Where to go paddleboarding near Paris?
If you're looking for an outdoor activity near Paris, paddleboarding is a fantastic option. This activity, which involves navigating a board with a paddle, will allow you to discover the rivers, canals, lakes, and ponds of the Paris region in a completely different way. In addition to this, paddleboarding is an excellent way to relax while getting some physical exercise.
But where to go paddleboarding near Paris? If you're asking yourself this question, you've come to the right place. Discover in this article the best paddleboarding spots near Paris, whether on the Seine, the Canal de l’Ourcq, the lakes and ponds of the Paris region, or in nautical clubs.
So, grab your board and your paddle, and let's go discover the best paddleboarding spots near Paris!
Can you go paddleboarding in Paris?
If you're a paddleboarding enthusiast in the Paris region, you've certainly asked yourself the question: where can I practice my favorite activity? The good news is that there are hundreds of kilometers of navigable waterways where you can paddleboard safely. However, there are restrictions to know before taking your board and getting on the water.
General and specific police regulations, available on the Voies navigables de France (VNF) website and sometimes on prefecture websites, list these restrictions.
- For the Seine, you must refer to the “special police regulations for the Seine-Yonne route” (RPPi 2).
- For the Marne, it is the “special police regulations for the Marne route” (RPPi 9).
- For the Oise, you must consult the “special police regulations for the Oise – Canal du Nord route” (RPPi 3).
These documents contain a “master plan for water sports,” which will tell you which sections of the waterway are authorized or prohibited for “human-powered water sports,” such as paddleboarding or canoeing/kayaking.
You can go paddleboarding on the Seine in Paris, but there are a few rules to follow. You must stay clear of transport boats and barges, as they can create waves that may unbalance you. It is also recommended not to navigate under bridges, as currents can be dangerous.
Paddleboarding spots near Paris
Paddleboarding spots near Paris are full of wonders to discover, whether on rivers, canals, lakes, or ponds. Here is a list of the best paddleboarding spots near Paris:
Rivers and canals:
- The Seine
- The Canal de l'Ourcq
Lakes and ponds:
- Lake Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
- The Grande Prairie pond
Nautical centers and clubs:
- The Paris Sailing Club: to learn more, click here
- The Île de Monsieur Nautical Club: to learn more, click here
Each of these spots offers a unique experience, whether in terms of landscapes, difficulty levels, or course lengths. Depending on your desires and skill level, you can choose the spot that suits you best.
Where to go paddleboarding in 78 / Yvelines?
- The Boucle de Moisson Regional Estate: a protected site that offers a green and wild setting, ideal for relaxation and observing flora and fauna. You can rent a paddleboard from the Les Ragondins club, which also offers guided tours.
- The Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines leisure island: a 120-hectare pond, the largest in the Paris region. You can also rent an individual or giant paddleboard there, or take lessons supervised by a certified instructor.
- The Seine: the urban spot par excellence that will allow you to admire the landscapes and historic monuments from the water. You can depart from Boulogne-Billancourt, Saint-Cloud, Saint-Denis or the Tour aux Figures (see authorized areas above).
Where to go paddleboarding on the Marne?
- Joinville-le-Pont or Saint-Maur-des-Fossés: Both towns have nautical bases that offer paddleboard rental. You can explore the islands of Martin, Cormorants, Vignerons, or Pissevinaigre.
- Lagny-sur-Marne or Meaux: these historic towns offer a certain charm. You can discover the cultural and architectural heritage, such as the Saint-Etienne cathedral or the Great War museum.
- The islands of Brétigny or Gords: These natural and tranquil spots are for nature lovers; you can enjoy the greenery and calm of the banks.
Where to go paddleboarding in Essonne?
- The Etampes leisure island: an artificial body of water where you can rent a paddleboard and enjoy other activities offered on the site, such as tree climbing, mini-golf, or the skate park.
- The Essonne: the river that gives its name to the department. You can discover the bucolic landscapes and picturesque villages that line its course. You can depart from Corbeil-Essonnes or Mennecy, where you will find clubs offering paddleboard rental and accompanied tours.
- Lake Viry-Châtillon: a spot renowned for windsurfing and kitesurfing, but where it is also perfectly possible to go paddleboarding. You can rent a paddleboard from the Nautical Club Viry-Châtillon.
Where to go paddleboarding in Seine-et-Marne?
- The Grand Morin: a river that crosses the valley of painters, where you can admire the Yellow Mill, a living work of art created by the clown Slava Polunin. You can depart from Villiers-sur-Morin or Voulangis, and reach Crécy-la-Chapelle, the Venice of Brie, where several weirs await to be crossed with caution.
- The Seine: it offers varied and charming landscapes. You can depart from Lagny-sur-Marne or Meaux, and navigate between the islands, such as the Île d'Amour or the Île des Gords.
- The Loing: the river crosses the Gâtinais Français regional natural park. You can depart from Nemours or Montigny-sur-Loing, and go downstream to Moret-sur-Loing, a medieval city that inspired the Impressionists.
Safety instructions to follow
- First, it is strongly advised to wear a life jacket at all times, even if you are a good swimmer. Moreover, it is important to know that wearing a life jacket is mandatory on most paddleboarding spots, including on the Seine and the Canal de l’Ourcq.
- Navigation rules are also very important. You must respect other water users, such as cruise ships, barges, and pleasure boats. Avoid navigating too close to banks and bridges, as this can be dangerous.
- Avoid navigating alone, especially if you are a beginner. It is preferable to navigate in a group or with professional supervision. Always check weather conditions before setting off, and avoid navigating in rainy or very windy weather.
- If you fall into the water, try to retrieve your board and paddle, then get back on your board. If you cannot get back on your board, try to get closer to the banks or ask other water users for help. If you see someone in difficulty, do not hesitate to assist them or call for help.
It is possible to go paddleboarding near Paris, whether on the Seine, the Canal de l'Ourcq, the lakes and ponds of the Paris region, or in nautical clubs.
If you are a beginner, do not hesitate to take lessons from a nautical club or professional instructor to learn the basics of paddleboarding safely. And if you are an experienced paddleboarder, take the opportunity to discover new spots and push your limits.
Finally, remember to follow safety instructions and navigation rules to practice this activity safely and respectfully of other water users.
So, to your boards and paddles!