year. Some quite ambitious trips can be planned, some canoe trips for example can include a couple of over night stops with transport picking the party up at the far end.
Some groups come to the centre and use it for a base for this type of activity, others build an activity element into their fieldwork programme. In either case there's lots to see and do.

The organisation we use on the Tarn is well experienced in looking after our parties and a this trip can be suitable for younger or older groups depending on the state of the river and projected rainfall. We often combine this trip with another activity but the trip on the Tarn usually starts up at Les Vignes where there is a spot to picnic and then the descent from the town commences from just below the main bridge. The road follows the river all the way down to Le Rozier which is about 10 kilometers away and its here that the rafting company have their base with newly built changing facilities and refreshment areas.
It must be stressed that we do not personally organise these types of activity but we are happy to put you in contact with local organisations that operate them, so that you can arrange the activities of your choice.