The 9 best places for canoeing in Normandy
Normandy offers an exceptional playground for canoe-kayak enthusiasts. From peaceful rivers to spectacular coastlines, this region of north-western France is full of perfect spots for paddling with family or friends. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, you’re bound to find a route to suit your level. From the meandering Seine to the cliffs of Étretat and the lush green valleys of the Eure and Orne, each of Normandy’s rivers has its own character and unique landscapes to discover. Put on your lifejacket and get ready to explore the most beautiful places to canoe and kayak in Normandy!
See also the Rouen guide :
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- The best things to do in and around Rouen
- 15 châteaux and manor houses to visit in Normandy
- The most beautiful villages in Calvados to discover
- 6 of the most beautiful villages around Rouen, hidden treasures of Normandy
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- Top 4 events in Rouen
- Top 7 culinary specialities in Le Havre
1. The Seine: navigating Normandy’s mythical river
The Seine is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic canoeing routes in Normandy. This majestic river crosses the region from one end to the other, offering exceptional panoramas and a wide variety of routes. In Seine-Maritime, the river reveals its spectacular meanders and allows you to discover Rouen from a unique angle.
The routes on the Seine are suitable for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. You can enjoy calm stretches of water, ideal for a family outing, or try your hand at more technical sections with currents and rapids. Several water sports centres offer canoe-kayak hire along the river, including Belbeuf near Rouen, where you can admire the cathedral from the water.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Rouen on foot and on your own
After your kayaking session on the Seine, extend your discovery of Normandy’s capital with the Navaway audio tour of Rouen. This tour takes you through the historic centre to admire the Gros Horloge, Notre-Dame Cathedral, immortalised by Monet, and the site of Joan of Arc’s martyrdom. It’s a fun, self-guided way to discover the city’s 27 must-sees in around 3 hours 15 minutes.
The most courageous can even extend their descent to the estuary and paddle out to sea to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Normandy coastline. The Seine offers a full range of water sports experiences, from leisurely strolls to more sporting adventures.
2. The Bresle: a coastal river steeped in history
The Bresle is a small 72-kilometre coastal river that rises in the Oise before flowing into the English Channel near Le Tréport. This intimate waterway offers a canoeing experience in Normandy that is very different from the big rivers. Long a natural frontier between rival territories, the Bresle has preserved a rich historical heritage on its banks.
Paddling the Bresle is like travelling back in time while enjoying unspoilt nature. You may come across sea trout and Atlantic salmon swimming upstream, testimony to the river’s high ecological quality. The Gamaches Plein Air base offers canoe-kayak hire to explore this multi-faceted waterway.
The routes on the Bresle are particularly suited to families and beginners wishing to combine historical discovery with nature walks. The villages you pass through offer great opportunities for a cultural break between paddles.
3. The Eure: between castles and green valleys
Covering 225 kilometres, the Eure is a major river for canoeing and kayaking in Normandy. The river, which gives its name to the département, winds its way through pastoral landscapes and past a number of remarkable heritage sites. The most popular route links Acquigny to Louviers over a distance of around twenty kilometres.
One of the highlights of a trip down the Eure is the chance to admire the magnificent Château d’Acquigny from your boat. This elegant 16th-century residence, with its romantic gardens, is a picture-postcard setting for kayakers. There are more than 30 kilometres of navigable waterways between Acquigny and Criquebeuf-sur-Seine.
Several clubs offer canoe-kayak hire on the Eure, including AONES in Louviers and Le Randonn’Eure in Autheuil-Authouillet. Prices generally vary between 15 and 20 euros per person for a half-day trip. The routes alternate between quiet sections and slightly lively passages, offering a good balance for all levels.
4. The Epte: on the border between Normandy and Ile-de-France
The Epte is a 113-kilometre river that marks the natural border between Normandy and the Île-de-France region. This atypical waterway offers sporting canoeing and kayaking routes, with plenty of rapids and technical sections to delight thrill-seekers.
The descent of the Epte passes through charming Norman villages steeped in history, such as Bray-et-Lû, where several water sports centres offer equipment hire. The Rando’Epte association organises supervised outings and hires out boats to explore this river of strong character.
Routes on the Epte provide an excellent opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of Normandy in their natural environment. Between two rapids, take the time to admire the herons, ducks and other water birds that populate the banks. The Epte valley inspired many Impressionist painters for its wild beauty.
