Quite a paradox! Although the Tarn crosses Occitan Tuscany, its famous gorges are far removed from it. It is the Aveyron that carves its furrow through the lands steeped in history, notably overlooked by the Penne Fortress. Cliffs, steep landscapes, rivers… It is the perfect playground for outdoor activities! While hiking or mountain biking are ideal for enjoying the view from above, there is nothing like a canoe-kayak descent for an immersion in this Natura 2000 classified area.
Go canoeing in the Gorges de l’Aveyron from Penne
Arriving at the bottom of the village of Penne when following the road to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, you come across a small bridge crossing the river. An adjoining dirt road indicates the canoe stations below. All that's left to do is go down, park in the car park and you're there! Our outdoor sports enthusiasts are waiting for us (a little tip: to be sure of going down, it's best to call them beforehand to book).
Welcomed with a smile, we start by getting into a car* towards the starting point through small steep roads offering a superb view… But where do we start from? Several departures are possible depending on the chosen distance: 7/8, 12 or 17 km. Some will leave from Saint-Antonin, others from Cazals, Viel-Four or even Bruniquel.
The advantage: once you've passed the first few kilometers, you escape the crowds leaving Saint-Antonin and find yourself (almost) alone in Aveyron.
*except for the Penne-Bruniquel descent offered by Escapad'ô.
Where to rent a canoe?
Practical information
- The activity is available from our two rental companies from 5 years. It is necessary to know how to swim.
- The dogs on a leash are accepted.
- Plan for what protect yourself from the sun (cap, t-shirt, sunscreen) and closed shoes.
Adventure in complete freedom
Arriving at the beginning of our mini-journey, we pick up a waterproof container. Water bottle, sunscreen, not forgetting the picnic, everything is provided to keep them dry! Just enough time to arm ourselves with paddles and here we are with our feet in the water, ready to embark for the day or half-day, keeping the life jacket on for a safe outing.
In a two-seater or single-seater kayak on the white waters of the Aveyron, the first few kilometers allow you to navigate while letting yourself be carried by the current. Beginner or experienced paddler, everyone will find what they are looking for as long as they keep their eyes and biceps sharp. In the summer season, the water level sometimes requires slaloming between the rocks! You feel very small as you glide along the water as close as possible to the local wildlife. Who knows... Otters and Peregrine Falcons will cross our path.
After several minutes of paddling, the many beaches spread along the banks encourage you to stop for a swim. Come on! We put the canoe down at the edge of the river, and everyone in the water!
We throw ourselves into the water !
Whether you're embarking on a canoe trip with the family, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or an outing with friends, you'll definitely find an opportunity to have fun in this water activity! Along the descent, several natural diving boards allow you to jump into the river (while remaining vigilant). Some people will also prefer not to get back into the canoe and follow the movement by swimming.
As you sail, you come across bridges, footbridges that are no longer in use, beautiful houses on the banks of the Aveyron and the Cazals mill... an ideal place to have a drink at the guinguette or relax on the beach.
We take advantage of it because the last few kilometers are sporty!
An arrival under high surveillance
Before negotiating the last left turn to return to the nautical base, we will have had plenty of time to admire the medieval castle which stands some 100 meters above our heads, dominating the village of Penne. Shall we climb to storm this impregnable fortress? After admiring it from below from the wild nature, let's go and contemplate the dizzying landscape that the ingenuity of the builders of the Middle Ages was able to tame! The best part? Very close by, you can also visit the castles of Bruniquel who also defy vertigo in this Most Beautiful Village in France.
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