On the water
Canoeing in the Aveyron gorges
Half an hour from the vineyard, the Aveyron has carved a canyon of white cliffs and perched villages. Paddling down it, on calm, cool water, is the finest summer outing in the area.
- DurationFrom 2 hours to half a day (7 to 17 km routes)
- SeasonMay to September, departures usually 9am-3pm
- Price≈ €20–25 / person
Where to book — 3 options
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Less than half an hour from the vineyard, between Bruniquel and Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, the Aveyron has carved a canyon of white cliffs, forests and villages clinging to the rock. It’s one of the finest settings in the South-West — and the best way to see it is from below, paddle in hand.
The descent is no athletic feat: the water is calm for most of the year, the routes adapt to the time you have (seven to seventeen kilometres), and children come aboard from age five. You glide beneath the perched castles of Penne and Bruniquel, stop on a pebble beach for a picnic, then push off again. Several operators share the gorges, departing from Saint-Antonin, Penne or Cazals.
Worth knowing: it’s a summer activity, May to September, and you’d do well to book — the hot-weather slots go fast. Bring shoes that stay on your feet and a dry bag for your phone; the life jacket is provided. Compare the booking options below by the route and departure point that suit you.
Why we love it
A canyon setting
White cliffs, forest clinging to the slopes, the perched castles of Penne and Bruniquel: you paddle along the floor of one of the South-West's finest canyons.
Open to everyone
The water is calm most of the year. No experience needed, and children come aboard from age five with an adult — it's a family outing above all.
Villages along the water
You set off from or arrive at Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Penne or Bruniquel — each a chance to stop in some of the prettiest villages around.
Summer cool
When the vineyard bakes, the gorges stay cool and shaded. It's the go-to activity for the hottest days of August.
Good to know
- Is it suitable for children and beginners?
- Yes. The water is calm most of the time, no experience is required, and children come aboard from age five with an adult. A life jacket is provided and compulsory.
- What routes, and how long?
- Depending on the operator, descents of 7 to 17 km — from two hours to half a day. On most routes a shuttle brings you back to the car (or the car waits at the finish).
- What season can you go?
- May to September, with departures usually between 9am and 3pm. In summer, booking is strongly advised — slots fill fast in the heat.
- What should you bring?
- Swimwear, shoes that stay on your feet (the riverbed can be stony), drinking water, sunscreen and a dry bag for your phone. You always get a little wet — skip the cotton.