5. The Touques: paddling in the Pays d’Auge
The Touques is a 108-kilometre coastal river that flows through the Pays d’Auge, a famous cider and Camembert producing region. For canoe-kayak enthusiasts in Normandy, this waterway offers tranquil routes perfect for a family outing in a bucolic setting.
The flagship route runs between Pont-l’Évêque and Saint-Martin-aux-Chartrains, covering around 8 kilometres of peaceful sailing through the Normandy meadows. The Lac Terre d’Auge water sports centre in Pont-l’Évêque offers kayaks and canoes for hire to discover the meandering river Touques. Allow around 1? to 2 hours for this trip, which is accessible to all.
Along the way, you’ll come across ducks, herons, trout and pike. If you’re lucky, you may even spot salmon swimming upstream. The lush green landscapes of the Pays d’Auge pass before your eyes, offering a truly relaxing moment along the water.
6. The Orne: kayaking in Norman Switzerland
At 170 kilometres, the Orne is Normandy’s second largest river. This wide-bed coastal river offers almost 40 kilometres of exceptional descent through the Suisse Normande, a region renowned for its rugged landscapes and spectacular gorges.
There are canoeing and kayaking routes on the River Orne to suit all levels, with options ranging from 4 to 28 kilometres. The water sports centres at Clécy, Thury-Harcourt and Pont-d’Ouilly offer a range of options for exploring the Orne valley. Thury Plein Air offers four routes between Clécy, Thury-Harcourt and the Val de Maizet, ranging from 2? to 5 hours.
Kayaking down the River Orne offers a unique opportunity to admire the cliffs and rocks that are so characteristic of Norman Switzerland. White water alternates with calmer areas, creating a varied and enjoyable experience. Several service providers, such as Pont d’Ouilly Loisirs and Clécy Evasion, organise supervised outings to discover this emblematic canoe-kayak route in Normandy.
7. The Sélune: at the gates of Mont-Saint-Michel
The Sélune is a small, 91-kilometre coastal river that offers a unique experience: paddling all the way to the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. This very calm river is an excellent option for a family outing combining cultural discovery and nature walks.
The Avranches Canoe Club offers guided trips down the Sélune between the Bois d’Ardenne and Ducey. These trips allow you to discover the fascinating history of this region of Normandy while sailing in unspoilt countryside. The routes can be extended as far as the Sélune estuary, offering spectacular views of Mont-Saint-Michel on the horizon.
The river’s fauna is particularly rich: wild birds, silvery fish… The Sélune is a haven of peace for nature lovers. Canoeing and kayaking trips are available for children aged 12 and over, with the option of younger children accompanied by an adult in a 3-seater kayak.
8. The Risle: sailing in the heart of the Pays d’Ouche
The Risle is a magnificent 140-kilometre river that rises in the Orne before joining the Seine at its estuary. This river offers sporting and varied canoeing routes in Normandy, with rapids, white water and magnificent green landscapes.
The Castors Rislois club in Pont-Audemer is the place to go if you want to explore the Risle by kayak. They offer a range of 7, 9 and 12 kilometre nature trails, as well as an original route to discover Pont-Audemer, nicknamed the Venice of Normandy, from its canals. This 1h15 urban tour takes you against the current through the town, with some fairly technical passages under bridges.
The Risle is home to a variety of wildlife that you can observe as you paddle along: trout, herons, pike, dragonflies, etc. Canoë Kayak Val de Risle in Montfort-sur-Risle also offers downstream courses ranging from 4 to 17 kilometres, and lasting from 1? to 5 hours. The Risle offers an excellent playground for all levels, from families to experienced kayakers.
9. La Manche: sea kayaking on the Normandy coast
For a radically different canoeing experience in Normandy, head for the sea! The Normandy coast offers some exceptional spots for sea kayaking, headlined by the famous cliffs of Étretat. Sailing along the foot of these white chalk giants, passing under the arches and round the Aiguille is an unforgettable experience.
The Voiles et Galets association in Étretat offers sea kayak hire to discover these mythical landscapes from the water. It’s a totally different perspective from which to appreciate the scale and beauty of these cliffs sculpted by erosion. The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel also offers unique opportunities for sea kayaking.
