Who said you had to live near the sea to go stand-up paddling?
We have put together a small list of the best paddle spots in Ile-de-France, in Paris as well as in the neighboring area (the Yvelines, Val d’Oise or Essonne regions).
First of all, here is a summary map of the spots and different nautical bases:
Crécy-la-Chapelle, the Grand Morin River
This spot is located less than a hundred kilometers away from the capital. It is popular with Parisians because it is easily accessible
The Grand Morin River is a tributary of the Marne and is 120 kilometers long. Therefore it offers great opportunities for stand-up paddling.
The scenery is bucolic, the landscapes change as you go along. You will discover multiple villages, pass under a few bridges, tackle some mini-steps and finally reach the canals of the “little Venice“…
There are several possible departure points on the Grand Morin River.
If you are coming from Paris, you can take the Transilien line P (to Paris Est) and get off an hour later at the small station of Farmoutiers-Pommeuse (the launching point is only ten minutes away on foot).
Our favorite rental company:
- Loc’Adventure
Price: €25/person for 2 hours
Information and booking (site in French)
From Herblay to Conflans (on the Seine River)
Located in the Val d’Oise region near the border with the Yvelines region, this spot on the Seine River offers a nice setting between Herblay and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, right up to the junction of the Seine River and the Oise River.
In addition to a good paddle session, this area has a rich and diverse flora and fauna of ten hectares or so. This entire ecosystem was chosen in 2020 by the Val-d’Oise department to be classified as a “biodiversity sanctuary“.
It is recommended that you launch your paddle board near the Bac du Passeur, quai du Génie, in Herblay. The round trip to Conflans is about 12 km long.
Our favorite rental company:
- Sup Experience
Price: €55/person for 2 hours
On the outskirts of Paris (the Seine River from Boulogne to Issy)
For this spot, let’s go to Boulogne-Billancourt. You’ll love it if you have an inflatable paddleboard.
You can depart at 36 quai Alfonse Le Gallo in Boulogne. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Boulogne-Pont de Saint-Cloud metro station (line 10) or from the Pont de Sèvres station (line 9) (if you have a car, you can park on the quay, just opposite the Voiles de Seine sailing club).
Once your paddle board is ready, you just have to go to the water’s edge by going to the right of the sailing club. You can launch your paddle board just below the diving school (at the level of the boat lifting crane).
The trip consists of going up the Seine River to the entrance of Paris, before turning around and going back to the launching point. You will have to go against the current and cross the Seine River directly to go along the left bank (on the side of Saint-Cloud and Sèvres).
You will be able to admire multiple landscapes and monuments during your trip: the Seguin Island, the Saint-Germain Island, the Tour aux figures (the “Tower of Figures”, an imposing sculpture with colorful faces made by Jean Dubuffet), dozens of inhabited barges, which you can admire throughout your paddle trip, the wildlife, and even the TF1 tower (the country’s first TV channel).
⚠️ In winter the currents are quite violent, so it is safer to go paddling in the area in spring and summer.
Our favorite rental company:
- SUPTours
Price: €30/person for 2 hours (2 people minimum)
At the bottom of La Défense towers
Even though you can’t use a stand-up paddle within Paris itself, you can navigate between Asnières, Courbevoie, Clichy, Levallois, and Puteaux.
An island next to the line 1 of the metro, doesn’t that sound like a dream? If you politely ask the Neuilly-sur-Seine Pétanque Club, they will allow you to launch your board at the bottom of La Défense. It’s the perfect place for a stand-up paddle trip after a day at work.
And to cool off, we recommend the Rosa Bonheur bar in the west for a drink in front of the river.
Around uninhabited islands full of wildlife (the Marne River archipelago)
Near Paris, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés is the place to be for stand-up paddling on the Marne River.
