For over 10 years now, the inflatable stand-up paddleboard has continued to grow and spread across French beaches. Beyond the fun aspect of the activity, practitioners find physical benefits for some, a reconnection with nature for others, or almost infinite exploration possibilities. Both by the sea and in the mountains on the many lakes our country boasts, enthusiasts enjoy paddleboarding.
Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the best French spots for paddleboarding, some for the beauty of their landscapes, others for their wide range of possibilities, and still others for the explorations they offer.
The best paddleboarding spots in France by body of water type
Spots will be categorized by their type, whether they are lakes, oceans, seas, or even rivers and streams.
Paddleboarding Spots: Lakes
Lakes, abundant throughout France, are ideal locations for stand-up paddleboarding, often allowing for safe practice with a regular absence of wind.
Lake Annecy (Haute-Savoie)
Lake Annecy is the first on this list; its accessibility and the breathtaking panorama it offers of the Alps make it one of the most popular places for paddleboarding. It's a destination that a regular practitioner should experience at least once. Numerous access points for launching are available; every village around the lake has water access, and sometimes it's even possible to launch along the roads. Therefore, it's a spot rarely overcrowded due to the diversity of its launching locations.
Lake Annecy is thus a gem for landscape and paddleboarding enthusiasts who want to be completely captivated.
To fully enjoy the view. SROKA's little extra tip is to sleep on the lake's shores in a van or similar to soak in the atmosphere at sunset.
Another small tip: to cover the large lake, opt for a long and narrow paddleboard for effortless gliding, such as our Alpha range.
Lac du Bourget (Savoie)
The Savoyard lakes are numerous and particularly beautiful. Among them, Lac du Bourget is one of the most beautiful for Stand-up paddleboarding.
It offers breathtaking views of the Bauges massif, allowing for long rides without feeling saturated or bored. It’s beautiful, and you’ll want more! Many water access points are available to allow you to get away from the crowds.
SROKA's little tip would be to do a good climbing or via ferrata session around Chambéry before enjoying the sunset on the water. Simply magical. For this, all our paddleboards will be ideal; the most daring can try SUP yoga with our Malibu or Easy range.
Lac de Sainte-Croix (Var)
The Var is renowned for its sumptuous landscapes. Among the most beautiful places, Lac de 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 with peaceful paddleboarding on the lake. You can do everything there.
Sroka's advice: bring a paddleboard with a certain carrying capacity, which will allow you to go exploring for the day with a touring paddleboard.
River paddleboarding spots
Navigating rivers can be sporty but also very relaxed, depending on the river's flow.
The Dordogne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
The Dordogne is known for its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. It flows through regions such as Auvergne, Limousin, Périgord, and Bordeaux, thus offering a wide diversity of landscapes. The banks of the Dordogne feature steep cliffs, green hills, vineyards, castles, and charming medieval villages.
SROKA's advice? On the Dordogne, a gliding paddleboard will allow you to undertake multi-day trips, covering kilometers effortlessly.
The Ardèche River (Ardèche)
The Ardèche needs no introduction; long known for kayaking, it is no less enjoyable for stand-up paddleboarding. Long rides along the banks and cliffs at the bottom of its impressive gorges will provide a relaxing atmosphere and unforgettable family moments.
SROKA's advice: a touring paddleboard with good carrying capacity will allow you to go out for the day and enjoy a picnic in a sublime environment.
The Tarn (Occitanie)
The Tarn is a river where life is good; tourism in Occitanie needs no introduction, and the local climate will surely offer you warm, sunny days. Ideal for family outings and long, peaceful excursions. However, the region can be subject to strong winds, so always check the weather before going out on the water.
SROKA's advice: on rivers, equip yourself with retractable fins to avoid problems in potentially shallow passages.
Sea paddleboarding spots
Navigating rivers can be dangerous but also so enjoyable. Discover our selection of breathtaking sea spots.
Calanques of Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône)
It's already beautiful from land, so imagine from the water... The Calanques of Marseille and surroundings are renowned for their incredible water color and stunning landscapes. Access to the water can sometimes be difficult there, hence the advantage of an inflatable paddleboard that you can carry in a bag. Once at sea, all you have to do is marvel, alone or with family. All types of practice are possible; you just have to follow your desires.
SROKA's advice is to bring our EASY model with you. In addition to being affordable, its user-friendly shape will allow you to try anything you want on your paddleboard and also let the children enjoy it.
Gulf of Morbihan (Morbihan)
Unlike many of the previously listed spots, the Gulf of Morbihan offers more variable conditions; its location in the Atlantic Ocean provides more or less waves depending on the wind direction. Choose carefully where you want to launch based on the conditions you are looking for. The Gulf is immense, allowing you to paddle around, but also to do long-distance races or even SUP downwind. The possibilities are endless!
SROKA's advice: depending on your practice, you need to adapt your paddleboard. Take a long paddleboard if you need glide and a shorter one if you need maneuverability.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz Beach (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
The Basque Coast is a true surfing paradise: waves, sunshine (in summer), atmosphere... Everything is there for dream sessions. Saint-Jean-de-Luz beach offers a sort of sheltered small bay for those seeking calm waters but also a nice swell for thrill-seekers. Once again, anything is possible; all you have to do is go for it.
SROKA's advice: in the waves, a short paddleboard will allow you to be more maneuverable. Our WAVE range is made for that!
Conclusion:
Our Hexagon is full of diverse and varied landscapes; exploring them is entirely up to your will, so adapt your equipment to the environment, prepare your sessions, and go for it! We are happy to offer you a sufficiently wide range of paddleboards, allowing you to practice regardless of your ease and desires. Enjoy!
If you still have questions on this topic, or for any other request, do not hesitate to contact us!