Paddleboarding down the Gave d’Oloron, France
The southwest of France, at the foothills of the Pyrenees, remains a well-loved spot for paddlers, offering everything from pro-level sections to calm waters where beginners can challenge themselves and progress safely.
One such route is the Gave d’Oloron, winding through the lush gorges of Béarn. The section from Navarrenx to Sauveterre-de-Béarn has all that is needed for a two-day micro-expedition: steady current, occasional Class I-II rapids, and quiet riverbanks perfect for breaks or overnight camping. The paddling is dynamic yet accessible, with varied rapids that keep things interesting.
In the last week of July, Nicolas Fayol of Fanatic brought together a mixed crew of paddleboarders, wakeboard riders, freestyle kayakers, and competitive rafters to explore the Oloron. Over two days of autonomous paddling, the team carried all they needed (food, tents, spare clothes in dry bags) with no external support.
The Gave d’Oloron offers plenty of beach-like spots for camping and flows past medieval bastides, stone bridges, and hilltop chapels, creating a sense of remoteness that is rare on such an accessible stretch of river.
- Riders: Nicolas Fayol, Lucien Scheiber, Loïc Benoit, Beatrice Alducci, Loris Minvielle, Sébastien Ronflé, Alex Dudkov
- Route: Navarrenx → Sauveterre-de-Béarn
- Duration: 2 days, with overnight stay on the shore
- Level: Class I–II
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