Watersports

The Doron de Bozel, a tributary of the Isère, which it joins at Moutiers, is turbulent and winding, its narrow course weaving beneath a magnificent arch of trees. Over its sustained 6km route between Brides les Bains and Salin les Thermes, where the Class 4 and 5 rapids follow each other continuously, teams must be efficient immediately and should have rafted before.

This pastime is widespread in the Ardèche and, to a lesser degree, on the Alpine rivers, lakes and the Rhône. With many equipment and facility providers, and thanks to the natural locations, the region has a strong potential for canoeing and kayaking.

The rivers and streams which race down the wild slopes of Franche-Comté are dotted with small corners of heaven for fly fisherman. Each waterway has its own discovery to offer.

On a high up section of the Leysse is the Doria. A place for experts and adventurers, this breathtaking canyoning descent is enhanced by a 45m high waterfall.

Considered the largest natural lake in France, it shelters around fifty species of fish. During the summer, Lake Bourget is held in great regard for sailing, water skiing and diving, since the temperature of the water is between 20 and 25^oC.

Poitou-Charentes has a lot to offer to water sport enthusiasts. Whether it’s sailing, canoe-kayaking, kite surfing or wind surfing, the region has excellent facilities around the coast and inland. On the beach and islands you will not be short of options. Relax on the beach or by the rivers and take in the sun or take a leisurely swim.

Poitou-Charentes is well known in the fishing world. Pescalis nature and fishing centre is considered the number one fishing centre in Europe. Experienced and beginner fisher men and women are welcomed to join in. Adding to this are all the other places to fish in this water filled region.

Although the Midi-Pyrenees does not boast a coastline, it is however a water region with its 80 stretches of water and the 1,550 miles of rivers. The region is a land of enclosed seas and many water sports are available on specially equipped stretches of water: swimming, windsurfing, rowing, water skiing, dinghy sailing, etc. It’s the ideal solution for those of you who want to avoid overcrowded beaches! 

Surfing culture draws its inspiration from the models of Polynesia, California and Australia. But in the Aquitaine region it was quick to develop its own style, to establish its own founding heroes and create its own competitions and schools...

From the flat, sandy plains and pine forests of the Landes to the beautiful lagoon of the Bassin d’Arcachon... Aquitaine is immensely diverse. The valley of the Dordogne provides a sharp contrast...ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, horse riding and cycling.

Escape into the enchanting countryside and enjoy cycle tours, bird-watching, golf, hot-air ballooning, canoeing and kayaking.

If you are a food lover then the Loire Valley is the place for you from fresh fish to goat’s cheese, delicious wines and more delicious local specialities.

An hour's drive South of Paris, the Loire Valley offers holiday experiences to suit everyone. Experience its astonishing châteaux open to the public, many with extensive, lush gardens. Be seduced by 740 religious monuments such as the impressive Chartres and Bourges cathedrals. The Loire Valley boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking, hiking, snowshoeing, sledging or dog-sledding, all our areas have come up with inventive ideas to ensure you don't have to be a fanatical skier to have an invigorating but relaxing winter holiday. In Savoie Mont Blanc, there are many fun and healthy ways to explore and enjoy the countryside.

Just an hour south of Paris, here you are in the land of canals and vineyards, fertile hills and huge forests. A land, named after a river, that features a seldom-seen natural diversity.

Le Havre is multi-facetted, as important a commercial port as it is a popular yachting destination. Its 2 km of beach open onto the Seine estuary, once the backdrop for Impressionist artists who loved the effect of light and painted many famous paintings, including Monet’s “Sunrise at Le Havre”.

The Marne is quite simply ‘Champagne Central’! The departement contains both Reims and Epernay, which between them are home to almost all of the well known Champagne houses. As you might imagine, the landscape is dominated by vines although part of the lac du Der-Chantecoq sneaks into the bottom south west corner. The Marne is also home to the administrative capital of the region, Chalons.

The Vendée throws open its protected natural sites. Between rocky escarpments and beaches of divinely fine sand. Both along the coast and inland, a living heritage awaits your exploration – castles, humbler dwellings, tourist sites. Thanks to its position between land and sea the Vendée offers a comprehensive range of traditional flavours. A comprehensive network of walking and riding trails and of cycle paths covers the length of the coast and the hinterland.

The Haute-Marne département/ county, is an intensely rural department, which has approximately 3 acres of forest per inhabitant, this area was the birthplace of the philosopher Diderot and is the final resting place of Charles de Gaulle. In the north west of the departement is the lac du Der-Chantecoq, which claims to be the largest man made lake in Europe and is a magnet for bird watchers, fishermen and watersports enthusiasts. The town of Langres also gives us one of France’s most distinctive cheeses, which tastes better than it looks!

The Lozère department covers the southern part of the Massif Central, including the mountainous regions of Aubrac, la Margeride, le Gevaudan and the Cevennes.

Rouen is the Capital of Normandy and the Seine-Maritime department. The city, also known as the ‘Ville aux cent clochers’ has preserved much of it’s historical centre which is now largely composed of pedestrian streets.

Aude is known for its wine, castles and abbeys. Often referred to as 'the land of the Cathars' it is here that you'll find the unconquerable mountain sites of Rennes-le-Chateau and Peyrepertuse. The coast provides a sharp contrast with miles of sandy beaches for family holidays and isolated inlets for those looking to escape the crowds.

Bordering Belgium, the rural Ardennes departement/county is a nature lovers paradise. Largely covered by ancient deciduous forests it provides a fantastic playground for outdoor types. The emblem of the departement is the wild boar (Sanglier) which also features heavily in local dishes. The capital, Charleville-Mézières, has a very attractive main square modelled on the Place des Vosges in Paris (pictured).