France Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing Tours & Trip Packages

France Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing Tours & Trips

1,406 France trips. Tours from 195 tour companies. 2,202 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

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Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing
Cycle the Loire Valley
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Angers, Loire Valley

Highlights

  • Cycle along the Loire River, passing by classic quaint villages and the verdant countryside in the north west of France.
  • You haven’t seen chateaux until you’ve seen the ones in France. Marvel at the Chateau de Chenonceau, which spans the banks of the Cher River, and the acclaimed Chateau de Villandry, among others.
  • Discover the Loire's charm on a river cruise and toast the moment with a glass of exquisite local wine.
  • Consider the option of visiting a chateau turned museum, showcasing Leonardo da Vinci’s designs and how he spent his final years of life in the nearby town of Amboise.
  • Explore the vineyards of Vouvray, near Villandry, for an optional tasting, and discover why this region is known for its aged chenin blanc wines.
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Themes

Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Canoeing on the Dordogne
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • One of France's most celebrated rivers: wide, peaceful, calm, flat
  • Excellent for families, easy for beginners
  • Friendly hotels, all with pools; superb cuisine
  • Excellent views all along the river: picturesque perched villages and troglodyte cave dwellings

Themes

High Adventure, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

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Cycle Provence
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arles, Avignon, Les Baux

Highlights

  • Cycle through the same landscapes that inspired some of Vincent van Gogh's greatest masterpieces, like ‘Irises’ and the iconic ‘Starry Night’.
  • Pass by fragrant fields on the way to the spectacular three-tiered city of Pont du Gard – this Roman aqueduct is a UNESCO World Heritage site and if it’s quiet, you’ll even get to ride the bridge!
  • Search for wild white horses outside Camargue as you cycle to the Mediterranean Sea. The lakes of Camargue are also a bird spotters paradise, home to more than 400 species of birds.
  • Encounter rich Roman history and architecture in the historic towns of Arles and Orange. You’ll see Van Gogh’s Cafe Terrace, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman Amphitheatre and one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in Europe.
  • Stop in at famous vineyards outside Avignon and savour the delicious, regional French wines of the area. You deserve a reward after days of riding, don’t you?
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Themes

Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Dordogne Self-Guided Activities
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Three activities in one holiday: two days canoeing with a choice of walking or cycling for the remaining days
  • Impressive chateaux, troglodyte cave dwellings, Rocamadour, Grottes de Lacave and Gouffre de Padirac
  • Dramatic river valleys, pinky-gold cliffs and mediaeval villages
  • Friendly, family-run hotels, all with pools and fine food

Themes

Cycling & Biking, High Adventure, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Compelling Corsica: Kayaking in Corsica, France
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5/5 Excellent
31 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Visit Ajaccio
  • Visit of Corsica’s impressive megalithic art
  • Explore Bastia

Themes

Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

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Corsica Unbound
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5/5 Excellent
81 reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve been recognized by major travel publications for their pioneering adventure travel expertise that spans back to their founding in 1979.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Croatia

Highlights

  • Experience sea kayak in Isolella Peninsula
  • Enjoy a dip in the warm Mediterranean water
  • Historical visit of Corsica’s impressive megalithic art
  • Experience the most famous hiking trail in all of France, and well-known in Europe

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"I have travelled with ROW numerous times, including four trips on the Rogue River. Every trip has been wonderful and every person associated with ROW has been nice, knowledgeable, professional and fun. The Rogue is a great river and the trip is an excellent one for two people or a large group—and I have done both. I’ve taken both of my kids, one time each, and have organized groups of colleagues twice; most recently in 2019 when 14 of us gathered. The guides at ROW are great and help to make the trip very enjoyable. The scenery, lodging and the wonderful outdoors including warm air and refreshing water, make for a wonderful escape from the everyday routine. The fact that this trip offers beds and indoor plumbing is a nice benefit and allows those who have an aversion to camping a chance to see the wilderness. I have recommended ROW and the Rogue trip more times than I can count and my group has already reserved our trip for 2021. What are you waiting for?"

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Loire to the South of France in 13 Days Tour
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4.2/5 Great
23 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amboise Château, Loire Valley, Paris

Highlights

  • Explore the perfectly preserved châteaux of the Loire, prehistoric caves and traditional markets of the Dordogne
  • Enjoy the melody of France
  • See the Cathedral of Chartres one of the most impressive structures in all of Europe
  • Explore Europe's largest fortified city: delightfully medieval Carcassonne
  • Awesome drive to the hill town of Les Baux and enjoy sweeping views of the Provencal countryside from atop the ruins of its medieval citadel
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Themes

Hiking & Walking, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We purchased two backpacks from Rick Steves Europe. One of them arrived damaged and unusable. Their website says that you must contact them if you receive damaged merchandise. I have attempted to email them through their website and I have left 3 voicemails (nobody answers the phone, ever!) and nobody has contacted me back. At this point, it seems like I've been ripped off. Buyer beware. Extremely disappointed."

