The wild Loire River by packraft, between water and vineyards
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationCentre-Val de Loire / Loire Valley Castles
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AgeFrom 10 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions12.14 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
This 2-day adventure on the Loire River immerses you in a gentle journey along its banks, combining packrafting, camping, and exploring the Loire Valley landscapes. The route alternates between wild stretches of river, small beaches, natural islands, and passages through the heart of the region's vineyards and troglodyte villages. The experience is designed as a true escape, accessible even to those who have never packrafted before. All the logistics are taken care of so you can fully enjoy the adventure at your own pace, in a friendly and immersive atmosphere close to nature.
The highlights
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Passing through the iconic troglodyte villages of the Loire
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Beautiful landscapes between castles, vineyards and typical villages
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2 days of immersive navigation in the heart of the wild Loire 😊
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This adventure does not require prior packrafting experience, but it does require good physical fitness, as it takes place over two days with several hours of activity.
The paddling itself isn't technical: it takes place on a calm river, without rapids. The main difficulty lies in the distance, with approximately 20 to 25 km of paddling on the first day.
The second day alternates between walking and navigating. The walk is between 5 and 10 km depending on the option chosen, with little elevation gain, but with the packraft bag to carry, weighing approximately 10 kg.
It is therefore an adventure accessible to motivated beginners, used to walking or engaging in physical activity for a full day.
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Majority river class : Class 1 - calm river
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 100 m
Management
Your travel guide to take everywhere with you 🗺️
In this guide (which will be sent to you by email upon booking) you will find all the useful information to fully enjoy your adventure on the Loire: itinerary, options, practical advice, good addresses and camping organization.
Program
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First paddle strokes on the wild Loire
- Transportation Minibus - 20h - 40km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Majority river class Class 1 - calm river
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your adventure begins in Bréhémont, a small village in the Loire region located on the banks of the river.
(Edouard will take you by shuttle from the meeting point in Saumur to the starting point of your adventure: Bréhémont)
Before setting out on the water, a briefing is planned with our team to present the route, safety instructions and the particularities of navigation on the Loire.
You then take the time to prepare your equipment: inflating the packraft, assembling the paddle and adjusting the life jacket.
Once ready, you embark on a self-guided descent along the river.
On the Loire, the river sets the pace. Gentle current, sandbanks and small islets naturally shape the route and make each journey unique.
Throughout the day, you will be moving through a calm, wild and exotic environment, with the possibility of taking free breaks as you wish: a picnic on a sandbank, swimming or simply a moment to enjoy the Loire landscapes.
An accessible and immersive first day to discover the Loire in a different way 😊
At the end of the day, you arrive at the Les Terres de Belle Rive campsite.
Day 1 -
Between the wild Loire, troglodyte villages and arrival in Saumur
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Majority river class Class 1 - calm river
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After a night at the campsite, you gently resume your journey on the Loire for another day of travel.
This first, shorter and more accessible section allows you to gently rediscover your feel for the water while enjoying the Loire Valley scenery. You'll sail with superb views of Montsoreau, Candes-Saint-Martin, and their iconic castles.
Upon your arrival in Turquant, you have two options:
👉 a complete and more sporty version, with a beautiful hike through vineyards, troglodyte villages and cellars dug into the tuffeau.
👉 a gentler and more accessible version, prioritizing navigation and a shorter hike.
In both cases, this stage immerses you in the heart of the Loire heritage, between wild Loire, troglodyte dwellings and typical landscapes of the Loire Valley.
The final leg of the journey will gradually take you to Saumur. The river widens, the landscapes change, and you will gradually see the Château de Saumur and the historic quays of the town.
Your adventure ends on the banks of the Loire, after two days combining sailing, walking and immersion in the heart of a unique territory 😊
Day 2
Accommodation
Camping Les Terres de Belles Rives, located in Candes-Saint-Martin, is a quiet and friendly campsite, ideally situated on the banks of the Loire River in a protected natural environment. You will find spacious, shaded pitches, comfortable sanitary facilities, and direct access to the river and hiking trails.
Just a few minutes' walk away, the village of Candes-Saint-Martin, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, offers several restaurants, shops, and remarkable heritage to discover. It's an ideal place to relax after a day of adventure, enjoy dinner on a terrace, or simply admire the Loire Valley landscapes.
Access
Marc Leclerc parking lot in Saumur: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WKHk8NsiBCvX8f3C7
Go to the starting point
Marc Leclerc parking lot in Saumur: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WKHk8NsiBCvX8f3C7
Price details
The price includes
- The complete navigation equipment
- Your personal belongings will be transported in the evening by a member of the team so you don't have to carry them.
- The provision of a complete (digital) roadbook
- Night camping
- All transport from the meeting point: Marc Leclerc parking lot in Saumur
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Personal insurance
- Camping equipment (optional: 3-person tent: €20 - contact us)
- Meals (optional: picnic on day 1 and day 2: please contact us)
- Additional night before and after stay (optional: €15/person - contact us)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
We provide the digital roadbook to follow the route, packrafting equipment, a paddle, a life jacket, a dry bag for your belongings during the activities, and camping equipment (tent) if you have chosen the tent rental option. Luggage transport to the campsite is also provided so you only need to carry the essentials during the activities.
Equipment to bring
Bring a tent (optional), a sleeping bag, a pillow if desired, water (minimum 2 liters), a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, a headlamp, toiletries, toilet paper, a phone (ideally with a waterproof case), and your own meals if you haven't chosen the provided options. Hiking poles are possible but not essential.
Clothing to bring
Pack comfortable sportswear suitable for hiking, hiking boots or closed sneakers with good grip, a swimsuit to wear under your clothes, a fleece or light jacket depending on the weather, and a change of clothes for the evening at the campsite.