Four structures, four eras, dense and silent nature. From the hydraulic dam to the shadow of the motorway, paddle a hidden stretch of river that tells the story of Gignac across the ages.
Set off from the beach below the Meuse dam, take time to swim and observe the hydraulic power station that gave its name to the site and brought electricity to the people of Gignac.
Glide under the iron suspension bridge at Lagamas, then under the majestic 18th-century stone bridge of Gignac, and finally under the motorway arches.
Four ways of crossing the Hérault, four centuries of history and engineering — and all along the way, wild riverbanks, herons and turtles, and swimming spots known only to paddlers.
Family from age 3Under parental responsibility
5 km descent ~3hSwimming and picnics possible
Shuttles includedReturn shuttle on request
Booking requiredGuaranteed time and spaces
Equipment providedLife jackets, paddles and dry bag
An exceptional route
An open-air museum on the Hérault
Four structures, four centuries: the Meuse hydraulic dam still in operation, the iron suspension bridge at Lagamas, the majestic 18th-century bridge of Gignac, and the motorway arches. Each tells a different way of taming this Cévennes river. A journey through time that only paddlers can make.
Gignac is right there — but invisible
Between each structure, you find impenetrable banks, grey herons, turtles basking on logs. No one else. Just the current, dense vegetation and silence. A few hundred metres from a town and all its activity, you are completely alone.
Swimming spots for paddlers only
The beach below the Meuse dam welcomes you from the very start for a swim even before picking up your paddle. Then 5 km at your own pace, with secret swimming spots all to yourself along the way. At the end, one phone call and the shuttle comes to collect you.
Our rates
For our descents with a shuttle, we strongly recommend booking in advance to find out departure times and secure your seats.
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 know how to swim to go canoeing?
Yes, knowing how to swim is mandatory to canoe on the Hérault. Regulations require swimming 25 metres and treading water. This applies to everyone on board, including children. If in doubt, our team is there to assess the situation with you.
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
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.
How long does a canoe rental last? Can I choose the duration?
1 hour is plenty for the round trip through the Gorges, but the duration is entirely up to you. Head back whenever you like — our rate is per hour, and any hour started is charged. For a longer experience, our Gignac base offers full-day rentals, perfect for those who really want to escape the beaten path.
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.
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 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.
What is the difference between a canoe and a kayak?
In everyday language, everyone says "canoeing" and everyone understands! The real difference: a canoe is paddled with a single-bladed paddle (one side at a time), kneeling or sitting. A kayak is paddled with a double-bladed paddle (one stroke left, one stroke right). Our boats are sit-on-top kayaks: stable, unsinkable and open, perfect for a family or friends outing, even with no prior experience. So yes, you'll be "canoeing"… on a kayak 😊
