Sea Kayaking can be done all over the world. If you are traveling by vehicle often you can bring your Kayak. If you are flying or otherwise traveling a large distance it may be more practical to rent a kayak from a local outfitter.
One country that has a long coastline and encompasses two oceans is France. France has a rugged Atlantic coastline as well as the much more gentle Mediterranean. Here is a rundown of some of the best rated Sea Kayaking Outfitters in France.
Vermilion Kayak has been in business for 13 years. You can either rent a kayak and tour the area yourself, or you can hire an instructor who will accompany you. All navigation and safety equipment is provided.
This outfitter provides multi-day guided excursions. One option involves paddling to and staying overnight in the beautiful Balearic Islands. Another trip is along the northern Catalan coast. Because the rocks are granite and limestone there are many areas that have been carved out by the waves. Along the way there are many beaches to check out as well. You can also explore Cap de Creus National Park in Spain. They can continue their trip further into the Medes Islands which is made up of Pink Granite and veins of black Basalt.
Vermilion Kayak is a Canoe & kayak rental service that is located in Banyuls-sur-Mer, France. Rentals and most departures are on Peyrefite beach, north of Cerbere, Pyrenees-Orientales (66). The nearest airport is Perpignan and Girone (Spain). Information on the website is in French.
Seafirst kayak is another kayak rental service located near the town of Cannes. You can rent kayaks and do a self-guided tour of the Lerin Islands. They are a series of three islands. According to the website “between the first island (Sainte Marguerite) and the second (Saint Honorat) there is a strip of several hundred meters of some of the best quality sand found nowhere else in the French Riviera”. The journey here is about 1 hour in a kayak.
The island of Sainte Marguerite is the site of an old prison that at one time held many famous prisoners including The Man With The Iron Mask. On St. Honorat there is a monastery housing around 30 monks. Here the monks produce wine which can be purchased by visitors.
Esterel Massif is another destination. These are mountains that are constructed from volcanic rock and reach a maximum height of 614 meters. Cap D’Antibes is another option for visiting. All together Sea First offers many choices including multi-day excursions all on the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean.
For a change of scenery CaminoKayak in Ploemeur France, offers impressive views of the coast of Brittany on the Atlantic Ocean. They provide guided tours, self-guided tours, and kayak training. Their website gives English visitors the option of viewing the website in English as well as French.
CaminoKayak offers multi-day excursion packages ranging from a weekend trip to a week-long adventure. According to their website the half-day package includes “from Kernel, to Larmor Plage, we’ll cross the natural harbor to join the famous citadel of Port Louis built at the end of the XVth century by the Spanish.
Then, we’ll leave the estuary of the Blavet and begin the tour of Gâvres. Off the coast, the headland of the peninsula offers us a very beautiful overview of the entrance of the natural harbor. In the East, a very long beach extends as far as the eye can see, till the beginning of the wild coast of Quiberon. Once close to the dunes, we’ll glide along the coasts for over a hundred meters to join the peaceful the Petite Mer, and its awesome bird sanctuary.
The return will be by the Submarine Base of Lorient: this impressive bunker, close to the Tabarly Museum, is the witness of the German occupation. It presently shelters sumptuous trimarans.”
They offer a week-long package that includes as described on their website “a 6-day kayaking trip in total autonomy to discover amazing natural sites where pebble beaches, creeks and rocky islands succeed one another. Evolve through currents with the help of your experienced guide, who won’t fail to initiate you to navigation techniques. You’ll enjoy the most of the tidal currents to reach the islands and maybe have the opportunity to set up your bivouac right in front of a seal’s eyes.”
Their various packages can be adapted to suit your level of kayak experience. Visit their website for more information on pricing etc.
So these were a few of the best-rated kayak companies and tours in France. If you are going to France you can consider including a kayak trip on your things-to-do list. Or maybe it is only the kayaking that you would be going for. Tent camping by the ocean or on one of the many islands would no doubt be a memorable experience. Also to consider is if you are already tent camping during your stay in France you could easily adapt to a kayaking excursion since you are already geared up. Many people who visit France visit Paris which is worth visiting. However, like many countries it is the rural towns and villages where you get the real flavor of the country and people. Tent camping is a great way to see it all for less. Adding kayaking to your trip would allow you to take a unique view of these great places.