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Watersports
France has over 3000km (1880 miles) of coastline, ranging from the rugged English Channel and Atlantic coasts in the north and west to the sunny shores of the Côte d’Azur along the Mediterranean in the south. All types of watersports are available, although the warm climate of the Mediterranean provides obvious advantages, with swimming in the sea possible practically all year round. Diving and snorkelling are popular in Corsica and Porquerolles. Whilst the colder English Channel and Atlantic waters are popular with sailing enthusiasts, and Biarritz is renowned for good surfing. The Côte d’Azur offers the possibility of sailing to Corsica. Other more adventurous activities on offer are wakeboarding and kitesuring in the Gulf of St Tropez and riding the white water rapids in Limousin. |
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White Water Rafting in Rhône-Alpes
The Doron de Bozel, a tributary of the Isère, which it joins at Moutiers, is turbulent and winding, its narrow course weaving beneath a magnificent arch of trees. Over its sustained 6km route between Brides les Bains and Salin les Thermes, where the Class 4 and 5 rapids follow each other continuously, teams must be efficient immediately and should have rafted before. |
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White Water Rafting and Hydrospeed in Rhône-Alpes
Rafting uses an inflatable craft, of various sizes, steered by an onboard pilot, whereas hydrospeed is the descent of a river using a float whilst wearing flippers for navigating rapids and currents. These two sports require fast-flowing rivers, which is why they are often carried out on the same stretches of water. |
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Canoeing - Kayaking in Rhône-Alpes
This pastime is widespread in the Ardèche and, to a lesser degree, on the Alpine rivers, lakes and the Rhône. With many equipment and facility providers, and thanks to the natural locations, the region has a strong potential for canoeing and kayaking. |
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The Beaches of Lake Vassivière
Lake Vassivière is largest lake in the High-Vienna area. It offers six supervised beaches with a range of accommodation close by – rural lodgings, camp-sites, and a holiday village. |
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Fishing in Franche-Comté
The rivers and streams which race down the wild slopes of Franche-Comté are dotted with small corners of heaven for fly fisherman. Each waterway has its own discovery to offer.
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Sailing in Loire (Western)
Sailing in Pays de la Loire
Novice and experienced sailors alike will find ideal conditions in the Pays de la Loire for the full practice of sailing in absolute safety. From La Baule to Sables-d'Olonne, the wide bays, creeks and islands lend themselves wonderfully to the practice of sailing.
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Water Sports in Provence/Cote D'Azur
In the form of torrents, waterfalls, gorges and canyons, water has shaped the landscape from Provence to the Southern Alps. The region has therefore become an oasis highly coveted by fans of canyoning, rafting, hydro speed, canoeing and kayaking. |
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Lake Aiguebelette in Rhône-Alpes
Lake Aiguebelette, nestling at the gateway to the Chartreuse nature park, the 3rd largest natural lake in France by size, is a private lake that belongs to the Chambost family and EDF (French Utility Company). |
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Lake Bourget and Annecy in Rhône-Alpes
Lake Bourget
Considered the largest natural lake in France, it shelters around fifty species of fish. During the summer, Lake Bourget is held in great regard for sailing, water skiing and diving, since the temperature of the water is between 20 and 25oC. |
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Breaks on the Lakes in Rhône-Alpes
There are around one hundred lakes and ponds scattered across the Rhône Alpes, in particular in the Dauphiné, Haute Savoie, Savoie and Ain départements. There are so many cool and fresh havens in the heat of the summer including Lakes Geneva, Bourget and Annecy. These are three of the biggest lakes in France. |
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Water Sports in Poitou-Charentes
Poitou-Charentes has a lot to offer to water sport enthusiasts. Whether it’s sailing, canoe-kayaking, kite surfing or wind surfing, the region has excellent facilities around the coast and inland. On the beach and islands you will not be short of options. Relax on the beach or by the rivers and take in the sun or take a leisurely swim. |
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Water Sports in Languedoc-Roussillon
Languedoc-Roussillon welcomes water sports fanatics twelve months of the year. Whether you’re looking for an action packed holiday or a relaxing break, the choice is always there for you. |
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Water Sports in Corsica
