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Hello

In the last 4 years we've been to the Ardeche twice, mainly for the canoeing.  The water levels have been painfully low, and we've often dragged our canoes for as far as we have paddled.  Can any body direct me to a better area?  We've canoed from Vallon Pont d'Arc.  Is it better downstream or should we try the Dordogne....or anywhere else.  Taking 3 kids aged 14,19 aand 20 who really do love their canoeing.  (Did I really say 'kids'?)

Ta

Geraint

Should have added that we went to Brittanny last year and canoed from Ty Nadan - that was fine but the aforementioned kids would like to go back to the warmth of the South of France.

G

What about the Gorges du Verdon - you can canoe both on the river, and if levels are low, on the lakes around.  Early/late in the season the Ardeche has had plenty of water - we canoed last year with no problems.  Also, the Tarn Gorge -  the river Tarn is a popular place to take a canoe - we had a site there with access directly to the river (Les Peupliers) and in August/September the weather was lovely.  There was certainly plenty of water in late August in the Tarn.

To me the Dordogne is just safe paddling water - not exciting, just drifting downstream, but we've enjoyed all the above - the scenery is more spectacular, too.

How far down did you go from Vallon?  In Vallon and for a mile or two the river is quite shallow, but thereafter, certainly when we were there, there was plenty of water.

We had plenty of water late season in the Ardeche which was great. We also loved the verdon gorge though the waters got very crowded on occasions.  This website gives you some alternative locations.

 http://www.beyond.fr/sports/rafting.html

As above we have been canoeing in the dordogne around sarlat. Last year (May/June) it was deep and easy flowing but very sedate and we really enjoyed it but it wasnt for the thrill seekers.

Ann