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Watersports Guide for Provence

Discover the top Provence watersports

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Provence is a great place for watersports with its warm summers, lakes, gorges and interesting coastline.

There are plenty of watersports centres where you can learn to sail or enjoy thrilling white water rafting, and everything in between. To find companies offering lessons and equipment hire for watersports, take a look at our Watersports Centres page.

The most popular areas for watersports are along the Gorge du Verdon where you can kayak or canoe at a slow pace, or take on the rapids and white waters for more of a thrill.

The region also includes many lakes which are thriving with jet skis, wind surfs, cable wakeboarding and sailing. And of course if scuba diving and splashing around in the sea are more your thing then the French Riviera is right on your doorstop for some fantastic Mediterranean action.

Canoeing / Kayaking

There are hundred of options for canoeing and kayaking in Provence, stretching from the Ardeche gorge all the way down into central Provence along the Durance river and across to the Gorges du Verdon. Whether you're looking to spend a few hours with the family on the river, or a multi-day trip with overnight stays on the river banks, there are plenty of companies offering all kinds of packages.

Canoeing / Kayaking Watersports in Provence

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Canyoning

Canyoning Watersports in Provence

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Diving & Snorkelling

There is some lovely snorkelling to be had around the coast of the French Riviera. There are plenty of the dive schools in St Tropez, Cannes and Antibes can sort you out with equipment if you don't have your own. The same areas used for diving are also suitable for snorkelling if you feel like trying that before you commit to diving.

Hydro-speeding

Hydro Speeding Watersports in Provence

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Rafting

Rafting Watersports in Provence

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Sailing & yachting in Provence

Again the ports and marinas of the French Riviera are the perfect place to go sailing or charter a yacht for a day, a week...or even a month.

You can moor up between the rich and famous during the Cannes film festival or the Monte Carlo rally. And what better way to experience the coastal towns than to sail along and stop in at each one.

Yacht Charter in Provence

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Waterparks

Waterparks & Aquariums in Provence

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Waterskiing & Wakeboarding

An alternative for wakeboarders is the cable-ski which is available in a lot of the big lakes across Provence. They have a slow and gentle pull for beginners, and kickers and sliders for those who know what they're doing.

Jetski rental can be found at most sailing centres. You don't need a license for this activity but you must follow some straightforward rules: Stay 250m away from beaches and 50m from cliffs, 100m from other jetskis and 50m from diving buoys. It's a legal requirement to wear a life-jacket.

Windsurfing & Kiteboarding

There are wind surfing and kite surfing schools at several of the large lakes and it's also possible to hire equipment without tuition.

Canoeing in Ardeche Review Pont d'Arc

Canoeing in Ardeche Review

Active weekend in the Ardeche with canoeing, bivouc & barbeque

With a long bank holiday weekend in store it made sense to venture to the outskirts of Provence to see what the Ardeche region and the famous Ardeche Gorge has to offer.

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Cruising on the River Rhone a long boat on a rive in provence

Cruising on the River Rhone

Get on a boat for a different view of Provence

Afternoon on a boat? Yes please! There are lots of awesome cruising options if you feel like exploring the Rhone during your stay in Avignon. Taking a tour or even a dinner cruise on one of the Grand Boats of Provence is a great way to see the region. Plus, the views are spectacular and the wind on the water is refreshing.

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Kayaking with Goud-Canoe some canoes on the river ceze provence

Kayaking with Goud-Canoe

Head 50km north of Avignon for a fantastic kayaking experience

With the many rivers around Avignon there are plenty of opportunities to kayak in gorgeous natural surroundings. We headed just 50 kilometres north-west to the village of Goudargues, near La Roque sur Ceze, to try Goud' Canoe’s “Nature” package; which is an 8km route with plenty of picnic areas, swimming spots and sun-bathing sites along the way.

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Summertime swimming spots in Provence a bridge with 3 arches

Summertime swimming spots in Provence

Our pick of the top places for swimming outdoors this summer

Cooling off during the hot summer months in Provence tends to involve heading to the nearest swimming spot to take a dip, whether that's at a swimming pool, a waterpark or somewhere in a more natural setting.

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Top 10 adventure sports to try in Provence Top 10 adventure sports to try in Provence

Top 10 adventure sports to try in Provence

Flying, jumping, rafting, kitesurfing...Provence has it all

Coming on holiday to Provence doesn't necessarily have to mean that you have to step down a gear and enjoy a slower pace of life, although there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

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Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.

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Upcoming Events

Provence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.

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