A mountain amidst the Mediterranean”: the very nickname of the island of Corsica proves it; water is everywhere, from its dramatic shores, up to its mountain range, covered with snow in winter. |
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Coastal Areas in Loire (Western)
Get that rejuvenated feeling in Western Loire Come and discover the blue gold of the Atlantic in Western Loire! It will truly add invigoration to your holiday. Whether you want to spend time with your family or friends, or just be on your own, come and take advantage of the thousands of water sporting activities that the exceptional geography of our coastline offers. |
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Water Sports in Rhône-Alpes
From the raging mountain streams of the Alpes to the serenity of the Ain or the Drôme to the impressive gorges of the Ardèche, there are a vast number of options for playing on the water. |
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Water Sports in Loire (Centre)
Crossed by the Loire River, Cher, Indre, Eure, Creuse and Vienne Rivers, the Centre is a wonderful region for canoeing and kayaking. As a sport or simply as a leisure activity, canoeing and kayaking are original ways to discover the tourist wealth of the region. Flow with the current during your excursion. |
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Water Sports in Champagne
Der-Chantecoq, Forêt d’Orient, Vieilles Forges and la Liez lakes offer 10,000 hectares of lakes and waterways and 10,000 good reasons to come and have fun in Champagne-Ardenne. |
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Fishing in Limousin
The range of fishing venues in the Limousin region is simply enormous. At least 12 lakes are open all year round for fishing, and most of the other lakes offer fishing during the season. |
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Diving Pleasures in Rhône-Alpes
The bottom of mountain lakes conceal at least as many marvels as the sea bed. Lovers of diving will enjoy going from hikes to quiet lake waters and from climbing to lake bed exploration. |
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The Sea, The Fish, The Fun in Provence/Cote D'Azur
Sea kayaking reigns supreme, as a sport or as a family activity, going leisurely from creek to creek, or a short trip along the beaches. |
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Water Sports and Activities in Brittany
In addition to sailing, other nautical activities are enjoying increasing popularity. Rowing on rivers and the sea: solo or as a team, rowing is possible on all types of water: rivers, canals, lakes and along the coast. |
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Water Sports in Picardy
An exhilirating experience or relaxing at the water's edge? You choose.
Whether you are the adventurous type and love extreme sports or you prefer gentler water sports to discover nature, you will be spoilt for choice in Picardy! Whatever you prefer, come and pick up some speed on a sand-sailer on the region's beaches and have a go at speed sailing or sailing. Exhilaration is guaranteed! |
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Beaches of Poitou-Charentes
Ride the waves. No less than 450 kilometres of coastline wend their way down the Poitou-Charente seashore. Between high and low seas, the long sandy beaches bordered by pine trees alternate with chalky cliffs and wild sites. |
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Beaches in Nord-Pas de Calais
Long, broad, beaches attract hundreds of thousands of people to come here but there is still place enough to run about. Great for the family. Some of the most beautiful spots in northern Europe are here. |
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Anjou, at the Heart of the Loire Valley
The Loire River, which passes through Anjou became a part of the first stretch of any river on the planet to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Experiences by boat, the Loire looks at its very best along this 80 mile stretch. |
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Water, Water, Everywhere in Limousin
In this land of tranquil lakes and fast-flowing rivers, water sports and activities are ever-popular, providing fun and adventure for all the family. Sailing and water-skiing, rowing and waterslides can be found at many of Limousin’s lakes. |
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Fishing in Poitou-Charentes
Poitou-Charentes is well known in the fishing world. Pescalis nature and fishing centre is considered the number one fishing centre in Europe. Experienced and beginner fisher men and women are welcomed to join in. Adding to this are all the other places to fish in this water filled region. |
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The Great Lakes in Midi-Pyrénées
Although the Midi-Pyrenees does not boast a coastline, it is however a water region with its 80 stretches of water and the 1,550 miles of rivers. The region is a land of enclosed seas and many water sports are available on specially equipped stretches of water: swimming, windsurfing, rowing, water skiing, dinghy sailing, etc. It’s the ideal solution for those of you who want to avoid overcrowded beaches!
