The 15 Kayak Trips in France We Would Book Again

1.Côte Bleue Calanques Half-Day Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 877 reviews · 3 hours · from $64Our pick

Set out from Sud Kayak at Port de la Lave with a French or English-speaking guide such as Loup, Jordan, or Audrey. Paddle a two-person sea kayak along Establon and Aragnols, stop for swimming, and possibly reach Figuerolles. Bring water, swimwear, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes.

“Very nice kayak tour that is suitable for absolute beginners. Our guide Jordan made sure that the tour was an amazing experience for all of us. We had kayaks for two people which is helpful if on the way back your muscles feel a bit tired because you don't do the work alone. I am definitely not a fit person but the 3 hour trip was absolutely perfect both for people like me and people who are more into sports. It is a wonderful way to explore the coastline, the local animals and the beautiful sea.”

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2.Calanques Catamaran Tour & Standup Paddle

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 411 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $93

From Marseille’s Vieux-Port, sail with a friendly English and French speaking crew toward Vallon des Auffes, Château d’If, and the Frioul Islands. You get swim stops, snorkels, paddle boards, soft drinks, light snacks, and a GoPro, with guides such as Nico, Julie, and Marie sharing local stories.

“We had an amazing time on the afternoon tour around the Frioul archipelago. The catamaran was spacious and comfortable and the two stops to swim and paddle in the calanques were great fun. Our Captain Nico (Nicotine) was friendly, funny and informative, giving us a glimpse into the history of the area. There are some drinks provided but I would recommend bringing some with as well as snacks.”

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3.Sarlat la Canéda: The Dordogne valley by canoe

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 297 reviews · 2 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $29

Start near Vitrac and paddle downstream through the Dordogne valley, passing limestone cliffs, caves, villages, bridges and famous châteaux. Choose a shorter route or spend up to six hours on the river. Canoes Loisirs supplies equipment, instructions and return transport, with pickup available in Sarlat.

“Excellent experience! It was a wonderful way to see the Dordogne region and so many beautiful, ancient towns. Paddling down the river was easy and a lot of fun.”

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4.Saint-Tropez: Kayak Experience in Ramatuelle Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 280 reviews · 3 hours · from $70

Paddle from Chemin Garonne along Pampelonne Beach toward Cap Camarat with a French or English-speaking guide. You’ll stop to snorkel in the Port-Cros National Park area, spot fish and starfish, and choose whether to leap from a 3-metre rock. Bring water shoes and strong sunscreen.

“Great experience ! Lovely guide he helped me and my childre”

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5.3 Hour of Sea Kayak Trip in the Creeks of Sete

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 220 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $60

Set out from KayakMed with a guide such as Sylvain, Nicolas, or Olivier for three hours on a single or double sit-on-top kayak. Paddle along Sète’s Corniche, explore small cliffs and marine caves when conditions allow, and switch to the city canals if the sea is rough.

“It was a lovely day, our guide was very friendly and was very conscious of our safety, always ensuring our party were enjoying the trip”

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6.From Vitrac: Dordogne River Canoe Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 162 reviews · 3 hours · from $34

You paddle your own canoe or kayak from the Canoes Loisirs base near Domme toward Beynac, passing La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud, Beynac, and several castles. There is no guide, but the calm river is easy to follow. Stop for a picnic, swim, or village visit, then take the shuttle back.

“The trip down the Dordogne River was beautiful and just as you’d expect. As for Canoës Loisirs, their employees were very kind and helpful, and I felt comfortable kayaking down the river with their guidance. The shuttle pick up was very prompt and on time, and the driver was also kind and help. 10/10.”

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7.Porticcio: Guiding Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 147 reviews · 3 hours · from $51

Meet your guide at Isolella, 15 minutes from Porticcio, for a three-hour sea-kayak outing along Sette e Nave. After a short lesson, you paddle a two-person kayak past a Genovese tower and stop for swimming. English and French instruction is available.

“Attività divertente e gioiosa in mezzo al mare. La guida è stata molto carina, disponibile sia a parlare in francese che in inglese per i turisti multilingua. La consiglio per una gita di qualche ora.”

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8.Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park (Ciotat)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 124 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $82

Paddle from ExpéNature in La Ciotat toward the Calanques, Grand Mugel, and Île Verte on a stable sea kayak. Guides such as Elle, Romuald, and Raphaëlle lead small groups in English or other languages, with safety instruction, photos, lockers, and showers included.

