Longueram Canoe
Canoe rental in Picauville (50)
Welcome to the heart of the Cotentin Marshes Regional Natural Park! Experience the beauty of the Douve River aboard our authentic Canadian canoes. Discover the richness of the marshlands at your own pace, from reed warblers to large wading birds. Keep an eye out for cows and horses grazing on the vast areas that transform into water-covered landscapes in winter.
If you’ve never been canoeing before, there’s no need to worry. Canoeing is accessible to everyone from 6 years old, and we will provide a brief tutorial on how to maneuver a canoe before your departure. For those seeking a bit more adventure, our 24-hour package allows you to embark on a two-day journey, complete with a bivouac on the banks of the Douve, with a breathtaking view of the marsh.
All the details are available on our website. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us—we’ll be delighted to assist you.
Canoe rental
Bivouac
Packed Lunches
Retail location
Canoe rental
Canoe rental in Picauville (50)
La Douve is a quiet river, free of obstacles and with a very gentle current. It can be navigated in both directions, making it an ideal and safe place for beginners to start canoeing. Your journey will begin and end at the same location, the Longuerac site.
We offer authentic Canadian canoes in three differents sizes: 2-seater, 3-seater, and 4-seater. The 3 and 4-seater models are perfect for accommodating those with less paddling strength, such as children, older adults, or less athletic individuals.
The rental duration is flexible to suit the preferences and skill levels of each person. For families and those less sporty, a one or two-hour outing will provide a relaxing experience, allowing you to discover the tranquil setting of the marsh and observe its natural beauty up close. For the more adventurous, options include a half-day or full-day outing, or even a 24-hour adventure with our bivouac package. This allows you to experience the charm of the marsh at various times of the day.
Routes
You can take two routes:
- Upstream, towards Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, which is 7 kilometers away.
- Downstream, towards Carentan. In this direction, the navigable part of the Douve extends over 17 kilometers. Along the way, you will see the domain of Etienville, the city of Pont-l’abbé, the village of Montessy, Beuzeville-la-Bastille, the castle of Isle Marie, Liesville-sur-Douve, or even the Maison du Parc for those who want to extend their outing.
Please note: Although in French, we often refer to the Douve as a “rivière” due to its narrow width, it is technically a “fleuve” because it flows directly into the sea.
Self-Guided Trips
Set off to explore the Douve River at your own pace, paddling peacefully through an extraordinary natural setting.
When you arrive, we’ll provide all the equipment and walk you through the route. We’ll also give you a quick tutorial on how to handle your canoe. Once the briefing is complete, you’re free to enjoy your canoe trip, at your own rhythm and with complete autonomy.
Whether you’re looking for a short ride, a half-day adventure, or a two-day excursion, our packages can be tailored to your plans.
Canoe Rental Rates
- 1 hour: €11/person (Under 12: €9/person)
- 2 hours: €17/person (Under 12: €14/person)
- 2–4 hours: €25/person (Under 12: €20/person)
- Full day: €35/person (Under 12: €29/person)
- Canoe & Bivouac (24h): €55/person
Guided Canoe Tours
Please note: Guided tours are offered in French only.
Want to join a small group and explore the Cotentin marshes while gliding along the water, accompanied by a passionate guide?
Paddle with Régis, a state-certified guide, who will introduce you to the history of the Cotentin Marsh and share his love for local wildlife—especially birdwatching.
Guided Tour Dates – 2026 Season
- Saturday, May 23: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (2-hour tour)
- Saturday, June 13: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (2-hour tour)
- Thursday, July 23: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (3-hour tour)
- Thursday, August 6: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (2-hour tour)
- Thursday, August 20: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (3-hour tour)
Available Packages
2-Hour Tour
This round-trip tour departs from our base and covers approximately 7 kilometers.
It’s suitable for everyone and perfect for a first-time experience.
3-Hour Tour
This one-way tour covers roughly 11 kilometers. Departure is from our Longuerac welcome point, with arrival near the Bar de l’Anguille in Liesville-sur-Douve.
It’s recommended for participants with a good level of fitness.
At the end of the tour, we can transport drivers from the arrival point back to the departure point.
Guided Tour Rates
- 2-hour tour: €30/person (Under 12: €25/person)
- 3-hour tour: €39/person (Under 12: €32/person)
Group Canoe Outings
Canoe rental in Picauville (50)
Longueram Canoe can welcome up to 30 people on the water at the same time.
Are you a group of 10 to 30 people—family, friends, colleagues, or a corporate team—looking for a unique experiencethat combines outdoor activity with the discovery of a pristine natural environment?
We’re here to help you make it happen.