However, sea kayaking requires a certain amount of experience and is highly dependent on weather conditions. Waves, wind and tides can make kayaking difficult or even dangerous for beginners. It’s essential to choose a sunny day with calm seas, and preferably go out with a qualified guide for your first sea outing. A number of clubs on the Normandy coast offer introductory courses and supervised outings to help you discover sea kayaking in complete safety.
Practical information for canoeing and kayaking in Normandy
Prices and bookings
Prices for canoeing in Normandy vary according to the club and the length of hire. You should generally expect to pay between €10 and €20 for a 2-hour hire of a single-seater kayak, and between €25 and €30 for a double-seater. For a full day, prices range from €30 to €35 for a single-seater and €45 to €55 for a multi-seater canoe. Guided group descents start from 55 euros per person.
At the height of the summer season, we strongly recommend that you book in advance. Clubs are often fully booked and you could go several weeks without a reservation. Most watersports centres now offer online booking on their websites, making it much easier to organise your outing.
Equipment and preparation
To enjoy canoeing and kayaking in Normandy in the best possible conditions, make sure you wear appropriate clothing: a swimming costume or light clothing that can get wet, old sports shoes or water shoes, and a hat or cap to protect you from the sun. Lifejackets are provided by the clubs and must be worn.
To navigate a canoe or kayak, you must be able to swim 25 metres. This requirement is rarely checked by a diploma, but it is essential for your safety. If you opt for a two-seater canoe, place the most experienced or sporty person at the back of the boat, as it is they who steer it.
Don’t forget your sun cream, even if the sky isn’t completely clear! UV rays reflect off the water and can quickly attack your skin. Don’t forget drinking water in a waterproof bottle, and a picnic if you’re going on a long descent. Some clubs offer waterproof canteens to protect your personal belongings during the trip.
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DownloadIn conclusion, Normandy is an outstanding destination for canoeing and kayaking, offering an exceptional diversity of routes for all levels. From the peaceful meanders of the Sélune to the athletic rapids of the Orne, from the majestic landscapes of the Seine to the spectacular cliffs of Étretat, every kayak trip becomes a memorable adventure. Not only do these Normandy waterways offer you the chance to enjoy a sporting activity in the great outdoors, they also give you the chance to discover the region’s rich historical and natural heritage from a unique angle. Whether you come for a leisurely family outing or a technical descent that will put your paddling skills to the test, Normandy is sure to seduce you with the beauty of its aquatic landscapes. Don’t hesitate to extend your stay to visit Rouen or explore the other treasures of this magnificent region with Navaway’s audio-guided tours, and let yourself be guided in your discovery of Normandy’s heritage between two kayaking sessions!
FAQ: everything you need to know about canoeing and kayaking in Normandy
When is the best time to go canoeing in Normandy?
The ideal season runs from May to September, with pleasant temperatures and favourable river flows. July and August are the busiest months, so booking in advance is recommended. Spring and early autumn offer an interesting alternative, with fewer people and magnificent scenery.
Can you canoe in Normandy with children?
Yes, many courses are suitable for families with children. The minimum age is usually 6, and children must be able to swim. Rivers such as the Touques, Eure and Sélune offer calm sections that are perfect for a family outing. Two-seater or three-seater canoes allow younger children to be paddled by an experienced adult.
Do I need authorisation to go canoeing on Normandy’s rivers?
No, free canoeing and kayaking is permitted on most state-owned and non-state-owned rivers. However, certain stretches may be prohibited for safety reasons. It is advisable to check with local clubs or tourist offices before setting off. Respect for the environment and riverside property is, of course, essential.
What level of proficiency is required to canoe down the Orne?
The Orne offers a variety of routes to suit all levels. Beginners can opt for the calmer sections between Thury-Harcourt and Caen, while experienced kayakers will enjoy the rapids of the Suisse Normande between Pont-d’Ouilly and Clécy. Local clubs will be able to advise you on the route best suited to your level.
Where can I hire canoeing equipment in Normandy?
Numerous clubs and water sports centres offer equipment hire on Normandy’s main waterways. These include Les Castors Rislois in Pont-Audemer, Thury Plein Air in Suisse Normande, AONES in Louviers, Rando’Epte in Bray-et-Lû, and Concept Sport Émotion on the Touques. Most offer online booking and supply all the equipment you need (waistcoat, paddle, waterproof can).
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