Loire, the longest river in France
| The Loire is the longest river in the country and with the largest basin. It originates at an altitude of 1375m on the slopes of Mont Mont Gerbier de Jonc, in the south-east of the Massif Centrale in the Ardèche department. It will finish its race 980km later and cross 14 towns, in the Atlantic Ocean at Saint-Nazaire. the loire is listed as a Natura 2000 site, for the protection of its fauna and flora, as well as places of passage for migratory species. Throughout your descent of the Loire you will be able to observe the towns, villages and castles classified by UNESCO as world heritage of humanity in 2000. We nickname the Loire "royal river", by the large number of often royal castles which border it. |
A wild river ?
| The wild loire? yes it was, but it is a little less since it is dammed from Nevers to the estuary of Saint-Nazaire. Its 117,000km2 Basin occupies a fifth of France. It should be noted that men have always tried to contain it by building stone and earth dikes in the Middle Ages, which were reinforced after the three great floods of 1846-1856-1866. The Loire can rise its water level from 1 to 3m in less than 24 hours during heavy rains. "Last wild river in Europe", the Loire offers a preserved natural space suitable for itinerant canoe or kayak trips, accessible to all, no need to be an expert in canoeing to embark on the adventure. A change of scenery guaranteed from the first paddle stroke, a natural space as far as the eye can see, the Loire and its islands offer a unique adventure terrain for your wild bivouacs during your hike. |
But navigable !
| The Loire, the longest river in France, is navigable to at least Orleans. For centuries the transport of goods has occupied men. Nourricière la Loire also provided immense resources: Salmon, shad, lamprey, pike, pike-perch. Even if today the river trade has ceased and the number of professional fishermen has decreased, enthusiasts are rebuilding traditional Loire boats to continue navigation. If it is now sailed for the most part by pleasure boats and fishermen, some water activities have been able to make their way! The course along the water offers a wide range of activities for young and old: fishing, canoe-kayak or traditional Loire boat trips, swimming in swimming pools or in a supervised body of water ... lovers of gliding, sailing or thrills can also practice windsurfing, stand-up paddle or catamaran. |
The different activities possible !
- Sylvain's raboliot |
Embark in Saint-Thibault on the banks of the Loire, at the foot of the Piton de Sancerre and its vineyards, aboard the "Raboliot". It will make you discover the last wild river in Europe, the Loire, in a new light.
He will also make you discover the specialties of the Loire during his 1 hour "gourmet" outing, a walk with tasting of regional products: chavignol crottins, Sancerre croquets, Loire fish verrines and wines in supplements.
- 3 éléments kayaks |
Come and enjoy various canoe trips at the Saint-Père-Sur-Loire leisure center near Orléans. Discover the Loire, thanks to their wide range of canoe and kayak rental and supervision services. Spend a good moment of relaxation with friends, colleagues or family.3 elements kayaks is the ideal opportunity to discover the Loire, it offers canoe-bivouac trips over one or more days, canoe trips at dusk with a guide and equipment rental.
For more information, visit his page : 3 éléments kayak
- Loire Kayak |
With family or friends, 6 canoe trips around Blois, kayak or stand up paddle, from 1 hour to the day to feast on the water and share incredible moments in the heart of nature and the Valley of loire. You will board your boats from the old port of Chambord in Saint Dyé sur Loire and navigate to our base via Cour sur Loire. This will be an opportunity to discover the Château de Ménars while taking the time to enjoy the flora and fauna along the water ...
A single desire: To help you discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Loire Valley, through a friendly activity that respects the environment. We have been sailing the rivers of France for more than 20 years, we are passionate about sport and nature.
To book activities go here : loire-kayak
- Paule and Mike |
We offer stand up paddle rental near Saumur, on renowned tourist sites in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Let yourself be tempted by this incredible experience of sailing standing on the river of your choice in pairs and up to 8 people on the same board. Stroll on your paddle and access the moat of the castle during your free ride. To find out more, visit: Paule and mike
Many other activities await you around the Loire. To find out more, do not hesitate to discover the activities around Tours, Blois,Orleans, Sancerre
We invite you to meet on the banks of the Loire to have fun and discover the magnificent landscapes !!
See you soon Spotyteam 🤙🏻 🌊
Read more :
- Canoe and kayak destinations in the south of France
- Patrick Lakatos, another way of kayaking
- Support the association Plage Maguelone