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Canoeing on the Dordogne
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5/5 Excellent
1 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • One of France's most celebrated rivers: wide, peaceful, calm, flat
  • Excellent for families, easy for beginners, and lots of swimming opportunities
  • Friendly hotels, all with pools; superb cuisine
  • Excellent views all along the river: picturesque perched villages and troglodyte cave dwellings

Themes

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"Our walking holiday in Montenegro was everything I’d hoped for but even better. A group of 11 who all got on famously with Daniela our exceptional guide. Wonderful food served at both hotels with the food at Perast first class. I went on my own and have made some great friends. A beautiful country which was shown to us in numerous way with great walks. I can’t wait for my next Headwater holiday."

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Highlights of France and Barcelona (Barcelona)
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By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Amazing service… kind and polite staff, well trained and knowledgeable travel director and local specialist, very good driver. We had another beautiful and memorable experience."

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Ultimate Southern France (Bordeaux, 2024)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They understand that true luxury lies not only in lavish hotels and gourmet dining but also in the immersive experiences that leave a lasting memory.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"high standard throughout"

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France Bike & River Cruise: Lyon to Nice
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arles, Avignon, Lyon, Nice, Paris

Highlights

  • Admire the magnificent vistas of France’s most renowned wine regions by river and by bicycle.
  • Enjoy the best of both worlds: an all-inclusive river ship cruise and VBT Bicycling Vacation.
  • Ride among the lush, fertile vineyards of Burgundy and Provence, pausing at your leisure for wine tastings and tours.
  • Learn the history of the magnificent Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site’s museum, and savor a delicious picnic lunch.
  • Walk the cobbled and historic streets of Lyon and Avignon as a local guide brings them alive with history and lore.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife, Sailing, Photography

What travelers are saying

"This was the first organized tour my husband and I have ever joined, so we were not sure what to expect , but it turned out to be the best vacation we've ever had. The scenery and food were amazing. We stayed in beautiful hotels. Most of the riding was on paved bike paths so we hardly ever had to deal with car traffic. Our leaders, Andrea and Martin, were funny, informative , and so helpful. We are already planning to go back to Italy with VBT this summer."

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Dordogne Valleys and Villages Cycling
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Discover dramatic scenery
  • Visit historic, prehistoric and UNESCO sites
  • Stay in excellent hotels with pools

Themes

Cycling & Biking, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Paris to Rome: Picnics & Pizza
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Alps, Eiffel Tower, Paris, Rome

Highlights

  • Explore historic cities and their galleries and museums
  • Sample regional flavours
  • Visit three countries in seven days
  • Take in the scenery from the swiss alps

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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8 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

France Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
2,202  Reviews
See all France tour reviews
Excellent
1,039
Great
349
Average
60
Disappointing
19
Terrible
17
N

Nancy & Steven

Jan 2023

Written on

It was nice biking on quiet roads with beautiful scenery

Wonderful cycling tour of Provence! It was nice biking on quiet roads with beautiful scenery. I loved the e bike!I wish we stayed more then one night in each place. ...

M

Mark & Elizabeth

Jan 2023

Written on

The bikes were great and we are definitely interested in coming back again in the future

The gorges de la nesque was especially beautiful. Marie at BB La Villa de Margot was utterly wonderful and sweet. Hotel les Remparts had a great restaurant. We were ...

S

Shir & Noga

Jan 2023

Written on

A fantastic trip! Everything was so simple, well planned and accommodating.

A fantastic trip! Everything was so simple, well planned and...

W

William & Marcia

Jan 2023

Written on

We really liked the equipment including the day pack boxes, paniers, and especially the bikes.

We really liked the equipment including the day pack boxes, paniers, and especially the bikes. Well matched to the types of roads we were on. We will reccomend you t...

M

Matthew & Sarah

Jan 2023

Written on

The trip highlights were riding Ventoux, beautiful backroads riding around Provence.

Villa de Margot (in Avignon) had the best breakfast. The trip highlights were riding Ventoux, beautiful backroads riding around Provence. The hotel in Bedoin was mor...

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France Tour Selection Trips

  • France is so rich in cultural opportunities and activities of all sorts that you can’t expect to see it all in one trip. Pick a tour that visits a region or two and get to know that area well, then return to other regions you want to visit on subsequent tours.
  • On a tour of France, you can choose anything from luxury on down to basic accommodations, dining, and transportation -- something to fit every budget.
  • Specialty tours are a good way to experience France: culinary, wine, art and architecture, walking, biking, World War II history, even religious pilgrimages are all available.
  • Don’t overlook river and barge cruises, which offer a convenient, leisurely way to see the country, stopping both at important ports such as Rouen and Lyon and small villages as well.
  • Don’t be put off from visiting France by the reputation of French people -- especially Parisians -- as rude to visitors. A simple greeting such as “bonjour, madame,” and a smile will almost always win you good service and a return
  • When planning your tour, keep in mind that almost all of France goes on vacation during the entire month of August, so for the full French experience you may want to pick a different month.