“They called less than 24 hours before tour to try to reschedule for later in the day. Which i could not do becaise of departure reservations.They pffered a remtal and i could “go on my own”why would i have made a tour reservation? So disappointing. They say my refund is in process”

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9.Rando Kayak Agay Guided Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 123 reviews · from $57

Set out from Bay Beach Club in Agay for a 2.5-hour guided kayak trip along the Esterel coast. An attentive instructor leads you through red-rock creeks, explains local fauna, flora, and geology, and offers a swimming break. French, Italian, and English are available.

“Avons passé un super moment ! 2 heures de découverte avec un animateur passionné et passionnant. Paysages magnifiques Première expérience de kayak pour nous mais sûrement pas la dernière ! Merci beaucoup”

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10.Sea kayak tour: Sète, the French pearl of the Mediterranean

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 90 reviews · 2h 30m · from $64

KayakMed takes you along Sète’s Corniche in a single or double sit-on-top kayak. After a safety briefing, guides such as Olivier or Mathieu lead you past cliffs, marine caves, and quiet coastal spots while sharing stories of fishing, jousting, and the Canal du Midi.

“Wonderful outing with Olivier, he gave good instructions, fun kayak along the coast and through caves. Some history information about the local area. So good to see Sete from the water.”

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11.Guided kayak excursion in creeks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 89 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $66

Paddle from Marseille’s Estaque harbor along the Blue Coast toward Carry-le-Rouet, covering roughly 6.5 to 7 kilometers in about three hours. Guides such as Loup, Jordan, Yanel, and Juliette provide instruction, safety help, local sights, and photos. You’ll stop at a rocky cove for a swim.

“This is quite the workout! The kayaking takes place in the bay (along an underwater channel that they call a kreik - not a typical creek). Our guide Loup was amazing - he kept our group of 18 together despite a huge range of abilities. He took and shared pictures of each kayak along the way, too! The beach you stop at is picturesque and pretty secluded (only a few locals were there with us) which made this a unique experience. We had a few first time kayakers in the group (kids included) and they had a hard time, but as sometimes kayakers it was a good trip.”

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12.Guided sea kayak trip in Cap d’Agde

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $54Top rated

Start at Plage de La Plagette for equipment and a safety briefing, then paddle with Nathan along Cap d’Agde’s volcanic cliffs and marine life. The two-hour outing includes the black sand beach of Grande Conque and may include time to snorkel. Swimming ability is required.

“Nathan is brilliant such a lovely guy with all the group even me and my kids who can’t speak much French, recommend the sunset session”

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13.La Ciotat Private Kayak Rental in the Calanques National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $51

Rent a kayak from ExpeNature in La Ciotat for up to seven hours and set your own route toward the Calanques, Grand Mugel, and Île Verte. You receive equipment and a paddling demonstration, with staff such as Justine helping you get prepared before you head out.

“Although we were an hour late, Justine was very kind and understanding of our tardiness. She was very lovely and gave us a good demo on how to paddle properly, and equipped us in the appropriate kit. Although we encountered some choppy waters whilst on our way to the calanques, where we got to swim around by lovely beaches. There is a possibility to visit and island with a restaurant which is very fun. We greatly enjoyed the trip. Would highly recommend, especially if the day is sunny!”

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14.La Ciotat: Calanques National Park Guided Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 71 reviews · 3 - 7 hours · from $89

Paddle from La Ciotat to Île Verte and Calanque du Mugel in a real sea kayak, with local guides such as Oliver, Ellie, and Romy sharing stories about the coast. Choose a half-day highlights trip or a relaxed full day with swimming, caves, and a meal stop at Figuerolles.

“It was worth it! If you're a beginner, it's not intense. Thomas was a kind and patient guide.”

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15.Cassis: Calanques National Park Sea Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 70 reviews · 3 - 7 hours · from $89

Paddle from Cassis into Calanques National Park with an English or French-speaking guide, visiting Port Pin and En-Vau. Choose a 3-hour half-day outing or a 7-hour full day with swimming and lunch time. Olivier is one of the guides, and groups range from 5 to 16 people.

“Amazing trip highly recommend and thanks to Olivier he was a great guide.”

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