Normandy, in northern France, is a great place to get outside and explore. It’s a particularly good place to do that in a kayak or canoe. With a long coastline on the English Channel, and plenty of inland rivers, there are many destinations to choose from for your Normandy kayaking trip.
Normandy is well-known for its D-Day landing beaches. but there is much more to its coastline than just historical interest. Choose a Normandy kayaking route along the coast and you’ll get to explore its wide, windswept beaches backed by dunes. You’ll see ancient fishing villages, and medieval harbours. You can stay at beautiful resorts such as Deauville, Trouville, Honfleur and Granville – which is a hub for all kinds of watersports.
Normandy’s coast is certainly one of its biggest attractions but it’s not the only one for kayakers. Normandy has plenty of rivers where you can get paddling. The River Orne is especially popular. It travels through some magnificent countryside, much of which has changed very little in hundreds of years.
The River Sarthe, and in particular the Parc Naturel du Normandie-Maine, is another great kayaking river. There are plenty of dropping off points along the river plus there is a slalom course in Sable-sur-Sarthe. The River Varenne is another favourite spot for paddling. Both rivers are largely calm and easy to navigate, for beginners and other and travel through some beautiful countryside. Expect to see green forests and fields, charming ancient stone villages, and some impressive chateaux. Kayaking on these rivers is all about taking in the views and absorbing the culture.
A Normandy kayaking trip is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy some unspoilt scenery.
