Guided whitewater since 1994
France has some of the most reliable whitewater in Europe: the Isère in Savoie, the Dranse in Haute-Savoie, the Cure and the Chalaux in the Morvan, the Allier in Auvergne, the Nive in the Pays basque. Takamaka has been running guided descents since 1994, with state-certified river guides and a base on each river.
No experience is needed — your guide sits in the boat and calls every stroke. Discovery runs start from age 8 depending on the section, while sporty descents string together class III and IV rapids. Wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid and paddle are all provided.
At a glance
Where to paddle
Five rivers, each with its own team of guides. Pick yours: grades, durations, prices and booking are set out locally.
From Bourg-Saint-Maurice down to Centron, one of the finest descents in Europe and the river of the kayak world championships. Runs of 10, 16 and 23 km from our Aime base.
A technical run through gorges between the Portes du Soleil and Lake Léman, near Thonon and Évian. Rafting, hydrospeed and hot dog.
Two granite rivers in the heart of the Morvan regional park, winding and technical, with class 4 sections. Two and a half hours from Paris and Lyon.
The Allier gorges in the heart of the Massif central, in volcanic scenery found nowhere else in France. A rain-fed river, runnable late in the season.
A Pyrenean descent with milder water, less than an hour from the coast. The season runs on here once alpine flows drop.
Looking for other outdoor activities? See all our outdoor sports
Choosing your run
Calm to moderate water, class II–III rapids, a playful atmosphere. Open from age 8 depending on the river, with no particular fitness needed. Allow about two hours on site, an hour and a half on the water.
Class III–IV, the most popular format with groups of friends and stag or hen parties. You need to swim and accept being soaked. The guide sets the rhythm and the crew genuinely paddles.
A long descent linking several sections with a break along the way. Half a day to a full day, for groups already comfortable in whitewater.
When to come
On alpine rivers the season opens in April and May with the snowmelt: the highest flows of the year, the most sporting conditions, and the period experienced paddlers look for. The water is cold and a wetsuit is essential.
From June to September flows settle and the water warms up — the best window for a first descent, with family or in a group. On rain-fed rivers such as the Allier, the Cure or the Nive, autumn still brings excellent conditions.
Groups & companies
Stag and hen parties, birthdays, youth groups, works councils or corporate seminars: a raft carries six to eight people, which makes it the most effective team activity in our catalogue. Activity rotations, transport and catering available, from 10 to 300+ participants.
See our group and corporate formatsFrequently asked questions
The Isère, from the Aime base, has a 10 km run open from age 8 that is ideal for a first descent. The Morvan, the Allier and the Nive offer gentler runs and milder water, which suits families.
Yes, swimming is required on all our descents. The buoyancy aid and wetsuit bring you straight back to the surface if you fall in, and the guide briefs the crew on safety before launching.
From age 8 on discovery sections, depending on the river and the water level that day. Sporty class III–IV descents are for teenagers and adults.
Swimwear, a towel and closed shoes you don't mind getting wet. Wetsuit, neoprene boots, buoyancy aid, helmet and paddle are provided at the base.
Allow around two hours on site for a discovery run, of which one to one and a half hours on the water. Full-river descents take half a day to a full day.
Yes, it is one of our most requested formats: a raft carries six to eight people, so crews form naturally. Above around twenty participants we run rotations with other activities. See our group and team building formats.
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