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The best stand up paddle spots in France
For more than 10 years now, inflatable stand up paddle boarding continues to develop and spread on French beaches. Beyond the fun aspect of the activity, practitioners find a physical interest for some, a reconnection to nature for others or almost infinite possibilities for exploration. At the sea as well as in the mountains on the many lakes of our country, practitioners devote themselves to the practice of paddle boarding.
In this article, we will talk about the best French spots for paddle boarding, some for the beauty of their landscapes, others for their range of possibilities and others for the explorations they offer.
The best paddle spots in France by type of body of water
The spots will be classified according to their type, whether they are lakes, oceans, seas or rivers.
Paddle spots: Lakes
The lakes, of which there are many in France, are ideal places to practice Stand up paddle, they allow a practice that is often safe and with a regular absence of wind.
Lake Annecy (Haute-Savoie)
Lake Annecy is the first on this list, its accessibility as well as the breathtaking panorama it offers of the Alps make it one of the most popular places to practice paddle boarding. It is a destination to try once at least once for a regular practitioner. There are many launching points, every village around the lake has access to water and sometimes it is even possible to get into the water along the roads. A spot that is rarely overcrowded due to the diversity of its launching locations.
The Annecy is therefore a nugget for lovers of landscape and paddle boarding who want to get away from it all.
Blow your socks off. The little extra of SROKA is to sleep on the shores of the lake in a van or other to enjoy the atmosphere at sunset.
Another little tip, to explore the lake which turns out to be large, choose a long and narrow paddle to glide effortlessly, such as our Alpha range.
Lac du Bourget (Savoie)
The Savoyard lakes are numerous and particularly beautiful. Among them, the Lac du Bourget is one of the most beautiful in Stand up paddle.
It offers a breathtaking view of the Bauges massif, allowing long walks without feeling full or tired. It’s beautiful and we want more! Plenty of water access points are available to get you away from the crowds.
SROKA’s little advice would be to have a good climbing or via ferrata session around Chambéry before going to enjoy the sunset over the water. Just magical. For this, all our paddle boards will be ideal, the most daring can try sup yoga with our Malibu or Easy range.
Lake Sainte-Croix (Var)
The Var is renowned for its sumptuous landscapes, among the most beautiful places, the lake of Sainte Croix is surely in the top 3 things to see in the region. Its location is ideal for combining walks in the Verdon gorges and paddle boarding in the calm of the lake. You can do anything there.
Sroka’s advice, take with you a paddle board that has a certain carrying capacity, this will allow you to go exploring for the day with a touring paddle.
Paddle boarding spots in rivers
Navigating a river can be sporty but also very relaxed depending on the flow of the river.
Dordogne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
The Dordogne is known for its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. It crosses regions such as Auvergne, Limousin, Périgord and Bordeaux, offering a great diversity of landscapes. The banks of the Dordogne River feature steep cliffs, green hills, vineyards, castles and charming medieval villages.
SROKA’s advice? On the Dordogne, a slippery paddle will allow you to make raids of several days by chaining the kilometers without forcing.
The Ardèche River (Ardèche)
The Ardèche needs no introduction, known for a long time for kayaking, it is no less pleasant for Stand up paddle. Long walks along the shores and cliffs at the bottom of its impressive gorges will bring you a relaxing climate and unforgettable family moments.
SROKA’s advice, a touring paddle with good transport capacities will allow you to go for the day and treat yourself to a picnic in a sublime environment.
The Tarn (Occitanie)
The Tarn is a river where life is good, tourism in Occitania needs no introduction and the local climate is sure to offer you warm sunny days. Ideal for family walks and long, peaceful outings. The area can be prone to high winds, however, so always check the weather before going into the water.
SROKA advice, in rivers, equip yourself with retractable fins to avoid problems during possible shallow passages.
Paddle boarding spots in the sea
Navigating in a river can be dangerous but also so pleasant, discover our selection of spots at sea that will take your breath away.
Calanques de Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône)
It’s already beautiful from the land, so imagine from the water… The Calanques of Marseilles and the surrounding area are renowned for their incredible water colour and stunning landscapes. Access to the water can sometimes be difficult, hence the interest of an inflatable paddle board that you can carry in a bag. Once at sea, all you have to do is marvel on your own or with your family. Any type of practice is possible, you just have to follow your desires.
SROKA’s advice is to take our EASY model with you, in addition to being affordable, its easy shape will allow you to try everything you want on your paddle and also to let the children enjoy it.
Gulf of Morbihan (Morbihan)
Unlike many of the spots listed above, the Gulf of Morbihan offers more variable conditions, its location in the Atlantic Ocean offers, depending on the direction of the wind, more or less waves. Choose carefully where you want to get in the water according to the conditions you are looking for. The golf course is huge, it will allow you to go for a walk, but also to do long race distances or even sup downwind. The possibilities are endless!
SROKA’s advice, depending on your practice, you have to adapt your paddle to your practice, take a long paddle if you need gliding and a shorter one if you need maneuverability.
Beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
The Basque coast is a real paradise for surfing, the waves, the sun (in summer), the atmosphere… Everything is there to live dream sessions. The beach of Saint Jean de Luz offers a kind of small sheltered bay for those looking for flat food but also a nice swell for thrill seekers. Once again, anything is possible, all you have to do is get started.
SROKA tip, in the waves, a short paddle will allow you to be more maneuverable. That’s what our WAVE range is made for!
Conclusion:
Our hexagon is full of diverse and varied landscapes, exploring them is up to your will, so adapt your equipment to the environment, prepare your sessions and get started! We are happy to offer you a wide enough range of paddle boards allowing you to practice whatever your ease and your desires, take advantage of it!
If you still have questions about this, or for any other request, please do not hesitate to contact us !
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