Discover

The boat trip

A must-do activity in the Gorges du Tarn

Come and discover the Gorges du Tarn with Les Bateliers des Gorges du Tarn, an essential activity for your vacation in the Gorges du Tarn.

Experience a change of scenery as you float along the river, surrounded by nature and sumptuous landscapes…

Getting there

All about

The boatmen

des Gorges du Tarn

Discover the Gorges du Tarn to the rhythm of the undulating river, observe the impressive Détroits des Gorges du Tarn and learn about the history of the Gorges du Tarn, its people, fauna and flora from a passionate boatman.

Boatmen have always played an essential role here, and there are traces of the use of boats as far back as the 6th century.

Until 1905, villages in the Gorges du Tarn were supplied directly by steep paths leading down from the Causses, or by boats, which were more convenient for transporting goods.

From the 19th century onwards, the boatmen of the Gorges du Tarn began to transport tourists and travellers curious to discover the Gorges du Tarn, one of France’s most beautiful destinations (today Grand Site Occitanie and Grand Site de France).

LES BATELIERS DES GORGES DU TARNLa Malène

Practical information on

the boatmen

des Gorges du Tarn

Where do the Bateliers des Gorges du Tarn boat trips start?
Les Bateliers des Gorges du Tarn depart from La Malène only.
The reception is located before the village bridge on the right.
They will then guide you for about 8 kms to the Cirque des Baumes via the Détroits, the narrowest and most unmissable part of the Gorges du Tarn.
A shuttle awaits you on arrival for the return journey (included in the price).
How long does the Les Bateliers des Gorges boat trip last?
It takes 1 hour to paddle down, followed by a 15-minute shuttle ride back to the starting point.
How many people can each boat hold?
A maximum of 6 people per boat. This number may vary according to water level and visitor weight.
When can I go boating in the Gorges du Tarn?
Les Bateliers des Gorges du Tarn welcomes you from April to November. However, they are dependent on water levels and prefectoral decrees.
Are boat trips with Les Bateliers des Gorges du Tarn suitable for children and the elderly?
Yes, boat trips with Les Bateliers des Gorges du Tarn are suitable for children and the elderly.
In fact, their flat-bottomed motorboats are a perfect alternative to canoeing and kayaking: you can’t turn around, everything’s under control!
Should you book a boat trip with Les Bateliers des Gorges du Tarn?
We strongly advise you to book your boat trip with Les Bateliers des Gorges du Tarn.
Firstly, to enable them to organize your trip more efficiently. Secondly, so you don’t have to wait at reception for the departure time of the next descent, even if it isn’t already full: when you book, you’ll be given a time, so you don’t have to wait any longer!

Prepare your stay in

Gorges du Tarn

Accommodation in the Gorges du Tarn

Bars and restaurants in the Gorges du Tarn

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Festivals and events in the Gorges du Tarn