The Marne River is home to some incredible wild and preserved islands that date back to prehistoric times. You will discover no less than 14 successive islands or islets:
- l’île du Moulin-Bateau
- Brétigny islands
- île Casenave
- île d’Amour
- île des Vignerons
- île des Cormorans
- île de Pissevinaigre
- îles des Gords
- île de Champigny
- île de l’Abreuvoir
- île du Martin-Pêcheur
The best time to visit this archipelago is at sunrise or sunset. You will enjoy a moment of incredible calm, just a stone’s throw from Paris, to observe a rich fauna, flourishing in the preserved forests and banks of the place.
Depending on your plans, it is possible to paddle for varying lengths of time. The right bank (Saint-Maur side) has many pontoons for easy launching.
We recommend you to park at the very beginning of the Promenade des Anglais (n°76 to 86 approximately). You can then start your expedition at the Marne River archipelago by the two small islets just opposite, the Moulin-Bateau island.
By public transport, the easiest way is to take the RER A and get off at the Champigny station. Contrary to what you may think, this RER stop is located on the Saint-Maur side and not the Champigny side.
⚠️ This is a preserved and protected natural area, please respect this environment and the wildlife
Our favorite rental company
- Beach Paddle
Price: €30/person for 2 hours (you can rent for 30 minutes and above)
Information and booking (site in French)
The Adam Isle (for beginners)
In a relaxing atmosphere, come and paddle alongside ducks and other small fish.
This area, which looks like an impressionist painting, is ideal for beginners because it is small and the current is easy to navigate through.
You can test your balance in peace and quiet between small stone bridges and greenery.
Our favorite rental companies:
- Paddle Brothers
Price: €25/person for 2 hours (you can rent for one hour only)
Information and booking (site in French)
- Adren’Active
Price: €28/person for 2 hours (you can rent for one hour only)
Information and booking (site in French)
La Roche-Guyon (near Giverny)
Located between the Yvelines and the Val-d’Oise regions, at a step from Normandy, the Moisson trip offers a grandiose scenery.
These hillsides of the Seine, which stretch from Vétheuil to Bennecourt and pass through the medieval village of La Roche-Guyon, have been classified as a national nature reserve ever since 2009.
The trip starts where the first chalky hillsides are visible, at Tripleval in Bennecourt (78).
At the end of the chemin de l’Abreuvoir, you will find a small green area to park and take out your equipment. A footpath then leads to a small pebble beach which is perfect for launching your paddle board.
In short, this spot will offer a magnificent setting for a paddling session, at the bottom of immense chalky cliffs.
Our advice for a perfect trip: start paddling on the Seine River, then take the car to make a small detour on the summits (you will see a breathtaking panoramic view).
Mureaux Islands (on the Seine River)
To discover the Seine River islands, let’s go to Mureaux.
If you live in the western part of the Ile-de-France region, this spot should be an ideal place to paddle peacefully and undisturbed.
You will enjoy passing under 2 small stone bridges:
- The Rhine and Danube bridge
- The Saint-Côme bridge
Belle Island alone, which is close to cars in most places, is 5 km long (which makes it perfect for a nice walk).
Moreover, if you wish to swim, you can stop at the Île de Loisirs, which offers a wonderful little sandy beach.
It is recommended that you start from the Promenade du Bac in Hardricourt, to go around the Hardricourt islands.
On the “little Venice” of the Marne River (in Créteil)
Near the Cercle de voile de la Basse Marne and the canoeing base, you will find a small car park. At the entrance to the Bras du Chapitre path, a concrete pier makes it easy to launch your paddle board.
You will then start your walk by the Sainte-Catherine island (if you don’t have a car, take the metro line 8 and get off at Créteil-Université or Créteil-Préfecture).
Start your walk from the pier opposite the Cercle de la voile. At the first “crossroad”, turn right first, then immediately left before the small bridge. This narrow arm, with its thick vegetation, will lead you between the Ile de la Guyère (on your left) and the Brise-Pain island (on your right).
Then you just have to follow the current for the rest of the trip (an 8km loop).
⚠️ This is a preserved and protected natural area, please respect the environment and the wildlife
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
