Canoeing and paddling in the Gorges du TarnA canoe trip down the sublime Gorges du Tarn : what better way to enjoy this exceptional spot? This Grand Site is an ideal playground for nature lovers and discovery enthusiasts like us! We opted for one of the classics, an 11-kilometer course linking the charming village of La Malène and the not-to-be-missed Pas de Soucy.
Canoeing at Saint Chély du Tarn in the Gorges du Tarn10h30
We arrive in La Malène, a picturesque village in the heart of the Gorges du Tarn, in the morning. My friends and I head straight to the village bakery and grocery store to buy artisan bread sticks, sandwich fillings and a few cakes. Our picnic is ready, and all that’s left to do is get on board!
“Friends are fellow travelers, helping us on our way to a happier life”, Cherry Blossom.
La Malène at sunset
Canoe trip down the Gorges du Tarn.From the very first strokes of the paddle, good humor, wonder and excitement are the order of the day.
11h00
Arriving at the rendezvous point, my friends and I pick up our paddles and life jackets… Two by two, and off we go for an introduction to canoeing ! We left the village of La Malène behind and set off to discover the famous gorges. From the very first strokes of the paddle, we’re in a good mood, full of wonder and excitement.
“Happiness is a child’s dream realized in adulthood”, Sigmund Freud.
11h30
First quick stop 800 m from La Malène to enjoy a sandy beach on the right bank of the river. An ideal place to relax and sunbathe with friends. The more adventurous among us took the opportunity to dive into the water from the cliffs… Beware, however, that swimming is not supervised and jumps are not without risk!
On the outskirts of the beach, a small shady spot caught our eye. Enough lolling about, it’s time to prepare the picnic! On the menu, delicious sandwiches made on the run with local produce. A real moment of pleasure and conviviality in the heart of the Gorges.
“You have to let the water calm down before taking a dip”, Charles Hamelin.
Swimming and diving in the Gorges du Tarn13h00
It’s time to continue our adventure towards the chaos of the Pas du Soucy!
After several kilometers of canoeing, we reach the narrowest and most beautiful part of the Gorges du Tarn, Les Détroits.
Canoeing in the Tarn Gorges at "Les DétroitsWe face gigantic walls that plunge sheer into the river… The place seems unreal. We paddle between the cliffs of this impressive canyon for over 600 meters.
Le Hameau de la Croze in the Gorges du Tarn. Can be visited during the European Heritage Days.14H00
A hundred or so meters after Les Détroits, we come across a few mysterious houses that seem to be cut off from the rest of the world. This is La Croze, an atypical yet typical hamlet in the Gorges du Tarn. A local couple explain that the river is the only way to reach the hamlet – incredible, but true!
Unfortunately, they add that it’s impossible to visit the site outside the European Heritage Days, as all the houses belong to a single family. Surprised and amazed by this little discovery, my friends and I continue on our way!
“Nature is an eternal down-to-earth dialogue”, Kheira Chakor.
14H30
With every stroke of the paddle, the Gorges du Tarn reveal new surprises! On our right, at the top of a cliff, a mushroom-shaped rock beckons… We choose this spot to take a break and enjoy the river. We swim and play with friends in the emerald Tarn and its pebble beaches.
“To stay grounded, it’s better to follow the water than the wind”, Kheira Chakor.
Paddle in the Gorges du Tarn“With every stroke of the paddle, the Gorges du Tarn reveal new surprises! They never cease to amaze us with landscapes each more sublime than the last.”
Canoeing and paddling in the Gorges du Tarn15h30
Enough swimming, we leave the pebble beach and head for the unmissable Cirque des Baumes, below the famous panorama of Point Sublime… The site takes its name from the baumes or caves carved out by wind and erosion, which we can see from our canoes. This protected area is definitely the ideal place for nature lovers!
“Happiness is lived, not written”, Sandrine Fillassier
16H00
The river calms down, a few more paddles and we’re off! Between the falls and the splashes, we’ve had a lot of fun! We stop on the left bank just before the Pas du Soucy, already nostalgic for this beautiful descent, before boarding the minibus for La Malène. The journey is accompanied by captivating explanations of the Gorges du Tarn by the bus driver. From the road, we can even spot other unusual rock shapes hidden in the cliffs, like the bride and groom or the face of Christ. Next time we come to the Gorges du Tarn, we’ll be doing the canoe trip again, via a different route, no doubt!
“Happiness can’t be offered, it’s within each one of us”, Taha-Hassine Ferhat.
“The return journey is a joyous one after an unforgettable and magical day in the heart of the Gorges du Tarn!”
When canoeing down the river, there are several things you need to take with you:
Canoe departures are possible from most of the villages in the Gorges du Tarn. Numerous canoe and paddle routes are available.
In summer, it’s best to leave in the morning. You’ll have fewer people on the water, and you’ll be even quieter… for admiring the scenery.
