Accessible from age 3 with no prior experience, this descent is ideal for families, couples and groups of friends wishing to discover the Gorges de l'Hérault at the pace of the paddle.
A unique experience in the heart of the Grand Site Gorges de l'Hérault
The only complete descent from Pont du Diable to Gignac — shuttle included!
From our Gignac water base, take advantage of our free parking and shuttle to reach the Grand Site du Pont du Diable in 10 minutes, ready to paddle!
Head upstream first, pass under the majestic Pont du Diable and enter the Gorges de l'Hérault, an exceptional geological landscape sculpted by water!
Then head downstream and watch the Hérault change character, widen and be bordered by forest for a wild and peaceful escape far from the crowds.
Family from age 3Under parental responsibility
6 km descent (2h min.)Swimming and picnics possible
Shuttle includedLast departure at 11am
Equipment providedLife jackets, paddles and dry bag
An exceptional route
Pont du Diable, UNESCO heritage
Paddle under the Pont du Diable, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Grand Site de France. Built in the 11th century, this Romanesque bridge is one of the oldest and best preserved in Languedoc. A 900-year encounter with history, seen from the water.
100 million years beneath your paddles
Far from the noise, enter the heart of the Gorges de l'Hérault, its cliffs and giant's cauldrons sculpted in Jurassic limestone. A journey through time within the UNESCO Global Geopark Terres d'Hérault.
A Natura 2000 classified sanctuary
Rock swallows, grey herons, black kites, turtles nesting on the banks… An exceptional ecosystem unfolds along your Hérault descent, in a Natura 2000 classified zone that only the paddle truly allows you to explore.
Our rates
For our descents with a shuttle, we strongly recommend booking in advance to find out departure times and secure your seats.
Great welcome. Competent and friendly staff. A beautiful kayak trip on the Hérault.
Pauline Beauvois
10 months ago
★★★★★5 étoiles sur 5
Very good family canoe trip. Friendly staff, I recommend.
Julie Scandolo
1 year ago
★★★★★5 étoiles sur 5
Superb family activity. The organisation was excellent! Thank you for the professionalism and kindness. Beautiful day.
Baptiste Faure
1 year ago
★★★★★5 étoiles sur 5
Unforgettable experience — relaxation, nature and swimming while doing a bit of sport. Just perfect 🚣♂️👍🏼 Super friendly welcome. Great equipment.
Samy TIKA
3 years ago
★★★★★5 étoiles sur 5
Club offering canoe trips under the Pont du Diable. Very friendly staff — we were welcomed by a young woman who explained everything perfectly. Great route through the gorges and into wild nature, with herons and other birds as a bonus.
Ad GUI
3 years ago
★★★★★5 étoiles sur 5
We were the only ones for a 9:15 am Sunday departure in the middle of July! Perfect — we headed straight to the starting point at the Pont du Diable, only 10–15 minutes away. It was great!! Thank you ✌️
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before renting a canoe in the Gorges de l'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.
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 😊
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.
