I tested for you: the descent of the Gardon by kayak, from Collias to Pont du Gard

The highlight of the 8 km route: the passage under the Roman aqueduct. Midi Libre – Axel Dumond

It's a summer classic. The 8 km kayak route between Collias and Remoulins. Midi Libre paddled on the Gardon river.

The kayak glides on the Gardon. Dragonflies skim the water all around. Small fish pass over the pebbles that line the river bottom. The slow current makes descent rhyme with relaxation.

Simple navigation

8 km of paddling separate the start, in Collias, from the finish, after the Pont du Gard. A course of at least 2 hours accessible from 6 years old and beginners who can swim. Having never kayaked before, I can confirm that the descent is easily doable.

Okay, I admit that I had a bit of trouble, especially at the beginning, controlling the boat properly. I got stuck several times on the pebbles, having chosen shallow passages. It is quite easy to get out of it, with a few paddle strokes or by putting your feet in the water. The kayak is easy to pull or push.

Day Package

In the boats, a waterproof container to put your belongings in and life jackets are provided. A word of advice: wear a swimsuit. In addition to comfort, you can swim.

The package is for the day, to take the time to enjoy the Gardon. Many stop during the descent, especially for picnics. The banks welcome the red, yellow and pink, green… In Collias, four canoe-kayak rental services offer tours.

Bumper boats

There is sometimes a bit of water traffic at the narrow passages. This can turn into bumper cars. I have hit other kayaks several times. Nothing to worry about. Most often it triggers smiles.

The passage under the Pont du Gard is magnificent. After the imposing Roman monument, on the small beaches, bathers are sometimes bothered by the boats, which take up a lot of space. Watch out for the little ones in the water!

The route ends just before Remoulins. Shuttles come to pick up customers and equipment. The return trip to the Collias car park takes about ten minutes.

Fresh as a Gardon

The landscape changes as the river bends. The riverbeds are different, the shallower ones allowing you to observe the fauna and flora of the Gardon. Bleaks, minnows and roaches are common fish. I was lucky enough to see a grey heron on the banks of the river.

Sailing on the cool water, I didn't feel much heat. The sun is beating down. Don't make the mistake of forgetting your sunscreen or you'll leave with the front of your legs red. Sunglasses and caps are obviously recommended when kayaking.

In the same boat, between one and four people can board. Alone, with friends or family, the summer route offers a splashy day on the Gardon.

Canoe or kayak ?

The first, created by North American Indian peoples, is composed of: with a simple paddle and can be practiced easily. knees. The second, &agrav; of Inuit origin (Arctic), is practiced in a seated position, with legs extended, and with a double paddle.

À Collias, in theory, they are all kayaks. At the Canoë the whirlwind, the difference in terms is used for the number of occupants. A kayak refers to a boat while a canoe means a boat. is for two, three or four people.

8 km route between Collias and Remoulins: 25 euros; adults, 19 € 13-17 years, 13-euro, 6-12 years. Departures are between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Reservations: canoeletourbillon.com.