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Water Sports in Loire (Western)
A Whole Range of Sports
All of your nautical desires can be satisfied on our coast: Sea-Kayaking near the rocky creeks of Piriac and Pornic, wave skiing at Sables-d'Olonne, kite surfing at La Baule, diving off the Île d'Yeu, waterskiing at Noirmoutier, jet skiing at Pornichet. With such a wide choice, there's no excuse for inactivity. |
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Languedoc-Rousillon’s Fishing Villages
Looking for authenticity? You’ll find it in the fishing ports. You can buy fresh fish, shellfish and seafood right off the boat in Grau-du-Roi, Palavas, Sète or Collioure. |
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Water Sports and Fishing in Normandy
Whether it’s sailing, canoe-kayaking, kite surfing or wind surfing, Normandy has excellent facilities around the coast and inland. For those on holiday who want to take out a boat just for a few hours, there are plenty of sailing centres which hire out equipment. |
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Watersports Auvergne
Auvergne, being known as the "land of lakes and volcanoes" is rich with numerous water sports. Natural and artificial lakes are in use all year round for sporting activities. From fishing and swimming to water skiing and kayaking, there is no limit to what can be done. |
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Water Sports in Burgundy
With 1200km of rivers and 20,000 hectares of lakes, Burgundy has a lot to offer the watersports enthusiast. The region is ideally suited for those who enjoy sailing, fishing, canoeing or kayaking. |
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Dune du Pyla Aquitaine
The natural phenomenan that is the Dune du Pyla or 'Dune du Pilat' is the largest natural sand dune in the world and sits 60km from Bordeaux in the South of the Arcachon Bay. |
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Bordeux Aquitaine
Bordeux is famous for it's wine production but that's no the only business to have left it's mark on the city. Nicknamed the 'Port de la Lune' (Port of the Moon) due to the enormous curve of the river in the city centre the port of Bordeux has always been very active. |
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Nature Watch in Brittany
Brittany is famous for its coastal marshes. The marshes are formed in depressions, behind a coastal belt of sand or stones, or a manmade dyke. The degree of salinity of the water varies depending on infiltration of the sea and affects the vegetation and the fauna. |
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Climbing in Provence/Cote D'azur
Climbers can devote themselves to their favourite pastime in total safety at several sites with full amenities. They come from all over the world to conquer the steep walls. The ones in Verdon, for example, have no fewer than 933 routes. |
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Flying High in Provence/Cote D'Azur
Make your debut in the air, discover the sensations of flying, learn to master piloting techniques, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur pulls out all the stops for everyone to share in the experience of flying. |
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See Alsace from the Air
Discover the Alsatian plain at first hand, get a bird's eye view of the Vosges Forest or glide across the vineyards... There are many excellent reasons to discover Alsace from the air.
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Caves in Franche-Comté
Journey to the Centre of the Earth 4,500 caves or chasms, which in this region often go by the name of 'baumes' or 'puits' are known to sports lovers, such as the Verneau caves in the Lison valley, for example are considered to form the world's longest post-siphon network (28,000 m). |
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| News |
What's happening in France? |
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| ASP World Qualifying Series - Rip Curl Pro |
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Aug 2008 (annual)
Hossegor
The Plage de la Graviere in Hossegor, one of the west coast's largest surf destinations, hosts the Rip Curl Pro, part of the ASP World Qualifying Series. The waves here are mostly beach…
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| Inter-Island Windsurf Race |
| Sep 2008 (annual) |
Club de Voile de Bonifacio
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This annual windsurfing race, known locally as Le Défi Inter-Iles, covers the 11-mile stretch of sea between two of the most alluring Mediterranean islands, Corsica and Sardinia. One hundred windsurfers from all over the globe come to take part. If you feel like joining them, registration forms are available at the Club de Voile in Bonifacio |
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| Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show |
| Sep 2008 |
Cannes
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| The Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show drops anchor for its 30th successful year at the Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto. For sailing enthusiasts this is one of the most comprehensive - not to mention glamorous - shows on the calendar, with more than 550 boats on the water and a further 250 on land. |
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| Christmas Swim |
| 16 Dec 2007 (annual) |
Ruhl Plage
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| If a December dip in the Mediterranean is your idea of fun, join the foolhardy swimmers in this annual festive bathe. |
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| Joan of Arc Festival (Fêtes Johanniques) |
| June |
Reims
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Every year, the city of Reims celebrates the memory of French patron saint Joan of Arc with a succession of shows and historical living epics.
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