Additional details

Weather in France

The geographic diversity of the French regions, as you might imagine, lends itself to diverse weather patterns. In general, it will be temperate with summer averages ranging 61-75°F and winter averages ranging 32-46°F. 

Winter weather is gray although milder in the south uness the wind is blowing; colder and wetter in the north. Snow could be an issue during the winter months if you are in higher elevations. 

As for the summer, recall the record heat France sweated out during the summer of 2019 when temperatures reached 115°F in Verargues, Southern France while even further north in Paris, thermometers hit 108°F! 

There are four climate zones in France:

  1. Oceanic (Atlantic) climate of western France - Brittany, Normandy, Loire Valley, Western Loire - average rainfall spread over many days and modest average temperature variations

  2. Continential, or transitional, climate of central and eastern France - Champagne, Alsace, Burgundy, Ile de France (Paris) - cold winters, hot summers 

  3. Mediterranean climate of southeastern France - Provence, Cote d’Azur, Corsica - hot, dry summers and while damp but mild, rainfall between October and April 

  4. Mountain climates above 2,000’ see heavy rainfall with snow falling 3-6 months a year  

Best Time to Visit France

Late Spring and Fall

Late Spring and Fall is the time to avoid crowds while still being relatively assured of good weather. You will miss the summer festivals but for those that are crowd averse, this may not be a factor. 

Note that a few National Holidays fall in May: Labor Day and WWII Victory Day are May 1st and 8th respectively; Ascension Day falls 39 days after Easter Sunday. 

July or August 

Traveling in July and August? Be prepared for hoards of crowds in the Riviera, coast of Brittany, Dordogne and Alps as these are hot spots for vacationing Europeans. In August, businesses often close although not to the degree noticed by tourists. If you enjoy festivals, there are plenty to choose from!

Winter 

Winter has its own beauty but during the winter months, some tourist sites and information offices might not be open or they might have limited hours. Smaller towns and villages might also be hunkered down with closed restaurants and shops. 

Is France Expensive?

If you’re wondering how much it costs to vacation in France, like anywhere you may travel, it depends on how you plan your trip. France is one of the top destinations in the world and Paris, in particular, does have a reputation for being expensive. 

But so does New York and just like France, traveling there for the budget minded can be accomplished. 

Some things to consider when traveling to France on a budget

  1. Factor in the time of year you’re traveling - shoulder seasons are less costly for air and hotel; regardless, book flights well in advance

  2. Factor in your mode of travel: barge, river ship, self-guided, cycling, train, etc.

  3. Exchange rates

  4. To avoid inflated tourist rates while dining out, first look at the menu posted outside then take note: if locals are eating there, it’s most likely a good choice

  5. Sit at the bar, where prices are cheaper, not at a table

  6. Most expensive French cities: Nice, Paris, Bordeaux and Lyon 

  7. Most expensive French regions: the Dordogne, Meditteranean and the Loire Valley

  8. Less costly: central France 

  9. Shop at local open air markets and second hand flea markets (brocantes)

France tours on Stride features per day costs. Using the price filter from lowest to highest you’ll find 4 day trips for as low as $71/day and on the higher end, ultra luxury 7 day trips costing over $7,000/day. 

Who Will Enjoy Traveling to France

Perhaps the question is, who wouldn’t enjoy traveling to France?! There is so much for the French traveler to experience, it’s no wonder that France is a top worldwide destination. 

Beaches, mountains, valleys of grapes and lavender, rivers to cruise, 45 natural and cultural world heritage sites, Disneyland Paris, gastronomy, wine and shopping...there’s something for just about everyone.

If mobility and / or walking on uneven ground is a concern, speak with your tour operator as many of the smaller towns and villages have uneven cobblestone which may not be suitable, depending on your situation. If traveling through subways, they involve quite a bit of stair climbing and while many of the accommodations are historically charming, they might not be fully accessible for those using a walking aid.   

While it’s hard to go wrong with a trip to France, if you’re not curious about the language, people and its customs you might have a harder time making meaningful connections. Of course, this isn’t unique to France. Be respectful and courteous. Say “hello” and even better, “Bonjour” (“hello” in French) to start a conversation. 

Make an effort to speak the most basic of phrases - this can go a long way. Just as Americans don’t expect a foreigner visiting America to speak English, we shouldn’t expect the French to speak to us in English. Many do speak English by the way, especially in Paris, so be mindful - if you are complaining about something, a local might be listening. And do keep in mind that Americans have their own reputation, one that isn’t always positive. 

Learn some French etiquette, a word derived from French after all. Doing so will give you a much deeper appreciation - and connection to - the country and its people, as will learning some common phrases.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 1406 trips to France and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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