Kayaking the Verdon Gorge: where to hire, how long

Two areas suit calm-water canoeing and kayaking on the Verdon. The best known is the Galetas bridge, at the entrance to the gorge on Lake Sainte-Croix (Aiguines), 41 minutes from Tourtour: the rental outlets are grouped on the Aiguines side and you paddle up the canyon between the cliffs. The second is the lower gorge, around Lake Quinson (Montmeyan beach), 44 minutes away. Allow about 4 hours by canoe for a round trip to the end of the lower gorge. Rentals run mostly from April to the end of October.

Key facts

Galetas bridge: 37 km, 41 min from Tourtour, rentals on the Aiguines side.
Lower gorge (Quinson): 33 km, 44 min from Tourtour.
Duration: about 4 h round trip by canoe in the lower gorge.
Season: April to late October depending on the outlet, crowds in July and August.
Lake: petrol engines banned, the water stays calm for paddling.

Two areas to paddle

Area	From Tourtour	Setting
Galetas bridge (Aiguines), Lake Sainte-Croix	37 km, 41 min	Entrance to the main gorge, high cliffs
Lower gorge, Lake Quinson (Montmeyan beach)	33 km, 44 min	Downstream of Lake Sainte-Croix

At the Galetas bridge: up the Grand Canyon

The Galetas bridge crosses the Verdon where it leaves the gorge and enters Lake Sainte-Croix. The boat rental outlets (canoes, kayaks, pedalos, electric boats, paddleboards) are grouped on the Aiguines side. You set off from the lake and paddle up the canyon, between cliffs that drop straight into the water.

The emerald-green Verdon between two limestone walls, seen from above — The Verdon between the cliffs, at the mouth of the gorge. Photo: Ph Jarry, CC BY-SA 4.0

In July and August, it is best to be on the water early in the morning.

In the lower gorge, downstream

Downstream of Lake Sainte-Croix, the lower gorge leads to Lake Quinson. A rental outlet at Montmeyan beach (on Lake Quinson) quotes, for a non-stop round trip to the end of the gorge, about 4 hours by canoe or kayak, 3 hours by electric boat and 5 hours by pedalo. Its hours for the 2026 season:

Period	Opening hours
1 April to 22 May	10 am to 6 pm
23 May to 20 September	9.30 am to 6.30 pm
21 September to 1 November	10 am to 6 pm

Canoe, kayak, pedalo or electric boat?

Canoe or kayak: closest to the water and the cliffs, requires steady effort.
Pedalo: slower, popular with families with young children.
Licence-free electric boat: the fastest way to go far into the gorge, with shade. See boat hire.
Paddleboard: for short distances in calm weather.

Practical tips

Set off early in summer: the paddle is more pleasant before the crowds and the heat.
Life jacket: provided by the outlets, keep it on while on the water.
Water and a hat: the sun is strong between the cliffs.
Rules: boats are not allowed in the lake’s marked swimming areas.
Age and conditions: these vary by outlet, check them before booking.

Going further

Canoeing in the gorge combines well with Lake Sainte-Croix and a swim. The more active can look at canyoning, and those who prefer dry land at the Blanc-Martel trail.

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"From" prices checked on 8 November 2026 and may have changed.

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Frequently asked questions

Where can you kayak in the Verdon Gorge?

At the Galetas bridge, at the entrance to the gorge on Lake Sainte-Croix, where the rental outlets are grouped on the Aiguines side. Or in the lower gorge, around Lake Quinson, starting from Montmeyan beach.

How long does it take to paddle up the Verdon Gorge by canoe?

In the lower gorge, a rental outlet at Montmeyan beach quotes about 4 hours by canoe or kayak for a non-stop round trip to the end of the gorge, against 3 hours by electric boat and 5 hours by pedalo.

Do you need to be able to swim to kayak on the Verdon?

The outlets provide life jackets. Age and swimming requirements vary from one outlet to another: check them when you book.

When is the best time to kayak in the Verdon Gorge?

Most outlets open from April to the end of October. July and August are the busiest months: set off early in the morning to enjoy the canyon in peace.