Weekend canoe trip on the River Somme
The Romans called her Samara, adopting Gallic terms: samo (quiet) and ar (river or valley). And it is true, the Somme is a very peaceful stream. Her valley forms a complex set of rivers, marshes, ponds and canals we will paddle between Amiens and Abbeville.
It winds through a quiet landscape where hundred-year-old weeping willows greet you from its banks. In the fields you are likely to see herons and, between the trees, a few stately residences hardly daring to reveal themselves. During this weekend canoe trip historical treasures await you. The Reims cathedral but also the medieval character of the villages. In the evening, after dinner, take a tour in the marshes where the trails will lead you to discover the specific flora and fauna of this place.
You will return from this weekend canoe trip completely rejuvenated and you will have learned new canoe skills. Suitable for both beginners and intermediate canoeists, you will develop your paddling technique while enjoying the scenery. Whether it is one of your first times in a canoe or you already know your J-stroke from your pry, we will equip you with all you need to explore this beautiful French river. This is a superb way to experience the landscape.
Trip highlights
- In almost absolute silence observe fauna and flora
- The river, a garden of Eden full of fish, is a fisherman’s paradise, bring your fishing rod
- Adore the meanders of the Somme and catch a glimps of storks and herons
- Learn how to cook on an open fire and enjoy great meals.
- Experience being outdoors and the experience camping under the stars
Trip details
Region: Somme
Trip type: Weekend canoe trip
Comfort: Camping
Duration: 2 days
Length/day: 15 km – 10 km
Group Size: 8 maximum
Confirmed: When 2 travellers book
Difficulty: For all paddlers with basic canoeing skills
By appointment from 3 participants // €300 pp
Practical
€ 300 per person
Trip dates
By appointment from 3 participants
The fine print
Minimum age to participate is 14 years with an adult or 18 years without. We reserve the right to cancel any program with less than 24 hours notice due to changing weather conditions such as strong winds or thunderstorms. Please check your email for cancellation notices before arriving. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but your safety and well-being is our top priority.
Weekend canoe trip prerequisites
For this weekend canoe trip is accessible for all paddlers with basic canoeing skills and a good level of fitness. You can expect up to 4-5 hours of paddling a day plus breaks.
What's included?
- Paddle
- Lifejacket
- Canoe
- Dry bag of 50L for your personal affairs
- Tent
- Water
- Lunch and dinner on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on sunday
What to bring?
- Matress & sleeping bag
- Active clothing and personal stuff
- Personal medication
- Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses with floater string.
- Snacks & drinks if desired
- Download our extensive packing list here
Arrival and departure
We make a start at La Chaussée-Tirancourt. You are expected Saturday at 10:00am. We will be back on sunday afternoon at approximately 05:00pm. Cars will be parked safely.
Accommodation
On this trip, we will pitch our tent on a campsite next to the river. We provide tents and also carry a base camp shelter, which means that we can all gather together for dinner and a hot drink even if the weather is inclement. If you require a single tent we are happy to provide this, but otherwise, we do ask that those who are happy to share a tent with other travellers do so. This helps to keep our camp size small, giving us more options of where to pitch and reducing our environmental impact on these precious places.
Meals
Great food is essential to all our trips and canoe trekkings. While the guide will co-ordinate the cooking and help out, everyone is asked to lend a hand as this ensures the best meals in a reasonable time after what are often long days. We will carry plenty of fresh food to cater a varied and satisfying menu throughout the trip, all of these will be prepared on an open fire. We will also carry fresh water. Dietary requirements can still be catered for but please ensure we know at the time of booking.
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