Adventurous Multi-Day Canoe Trip on the Meuse

The Meuse in Northern France is a river that never ceases to surprise, and during our recent multi-day canoe trip with a group of four enthusiastic paddlers, this was proven once again. Johan, Sarah, Yvo, and David joined me for a four-day adventure on the water, where the Meuse revealed its most beautiful side.

The group had mixed experience: Johan and Sarah had taken canoe lessons with me earlier this year and had already built some skill. David and Yvo, on the other hand, were new to canoeing, but after a brief introduction to basic paddling techniques, they quickly got the hang of it. We were blessed with great weather, with sunny days and a refreshing breeze, perfect for a relaxed multi-day canoe trip.

The Meuse in Northern France is a river that constantly changes its character. Narrow, shallow sections where trout and pike swim under the canoe alternate with wide, deep stretches where the bottom remains invisible. Our first campsite offered a special sight: across the river, two beavers peacefully grazed in the grass early in the morning. All around us, kingfishers, storks, and even the rare European bee-eater flew by, making the trip a true nature experience.

The river’s flow, about 5 km per hour, gave us a pleasant push, but also required us to stay alert at the dams we encountered. Without facilities for easy entry and exit, these portages were a challenge, especially for the less experienced paddlers. But with teamwork and patience, everyone managed to overcome these obstacles.

At Vilosnes-Haraumont, we encountered a fun rapid. After jointly scouting the correct line to follow, the whole group navigated through without any issues, though the tension was palpable. The success resulted in an euphoric moment that only heightened the mood.

Cooking over an open fire added another dimension to the adventure. It quickly became clear that Yvo and Sarah were passionate amateur chefs, and I assisted them in preparing the meals. My approach during this multi-day canoe trip is simple: I bring the ingredients and the recipes, and the group cooks together. Yvo and David eagerly took on the task of lighting the fire, and on the last evening, they even built a campfire to roast marshmallows for the whole group.

We prepared energy-rich meals to keep everyone well-fed after a strenuous day. Classics like chili con carne, a delicious mushroom risotto, and a barbecue on the first evening were very satisfying. In the mornings, we enjoyed bacon and eggs, oat pancakes, and on the last day, French toast to use up the leftover bread. Cooking and eating together created a sense of bonding and made the adventure complete.

A particularly memorable moment was when we were able to float our heavily loaded canoes through the lock at Dun-sur-Meuse with the help of a pleasure boat. This saved us a tough portage and gave us extra time to enjoy the surroundings. Johan, with his keen eye for wildlife, ensured that we didn’t miss any animal highlights, which further enriched the trip.

The Meuse has captured my heart. Whether I’m paddling this river in France, Belgium, or the Netherlands, it’s always a paddling feast. This multi-day canoe trip in Northern France was a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and camaraderie, and I look forward to discovering this beautiful river again.

We offer this trip on demand, please check out: Multi-Day Canoe Trip on the Meuse