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Watersports for your holidays



View Holiday Activities Southwest France in a larger map

Seaside, Inland lakes, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, water parks in Southwest France


Loads of watersports for your family to enjoy on holiday


Beaches at La Palmyre, Royan

Watersports - Sailing at La Guerlie Beach, Lacs de Haute Charente

The classic go-to beaches are at Royan at La Palmyre. Full day's entertainment available for the kids here and a great Zoo as well. However, be aware La Palmyre is a good hour by road just from Cognac at this time of year and parking and facilities are at capacity. But the quality of beaches is fantastic and the sea is protected from full open water by the huge spit of land that curves around from La Palmyre.

Lacs de Haute Charente - Pressignac

Watersports - Sailing at La Guerlie Beach, Lacs de Haute Charente

The Lacs de Haute Charente are the largest inland lakes in the region and were formed to manage the water-flow into the Charente River from the surrounding countryside as well as to provide water for a very thirsty Angouleme! Here at these lakes, you can indulge in many water sports which we list below. Alternatively you canjust swim or relax and sunbathe on the sandy beaches and find a beach bar or restaurant for lunch. No motor sports are permitted on the lakes.

Base Nautique Lac Lavaud

Watersports - Catamaran sailing at La Guerlie, Lacs de Haute Charente

The Base Nautique at La Guerlie beach is 2 km or just a mile from La Croix Spa on Lac Lavaud.

Here, on the huge Lacs de Haute Charente in the Poitou-Charentes, you can access a variety of watersports: sailing - in dingies or catamarans, canoeing, windsurfing for which tuition is also available. Pedaloes are also available and the sandy beaches contain enclosed swimming areas for safe childrens' swimming.

The base nautique and the beach both possess a restaurant and a beach bar.


Watersports - Windsurfing at La Guerlie beach, Lacs de Haute Charente

Hire charges for 2003 are (per person):

  With tuition Without tuition

1 hour

Morning (2 hours)

6 hours

Weekly season

21 €

41 €

82 €

n/a

7

13 €

20 €

41 €

Watersports - Canoeing at La Guerlie, Lacs de Haute Charente

Other Water Parks

Nautilis Angouleme A huge water park with pools, water slides and flumes - Angouleme

 

*Kayaking at Exideuil

There is river kayaking at Exideuil which comes highly recommended by our guests. The course takes you through the valley of the river Vienne. You will pass beautiful old mills and shoot small rapids. Guests of registered tourist accommodation receive discount vouchers for this activity.

 

Nautilis Angouleme

A giant water park with flumes that go on for ever, water slides, wave machines and just very very large pools and lakes.

Website: http://www.agglo-angouleme.fr/index-module-orki-page-view-id-50.html

 

Fishing

Fishing is also available at the nearby lakes and rivers. Permits are available from the local post office. There are also many private lakes - some with accommodation.

Please see our directory page just on Fishing in Southwest France to find out more.

 

Watersports in Southwest France - The Lacs de Haute Charente and many others offering sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, even pedaloes! There are safe sandy beaches with safe bathing areas for children. There are beach bars and restaurants here too. You can also go fishing in dedicated areas. There are also water parks with pools, wave pools and water flumes. Everything for a truly memorable cottage holiday in France.