The Most Beautiful SUP Spots in Southern France

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The Most Beautiful SUP Spots in Southern France

 

A croissant at the campsite, traffic jams on the way to the Côte d’Azur — France feels so familiar. But if you think you know France, think again. Have you ever stood on a paddleboard in the Gorges du Verdon? Glided past the fjord-like cliffs of Les Calanques near Cassis? Or paddled around the Caribbean-like island of Porquerolles?

 

If not — these are the SUP experiences that will change the way you see France. Because this is France like you've never seen it before — and perhaps at its very best.

 

In this blog, you’ll discover two of the most stunning Stand Up Paddleboarding locations in Southern France — perfect for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Bonus: these routes are just as magical by kayak.

 

1. Gorges du Verdon, The ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’

The water here is crystal-clear turquoise — absolutely ideal for paddleboarding. Towering limestone cliffs rise up to 700 metres on either side as you paddle through narrow, cinematic passages and wide-open water.

 

The Gorges du Verdon is often called the most beautiful SUP location in France.

 

Where to start

Your adventure begins at the Pont du Galetas, where you’ll find easy parking and a launch point to inflate your board. From here, paddle out onto the Lac de Sainte-Croix until you reach the entrance to the gorge.

 

Expect to share the water with plenty of kayakers and boats, so it’s best to go early — not just for the peace and quiet, but for the morning light. The sun hits the water and cliff faces in a way that makes everything glow.

 

 

Note: You can’t paddle all the way through the gorge due to a dam — you’ll need to turn back halfway at a marked chain. Swimming is not allowed in the canyon, and the current can be strong, but the scenery makes it more than worthwhile.

 

Recharge nearby

After your paddle, drive up to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — officially one of the most beautiful villages in Provence (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France). It’s full of scenic terraces and local cafés with breathtaking views of the valley.

 

 

Practical tips

Start at:Pont du Galetas
Best time to go: Morning or late afternoon
Avoid: Midday heat and strong winds — conditions can change quickly
What to pack:

 

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  • The quiet beaches around Lac de Sainte-Croix

  • The remote island Île de Costebelle in the lake of Lac de Sainte-Croix — very Robinson Crusoe

  • Lac de Castillon, also called the jewel of Verdon

  • Lac d’Esparron with calm blue water and hidden beaches

  • Lac de Quinson, the smallest lake in Verdon — SUP allowed, swimming not

 

2. Porquerolles & the Giens Peninsula – A Caribbean Touch in France

SUPing around Porquerolles Island is a memory you won’t forget. It's peaceful, pristine, and simply stunning.

This island — just off the coast of Hyères — feels like a tropical escape. White sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, quiet coves, no cars, and pine trees lining the coast. It’s part of the Port-Cros National Park, which means it’s a protected nature reserve.

 

Best SUP route

Paddle along the island’s north coast, where the sea is calmer and the scenery more serene. Hidden gems like Plage Notre-Dame, Le Cap Rousset, and La Calanque du Brégançonnet offer clear water and calm conditions — often with fish swimming beneath your board.

 

 

Prefer the mainland? Try the Giens Peninsula

Don’t fancy a ferry ride? Try the Giens Peninsula, just across the water. Paddle through a narrow lagoon flanked by salt flats and the Mediterranean Sea. To the east is Pesquiers Nature Reserve, and to the west, Plage de l’Almanarre — both great for launching your SUP

 

Practical tips

Top launch spots:

 

Best months: May, June, September — July and August are hot and crowded

Ideal SUP gear:

 

What to pack:

 

Youreallyshouldn'tskipthis

  • A picnic at Plage Notre-Dame, one of Europe's most beautiful beaches
  • A visit to Museum of the Fondation Carmignac: an art collection in a villa owned by billionaire Carmignac (1947).
  • Stroll around the charming village of Porquerolles with white houses, shutters in pastel shades, markets full of olive oil, local wines, and cosy restaurants.
  • Visit the Fort Sainte-Agathe for an insane view of the island and the sea
  • Dive into the sea!TheunderwaterworldaroundPorquerollesiscrystalclear,fullofrockformations,fishandseaweedforests.Especially on the south side of the island, diving and snorkelling are fantastic