Company outings, school groups, hen/stag parties, seminars, student unions, scouts… Organizing a group canoe or kayak trip is first and foremost about finding the river and base that can accommodate you in the best conditions. Capacity, supervision, required skill level: here's a river-by-river guide to help you choose where to take your group.
Why choose a Canoë France base for your group?
certified bases Canoë France are experienced in welcoming large groups. They offer packages adapted to each type of audience – from children in leisure centers to corporate teams on seminars – with quality equipment, state-certified professional teams and exceptional natural settings.
Good to know: most of our bases accept groups of 12 or more, and some can accommodate up to 500 participants. Read the information below carefully to ensure your request is directed to the right river.
River by river: which group can accommodate which group?
TheAllier – up to 300 people
Ideal for: school groups, ACM (leisure centers), scouts, student unions, seminars, works councils/employee committees, sports raids.
Capacity: from 12 to 300 people.
TheAllier welcomes both groups with their own guides and those wishing to hire an independent guide. An on-site raid option is available for companies and associations seeking a sporting challenge.
TheArdèche – up to 300 people
Ideal for: school groups, armed forces, firefighters, student unions, seminars, works councils/employee committees
Capacity: from 12 to 300 people.
The canoe trips down theArdèche Gorges are led by independent, state-certified instructors (BE). For group members who don't canoe, a hiking guide can be provided (1 guide for a maximum of 15 people). This is an ideal option for mixed groups where not everyone wants to be on the water.
Ariège – group, with no particular skill level requirements
Ideal for: any type of group wishing for an accessible and sporty outing in the Pyrenees
TheAllier welcomes both groups with their own guides and those wishing to hire an independent guide. An on-site raid option is available for companies and associations seeking a sporting challenge.
Requirements: ability to swim, over 7 years old, wearing closed shoes, good physical condition. No other specific requirements.
TheAriège is an excellent option for groups looking for an invigorating river in a mountain setting, without the need for heavy organization.
The Chassezac – up to 300 people
Ideal for: all types of groups (schools, associations, companies, hen/stag parties…)
Capacity: up to 300 people.
The Chassezac offers guided trips on request (1 guide for a maximum of 15 people). An iconic river of southernArdèche , perfect for friendly outings in small or large groups.
The Dordogne – up to 500 people
Ideal for: school groups, armed forces, firefighters, student unions, seminars, works councils/employee committees, hen/stag parties.
Capacity: from 10 to 500 people – one of the largest capacities in the network.
Guided tours are provided by independent, state-certified instructors (BE), upon request. The Dordogne is the preferred option for very large groups: corporate seminars, large-scale works council outings, and school groups of several classes.
The Drôme – up to 500 people
Ideal for: groups, student unions, seminars, works councils/employee committees, raids.
Capacity: from 10 to 500 people
A logistical advantage: coach parking is available — a real plus for groups arriving by bus. The Drôme is therefore perfectly suited to school or association groups on organized trips.
The Tarn – up to 300 people
Ideal for: school groups, ACM, scouts, BDE, seminars, CSE, raids and sporting challenges.
Capacity: from 12 to 300 people
Located in the heart of the TarnGorges, the base welcomes a wide variety of visitors with tailored packages. Groups can bring their own leaders or hire an independent guide. Trips are adapted to the age and skill level of the participants. An exceptional nature and adventure destination for multi-activity holidays (canoeing, hiking, and socializing).
The Vézère – up to 400 people
Ideal for: school groups, scouts, student unions, seminars, works councils, sporting events (Mad Jacques type).
Capacity: from 12 to 400 people
The Vézère is one of the most versatile rivers in the network for groups, with a high capacity and offerings that extend to large-scale sporting events. Groups can come with their own leaders or with an independent guide.
The Vienne and Gartempe – up to 200 people (raids: 100 people)
Ideal for: school groups, ACM, scouts, BDE, seminars, CSE, raids.
Capacity: up to 200 people for canoe-kayak activities; up to 100 people for raids (within a 150 km radius around the base).
Groups can bring their own leaders or hire an independent guide. A very comprehensive base in a green setting for groups from the Centre-West and Greater West regions.
Summary table: Which river is right for my group?
| River | Maximum capacity. | Target audience | Supervision available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allier | 300 people. | Schools, ACM, scouts, BDE, CSE, raids | Yes (independent guide) |
| Ardèche | 300 people. | Schoolchildren, armed forces, firefighters, student unions, works councils | Yes (BE instructor + hiking instructor) |
| Ariège | Not specified | Suitable for all ages (minimum age 7, swimmers required) | Not specified |
| Chassezac | 300 people. | All groups | Yes (1 guide / 15 people) |
| Dordogne | 500 people. | Schoolchildren, armed forces, firefighters, student unions, works councils | Yes (BE instructor, on request) |
| Drôme | 500 people. | Groups, student unions, works councils, raids | Not specified (car parking available) |
| Tarn | 300 people. | Schools, ACM, scouts, BDE, CSE, raids | Yes (independent guide) |
| Vézère | 400 people. | Schools, scouts, student unions, works councils, events | Yes (independent guide) |
| Vienne | 200 people. | Schools, ACM, scouts, BDE, CSE, raids | Yes (independent guide) |
How to book for your group?
base Canoë France manages its own bookings. For a group, we recommend contacting the base on your chosen river directly as soon as possible, especially for groups of more than 50 people and during the peak summer season.
To contact us and be put in touch with the relevant database:
To choose your river according to your desires and the level of your group: 👉 Which descent should I choose according to my tastes?
