Our tips and routes for a unique stay on the most beautiful kayaking descent on the Loire

The Loire, listed by UNESCO, known as the last wild river in Europe, is a true haven for kayak and canoe enthusiasts. With its magnificent landscapes, exceptional wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, it offers unique spaces in France for unforgettable experiences. Whether you are an experienced paddler eager for wide open spaces or a beginner canoeist seeking nature, you’ll find the descent that suits you.

Finding the most beautiful kayaking descent on the Loire: our tips for a tailor-made adventure

The Loire, an exceptional playground for kayakers and canoeists worldwide: With its varied landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich historical heritage, the Loire offers unique and unforgettable experiences in France and Europe. But how to choose the descent best suited to your desires and skill level?


Criteria for choosing a dream descent: To help you find the hidden gem, we have selected several routes based on various criteria: the beauty of the landscapes, the richness of the wildlife and flora, the location of the castles, and the accessibility of the course.


Routes for all levels: From experienced paddlers to beginners, both in search of adventure, the Loire offers routes suitable for everyone. You are sure to find the most beautiful descent that fits your escape desires.

Our suggestions for the most beautiful kayak descents on the Loire: routes for all tastes

Some examples of descents we recommend:


The Mini (1h or 2h): Ideal for a discovery or an outing with little ones. Meet us at the end of the day at our base to take the minibus shuttle that will take you back towards Montlivault. You will then paddle on a calm stretch of the Loire, admire the local wildlife and flora, and enjoy a moment of relaxation on the water. Halfway, you will pass in front of the Château de Ménars built closest to the river in the 17th century, and you can get familiar with the equipment and enjoy a calm ride back to our base.

The Nature Escape (1/2 day or 1 day): Want more, explore wilder and preserved landscapes… Starting from Saint Dyé on Loire (the former port of the Château de Chambord) or from the port of Cavereau, our routes will take you through islands and sandbanks, for a total immersion in the Loire nature. You can observe birds, herons, egrets, terns, ospreys, and kingfishers…, and maybe even glimpse beavers! For us, these are the most beautiful routes on the Loire where you can kayak. Here, you will find a condensed Loire over 20km between Cavereau and Blois: the picturesque villages of Cavereau, Saint Dyé/Loire and Cour/Loire, the Muides/Loire guinguette, the castles of Colliers and Ménars, the remains of the Vineuil/Les Noëls railway bridge, not to mention the presence of traditional boats that have returned to this part of the river in recent years. You probably understood, we fell in love with this part of the Loire where we decided to live more than 20 years ago.

The customized adventure: Does your taste for adventure not limit to a few hours? Do you want a longer descent or a specific route? Contact us and we will help you customize your adventure on the Loire. We are specialists in multi-day treks on the Loire, relying on over 25 years of experience as a canoe rental and our affiliation with the Canoë France network is a guarantee of seriousness and quality. If you wish to paddle for several days, discover specific sites (castles, vineyards, museums…) or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation in nature, we are at your disposal to tailor a unique stay, adapted to your desires. You can thus choose the distance of your route, the sites you wish to discover, and the duration of the stay that suits you best.

Tips and practical information for your kayak descent

When to go? The best period for kayaking on the Loire is from May to September, when the temperatures are pleasant and the water level is ideal. You can consider navigating the Loire all year round, depending on the weather conditions, your equipment, and your preferences.


What equipment to plan?
 

For a kayak or canoe descent, it is important to plan the following equipment:

  • A kayak or canoe.
  • A paddle.
  • A life jacket.
  • A waterproof barrel or bag to protect your belongings.
  • Clothing adapted to the weather (raincoat, fleece, hat, shorts, etc.).
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • A water bottle or hydration pack.
  • A picnic or snack.

Where to rent a kayak or canoe? Many rental services are available along the Loire, particularly near major tourist sites and descent starting points. You can also rent your equipment online, on the Loire Kayak website for example.

 

How to organize your descent? You can opt for a free descent, completely independently, or choose a guided descent by a professional if you are a school group or leisure center. If you wish to discover the most beautiful descent of the Loire without worrying about organization, we advise you to contact us.

Also discover stand up paddle on the Loire!

In addition to kayaking and canoeing, Loire Kayak offers you stand up paddle on the Loire. You can rent our stand up paddles by the hour, half-day, or full day, whether for an initiation on our water plan in front of our base or on one of our Loire rides. Paddleboarding is a fun and accessible activity for everyone, allowing you to discover the river from a different angle, gently and in balance. Guaranteed sensations!


The Loire is an ideal destination for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Whether with family, friends, or as a couple, you will find the most beautiful descent in kayak or canoe with us. So don’t hesitate any longer, and come live an unforgettable adventure on Europe’s last wild river!


Don’t forget to follow us on social networks to discover our routes and take advantage of our special offers!

Contact us

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Do you have a question?

Do you prefer to call us to book, have questions or wish to talk with us, feel free. 

We are at your disposal to organize your outing on the Loire.


Loire Kayak
Lac de Loire
D951- 41350 Vineuil
06.62.901.543
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