There are, in the Luberon, more refreshing ways than others to spend a July morning. Our favourite, once the sun is already beating down on the golden stone of Gordes, is to float down the Sorgue by canoe. This river has a fascinating quirk: born straight from the famous spring at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, it slips down toward the plain carrying water that is crystal-clear and a constant 12°C, summer and winter alike. Gliding along it with a paddle, between swaying water plants and the shade of the willows, is one of the most joyful outings we recommend to our guests, just a 25-minute drive from our villa. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of it.
An easy 8-kilometre float
The great classic, the one we recommend without a second thought, is the float from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse down to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Reckon on about 8 kilometres of river, or two to three hours of gentle paddling depending on your pace and your breaks. The current is steady, with no dangerous rapids: the Sorgue is not a whitewater river, it is a leisurely water-borne stroll. You let yourself drift, paddle a little, and stop to marvel at how clear the water is.
What makes this float so special is the sheer clarity of the water. You can see the bottom, the long green weeds rippling like strands of hair, sometimes a trout darting beneath the hull. The river winds between wooded banks, passes under old stone bridges and skirts former mills. The scenery shifts constantly, always an intense green, and the coolness of the water creates a delicious microclimate even at the height of summer.
- Distance: about 8 km between Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the most popular route.
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours on the water, not counting transport and getting ready.
- Difficulty: easy, suitable for families and beginners, with no prior experience needed.
- A few small weirs dot the route: you ride over them with a grin — that’s where you get a little wet.
Canoe or kayak: which to choose?
On the Sorgue, the outfitters offer both. A canoe with two or three seats is ideal for families or couples: stable and sociable, it lets you bring the children along. The solo kayak, livelier and more playful, will appeal to those who want to steer for themselves and keep up the pace. Either way, no technique is required: a quick briefing at the start is all it takes, and the river does the rest.
One thing to know: you are bound to get a little wet, between the splashes and the small weirs where the boat can tip and sway. That is exactly what makes the outing such fun when it’s hot. Bring clothes that dry quickly and shoes that can go in the water.
How it works in practice
The setup is always the same with the rental bases. You check in at the base, they fit you with a buoyancy aid and a watertight barrel, then a shuttle drops you and the boat at the launch point upstream. You then float down the river at your own pace to the finish, where the shuttle or your own car is waiting. Nothing to carry, nothing to haul back: everything is designed so that all you have to do is paddle.
Booking is strongly advised in July and August, when demand is high. The rental bases cluster around Fontaine-de-Vaucluse; several well-established local outfitters offer canoes and kayaks there, with half-day options. It’s best to book the day before, or even a few days ahead at the peak of summer.
When to paddle on the Sorgue?
The season usually runs from April to October, depending on river conditions and the weather. Every period has its charm, but our host’s advice is crystal-clear.
- Spring (April–June) offers a lively river and dazzling nature, with fewer people and mild temperatures.
- Summer (July–August) is the prime moment: water at 12°C becomes a blessing when the air reads above 30. Set off early in the morning for the cool and the quiet.
- Early autumn (September) is still superb, the water still navigable and the light golden, in a valley that has finally calmed down.
Our recommendation: aim for a morning outing. The low-angled light on the clear water is gorgeous, the heat still bearable, and you keep the afternoon for resting. It is also the quietest slot, before the crowds arrive.
Make it a day on the water
The beauty of this excursion is everything it lets you string together. The starting point, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and its spectacular spring, is worth a visit in its own right, before or after the float. At the finish, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and its antiques dealers invite you to wander along the canals and lunch on a terrace, almost with your feet in the water.
If the call of the water has you hooked, the Luberon is full of spots: we’ve gathered our favourite places in our piece on where to swim in the Luberon, between rivers and lakes. And for those after bigger thrills, the region holds other adventures, from rock climbing on the cliffs of Buoux to a hot-air balloon flight over the Luberon at daybreak. For the full picture, see our ideas for outdoor activities in the Luberon.
Our insider tips for a beautiful float
- Protect your belongings. Phone and keys in the watertight barrel provided: on the water, everything ends up getting wet.
- Sunscreen and a hat. The river is shaded in places, but the glare off the water is fierce. Don’t forget drinking water either.
- Closed shoes that can go in the water. At the small weirs you sometimes put a foot down; flip-flops won’t stay on.
- Respect the river. The Sorgue is a natural setting of rare purity: leave nothing behind and don’t disturb the wildlife.
Your perfect base for a morning on the Sorgue
This is the whole charm of a stay in Gordes: paddling first thing in that emerald water, then coming back to dry off in the sun and slip into the heated pool for an afternoon nap. From Le Clos de Manon, the Sorgue is just twenty-five minutes away, and it’s only one adventure among many right on your doorstep. If the urge for a week exploring the Luberon, to the rhythm of water and lavender, takes hold of you, check our availability and book your stay: the river is waiting for you, cool and clear, under the shade of the plane trees.