No booking, no shuttle, no timetable. You set off when you like, return when you like — alone, as a couple, with family or friends. The Hérault is yours!
A pocket of freedom in the heart of unspoilt nature
In Gignac, embark on a stretch of the Hérault classified Natura 2000, in a wild and silent setting only paddlers can reach.
Paddle upstream at your own pace, stop for a swim, watch herons and turtles, explore small tributaries… let yourself drift. No one timing you, no one rushing you. Just the water, nature, and your rhythm.
Choose your rental: by the day for a true moment of freedom or by the hour for a restorative pause in a busy day. Choose your craft: canoe, paddleboard. Discover, come back, recharge, repeat…
Perfect for families with young children, groups of friends, or even with your dog.
Family from age 3Under parental responsibility
1 hour to a full dayNo booking required
No shuttleDepart and return at the base
Equipment providedLife jackets, paddles and dry bag
Dogs welcomeNo life jacket provided — bring your own
An exceptional route
Freedom, equality… canoeing
No time slot to respect, no booking to arrange, no shuttle to catch. You arrive when you want, you leave when you're ready. An hour of paddleboarding before work or a full day canoeing to draw on the water — you decide. The only rule: enjoy it.
A wild setting all to yourself
Just a few paddle strokes from Gignac, you enter a corridor of protected Natura 2000 nature. Lush vegetation, grey herons, kingfishers, turtles, elms… We are the only ones offering rentals here: you won't encounter the crowds found upstream.
Made for everyone, designed for each
Calm water, no strong current, no rapids. La Détente is our most accessible route. Children from age 3 are welcome with their parents, dogs can come aboard, beginners feel confident within the first few minutes. Canoe or paddleboard, solo or as a family, by the hour or by the day: try the experience.
Our rates
No booking required for our no-shuttle routes. For large groups, booking in advance helps reduce preparation time on site.
Bon accueil. Personnel compétent et sympathique. Une belle promenade en kayak sur l'Hérault.
Pauline Beauvois
il y a 10 mois
★★★★★5 étoiles sur 5
Très bonne balade familiale en canoë. Personnel sympathique, je recommande.
Julie Scandolo
il y a 1 an
★★★★★5 étoiles sur 5
Superbe activité en famille. L'organisation était top ! Merci pour le professionnalisme et la gentillesse. Belle journée.
Baptiste Faure
il y a 1 an
★★★★★5 étoiles sur 5
Super moment Inoubliable, détente, nature, et baignade tout en faisant un peu de sport. Juste au top🚣♂️👍🏼 Accueil super gentil. Super matériel
Samy TIKA
il y a 3 ans
★★★★★5 étoiles sur 5
Association proposant des balades en canoë sous le pont du diable notamment. Personnel très gentil, nous avons été accueillis par une jeune fille qui expliquait très bien. Super parcours dans les gorges puis dans une nature sauvage avec en prime la vue de hérons et autres volatiles.
Ad GUI
il y a 3 ans
★★★★★5 étoiles sur 5
Nous étions les seuls pour un départ 9h15 dimanche en plein juillet! Le top car nous sommes partis immédiatement sur le point de départ, au pont du diable. 10/15 min de route seulement. C'était super !! Merci ✌️
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before renting a canoe on the Hérault.
Do I need to book my canoe rental in advance?
Booking is mandatory for the Gignac crossing (shuttle coordination required). It is strongly recommended for the Pont du Diable descent — our shuttles are limited to keep the experience intimate. For the Détente, no booking is needed: turn up at the base, choose your boat and go. In high season, a call the day before is always a good idea.
From what age can children canoe in the Gorges de l'Hérault?
All our routes are open from age 3. In all cases, under parental responsibility.
Ages 3 to 6: mandatory life jacket (provided)
From age 6: mandatory buoyancy aid (provided)
Up to age 10: an adult must be on board in the same boat
Are dogs allowed on canoes and paddleboards?
Yes, and some of them love it. Dogs are welcome on the Détente route, aboard a canoe or paddleboard. The calm water makes it the ideal outing with your companion. A few useful points: we do not have life jackets for dogs. If yours tends to dive in at the first opportunity, a personal canine life jacket will make it easier to get back on board. Your dog remains your responsibility throughout the trip. And bring something for them to drink — the Hérault looks inviting, but it is not drinking water.
Can you rent by the hour or only for a full day?
Both. An hour on the water is sometimes enough — to unwind, watch a grey heron from your paddleboard, try out a boat, or take a young child or four-legged companion for their first time. We offer hourly rental from €10 for a solo canoe, and full-day rental for those who really want to take their time and forget about the clock.
How far can we go, and how do we know when to turn back?
You paddle upstream at your own pace, as far as you like. At 6 km from the base, the Pont du Diable marks the natural turnaround point for those who want to go all the way. The full round trip is 12 km — around 5 hours of steady paddling without stops. A paddler's tip: do not underestimate the return leg. The current is very gentle on this stretch, but a headwind can set in late in the day. The golden rule: when you turn back, allow at least as much time to return as it took to get there. We can provide a waterproof map of the route on request. You must be back at the base by 6 pm.
Is safety equipment included in the rental?
Yes, all equipment is provided: life jackets (CE-approved, available in all sizes), paddles and a waterproof dry bag to protect your belongings. You need not bring any nautical gear.
Can we swim and have a picnic during the outing?
Our base is located on a supervised beach. Feel free to swim and picnic before or after your paddle, outside your rental time! You can also paddle to La Sablière beach, accessible only on foot or by canoe, for a swim away from the crowds.
Can you canoe at the Pont du Diable all year round?
Our Pont du Diable base is open from June to September. We also run the Gignac Canoë-Kayak Club. For any out-of-season request (groups, schools, associations), contact us directly.
