our top 10

Where to go canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding in la Manche ?

Our favourite spots to go paddling at sea or on rivers

In a canoe, a kayak or on a paddleboard, head off to discover the coast and rivers of la Manche and admire the Norman landscapes. Whether you fancy paddling along a river through the countryside, visiting the islands or exploring an inlet, the department is full of hidden gems that are best seen from the water. Grab your swimmies or your wetsuit, we’re taking you paddling in the best spots of la Manche.

Off Tatihou Island

On the beach in Jonville, hire your equipment at the watersports centre and hit the water. This huge sandy beach is the only one that faces south in la Manche, and gives you an exceptional view of Tatihou Island. A great way to discover the bay of Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue and to approach the island from the sea.

Bonus: After all that effort, take a welcome break on the terrace at the bar Le Goëland 1951 and enjoy the gorgeous view across the water.

Centre Nautique Est Cotentin

At the foot of the Roches de Ham

The kayaking base in Condé-sur-Vire is one of the biggest in la Manche. You can choose from three different options: 4, 6 or 12 km, something for all levels. You’ll paddle along the towpath and the famous site of the Roches de Ham, with its cliffs culminating at more than 100 metres above the River Vire. A green haven that’s ideal for an adventure in the great outdoors. You can also hire a paddleboard by the hour or half day at the leisure park in Condé-sur-Vire.

Bonus: Do you want to try an original activity with your friends or family? Choose the 10-seater canoe: great fun guaranteed!

The kayaking base in Condé-sur-Vire

In the Cotentin marshes

The Douve is one of the biggest rivers on the Cotentin Peninsula. In the heart of the marsh, take your time admiring the flora and fauna from your kayak or paddleboard: storks, horses, dragonflies, cows, kingfishers, and much more. This outing will take you through fields, farmland, woodland and marshland.

The kayaking base in Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte

In the Chausey Islands

Prepare to feast your eyes! Starting from the main island in Chausey, hit the water to explore the archipelago in a kayak. Flora, fauna and tides: you’ll know everything there is to know about this magical spot. The outing lasts all day and is suited to more advanced paddlers. You’ll explore some gorgeous landscapes that change with the tides. An unforgettable experience in an idyllic setting!

Bonus: Every year the club organises a kayak outing from Granville to Chausey; a fun challenge for more advanced paddlers!

The kayaking base in Avranches

In the heart of La Vanlée inlet

This huge sand spit, known as the “edge of the world”, is a special spot for watersports enthusiasts. During the spring tides, the sailing school in Bréhal organises kayak or paddleboard outings with guides to discover this unique site. The scenery in the inlet changes with the tides; prepare to feast your eyes!

Espace Voile Bréhal

Off the coast of Cherbourg

The Club Kayak Mer et Nautisme en Cotentin organises outings and activities for a different way to discover the bay of Le Becquet and the harbour in Cherbourg. Take your pick from courses for children and teenagers, equipment hire, outings with guides, or an introductory waveski, pirogue or surfski session.

Cotentin Kayaking

Along the coast of La Hague

Hire your equipment at La Hague watersports centre in Urville-Nacqueville or Omonville-la-Rogue and hit the waves off the rugged coast of the headland at La Hague. From the sea, you’ll get a different perspective of the gorgeous landscapes typical of the Cotentin Peninsula.

La Hague watersports centre

With a view of Mont Saint-Michel

The leisure park in Pontorson is open from June to September and is the place to go if you want to try a different way to explore the bay of Mont Saint-Michel: in a kayak. On the River Sélune, head off for an hour, a half-day or a full-day of fun. This activity is accessible when the tide is high enough and depending on the water releases from the dam. Be sure to book ahead.

The leisure park

In the Bay of Sienne

Leaving from La Roque bridge, this 12 km outing for advanced paddlers alternates between the river and the sea. Accompanied by a qualified instructor, you’ll explore Regnéville inlet before going back to the watersports centre in Hauteville. The outing lasts about 2 ½ hours, giving you plenty of time to take in the exceptional views across the Bay of Sienne.

Association Nautique Hautaise

From cliffs to dunes in Carolles

From the beach in Saint-Jean-le-Thomas, head off with a guide for an outing along sheer cliffs, vast beaches and gorgeous dunes. A fun family activity with the bay of Mont Saint-Michel as a backdrop.

Granville watersports centre