Go canoeing or SUP in the Gers

The Gers is a rural and authentic territory, is a natural treasure in the heart of Gascony. Colorful landscapes, like a reconstructed patchwork , it is crisscrossed and crossed by many rivers on which it is pleasant to paddle. Climb aboard a canoe and follow us rowing to discover the fauna and flora of the region. Let's go?

Opening Image: AdobeStock Yakobchuk

Canoeing, a fun and sporty activity to practice in the Gers

There are many ways to get around the Gers. On foot, by bicycle, on horseback, even on a motorbike. This summer, our devolved threw himself on the canoe-kayak, a light and slender boat perfect for sailing. With friends, family and children, these are moments of fun, sharing and complicity that you will experience on the lakes and rivers of the Gers, surrounded by magnificent Gers landscapes. For a morning, a day or a few hours, arm your arms to paddle alone or in pairs under the gentle sun of the region. Many small islands punctuate the circuits, ideal for a well-deserved break or to enjoy a picnic in the middle of nature.

Stand-Up Paddle, a water sport to discover in the Gers

If you prefer to stand up for rowing, the Stand-Up Paddle is for you. Consisting of a wide board in the surf style, the only way to move forward is to paddle with the help of a single oar, which you can switch from one side to the other according to your energy. Ideal on calm waters such as rivers and lakes, this activity can also be practiced on white waters on condition of being confirmed. Accessible to all, it is preferable to know how to swim to learn Stand-Up Paddle, and to start with a short course. Discover the Gers in a fun way alone or with others, and lie down on your board for a break to let go.

Canoeing on the Gers lakes

You have opted for the lakes for canoeing. It's a great idea, let us tell you the ideal spots to spend a good day.

• The Castéra-Verduzan leisure center, 20 minutes south of Condom, is formed by the Auloue, a 7-hectare wooded area where you can paddle a paddle and canoe, before going for a swim.

• The Saramon leisure base, near Samatan, is a natural and preserved rural site open in summer to enjoy outdoor water activities in the heart of the countryside.
• Lake Thoux - Saint Cricq, a few minutes from Cologne, offers a hilly and green landscape with 64 hectares of water full of fish. Ideal for nature lovers, treat yourself to a canoe getaway.
• Lac de la Gimone is an exceptional body of water with a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. With 250 hectares over 6 km long, paddle freely on the borders of Gascony, Comminges and Magnoac.

• The Lacoste lake, whose circumference is 4 km, extends over an area of 10 hectares with a fine sandy beach. Sail on calm waters in complete safety in a pretty wooded setting.
• The lake of Isle Jourdain, at the gates of Toulouse, is a 25 hectare body of water generated by the Save, around which are installed a tennis court, a mini golf course and a playground for children.

• The Uby lake in Cazaubon, in the heart of the Uby Valley, is a privileged place. Practice canoeing or paddle on an area of 80 hectares before relaxing in the large shaded park.

• The small lake of Aignan, in the middle of a 300 hectare forest, is ideal for enjoying the pleasures of water and sunbathing in a wooded valley.
• The O'Gliss nautical base in Marciac offers the rental of canoes, paddles and even giant paddles accessible up to 10 people for even more fun 15 minutes from Maubourguet.
• The Es Calavès leisure center 3 km from Saint-Clar, is fed by several springs and rivers, bringing pure and clear water which forms a hillside lake where you can practice canoeing.

As you have noticed, there is no shortage of sites to enjoy your favorite activity. Grab your hats and your paddles, it's time to row in the Gers.

Canoeing on the Save and the Gesse

In Gascony, there are two main rivers on which you can paddle, the Save and the Gesse. Each has its particularities, between the Save which extends over 144 km between the Lannemezan plateau to Grenade-sur-Garonne where it flows into the Garonne. Calm and wild, it is ideal for canoeing initiations and relaxation routes with exotic flora and fauna. The Gesse is 52 km long and has its source on the same plateau, fed by the Neste canal. A livelier river than the Sava, it is ideal for sports enthusiasts who want to spend a more active time paddling. Birds, kingfishers, buzzards, gray herons, observe the aerial ballet that is offered to you between the poplars, the alders and the acacias. Live a pure moment of emotion and escape with family or friends, during a free descent in a canoe on the rivers of Gascony.

Paddling on the Baïse in the Gers

A 190 km river in the south of France, the Baïse flows between 3 departments: Hautes-Pyrénées, Gers and Lot-et-Garonne. Navigable from April to October, by boat or canoe, it was once used for the transport of goods, in particular Armagnac. On a river with a bucolic landscape, go from lock to lock from Mirande or Condom, on canoes and kayaks suitable for one or two people. Prepare the picnic, close the waterproof container and put on your vests for a descent along the water, a calm and shaded course pleasant in summer. For a few hours or for the day, it's up to you to paddle.

Sailing on the Arros in the Gers

The Arros is a 130 km river which has its source in the town of Esparros and crosses the Gers before flowing into the Adour. In the middle of nature, on clear and crystalline water, set off from Plaisance-du-Gers for a peaceful canoe trip that is worth the detour. Paddle a few kilometers and take a well-deserved break on a small beach to enjoy the moment. Swimming, feet in the water and lunches in the calm of the river, you will love sharing this playful moment and complicity with family or friends. Close your eyes, listen to the birds, the sound of the water and the wind in the leaves, simply escape aboard a canoe on the Arros.

Sail on the Gers, an ideal river for canoeing

The Gers is a southwestern river which rises in Lannemezan, in the Hautes-Pyrénées, and empties into the Garonne south of Agen. With its forested landscape and clear waters, it offers a unique and beautiful setting for tourists and sports enthusiasts who wish to visit the region using paddles. At the Saint-Geny bridge, below Lectoure, rent a canoe or kayak for a lively descent on the Gers, a lively and wild river that will surprise the sports enthusiasts of the day. Take advantage of the beautiful season to refresh yourself along the water, on a shaded and natural course where fauna and flora flourish along the bank. Alone or in pairs on your boat, row gently so as not to miss anything of this moment.

After a good day of paddling, you have arrived at the dock. Fill up on energy before leaving for new adventures in canoe or stand-up paddle in the Gers, you now have all the addresses to have fun every day of the summer.

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