At Longueram Canoe, we assist you in designing the perfect package, tailored to your wishes and budget. We’ll advise you on the best route and the ideal duration to ensure you get the most out of your canoe trip.
Depending on your needs, we can also offer additional services, such as the support of a certified guide or a shuttle service (excluding July and August).
We can also point you toward nearby catering options or venue rentals.
Have a special request, a specific idea, or a project to plan?
Tell us about it—we’ll be delighted to create a customized canoe outing with you, designed just for your group.
Canoe and bivouac
Canoe rental in Picauville (50)
You will depart from Longuerac around 2 p.m. Expect approximately 2.5 to 3 hours of paddling to cover the 11 kilometers to your bivouac location.
On your way, you will pass by charming houses and castles such as the Etienville estate, Montessy, and Île Marie castle. You will also see the city of Pont l’Abbé, the picturesque village of Beuzeville la Bastille, as well as herds of horses and cows grazing freely. And, of course, you’ll encounter a multitude of birds that have made the marsh their home.
The bivouac site is located near a place rich in history: the old lime kilns of Liesville-sur-Douve. The village of Liesville-sur-Douve also hides another gem: the Bar de l’Anguille ! You will pitch your tent in a private space with a breathtaking view of the marsh. Public toilets are available about a hundred meters away.
The next day, if you wish, you can continue your journey to the Maison du Parc, located 6 kilometers further downstream, before making your way back to Longuerac at your leisure.
€55.00/person
Where to eat?
Do you want to go out on the water for a few hours and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature? If you wish, we can prepare a picnic for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more details.
We offer a selection of hot drinks (coffee and tea), cold alcoholic drinks (local beer and cider), non-alcoholic drinks (apple juice, soda), and some sweets.
You can relax in the public space located right next door, on the banks of the Douve, where picnic tables are available for your use.
Restaurant recommendation
Are you looking for a place to enjoy a good meal after your canoeing trip? We recommend the Auberge de l’Ouve, located right next door. Chefs Kevin and Allan will delight you.
FAQ
Who can go canoeing?
- Minimum age: 6 years old (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
- All participants must be able to swim
- Pregnant women cannot participate
How does a canoe trip work?
When you arrive, we welcome you and provide all the gear:
- Life jacket
- Paddle
- Waterproof dry bag for your belongings (keys, phone, sweater, raincoat…)
Then comes a short briefing: route, weather, canoe handling tips, and safety rules.
Finally, we help you launch your canoe… and you’re off on your adventure!
What will I discover?
You’ll glide past wide meadows along the Douve. Flooded in winter, these fields host cows and horses from spring onward and are home to a variety of birds: storks, egrets, mute swans, kingfishers, curlews…
We provide a small illustrated guide to help you spot the wildlife and learn about the rich history of the marshes.
What should I wear and bring?
- Comfortable clothes and suitable shoes
- Sweater and rain gear (store in the waterproof dry bag provided)
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Optional: water bottle, binoculars
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! Our Canadian canoes are spacious, giving your dog plenty of room to relax.
Tip: bring a blanket or mat for your dog’s comfort and to protect the canoe.
Where can we have a picnic?
- At Longuerac: beautiful public picnic area next to Longueram Canoe, with 4 tables and public toilets.
- Along the route (2–4 hour trips): picnic spots at Port Beurrey, Montessy, or Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte.
Do you cancel in bad weather?
If conditions make navigation unsafe (storms, strong winds), we offer:
- Cancellation with full refund
- Rescheduling to another date
Light rain? No problem—you can still enjoy your canoe trip.
The Douve is beautiful, rain or shine!
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, credit cards, checks, and ANCV holiday vouchers.
Find us
Canoe rental in Picauville (50)
We are located in the center of the ‘département de la Manche’, equidistant from the West coast (Portail, Barneville-Carteret) and the East coast (Utah-Beach, Carentan).
It takes approximately thirty minutes to drive from our location to the coast, 40 minutes from Cherbourg, and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Caen.
Itinerary
If you’re coming from Caen, follow the RN13 towards Cherbourg until the Chef-du-Pont exit. Then take the D70 towards Pont-l’Abbé.
From Cherbourg, follow the N13 towards Valognes, then take the D24 towards Pont-l’Abbé.
If you’re traveling from the Mont-Saint-Michel, take the A84 towards Villedieu-les-Poêles, then exit towards Coutances (D9). Continue towards Periers then Saint-Jores. Follow the D24 towards Picauville, and then turn left towards Moitiers-en-Bauptois. Look for signs indicating “base nautique” over the last few kilometers.
If you’re arriving by train, the closest station is in Carentan. From there, you can rent bikes to cover the approximately twenty kilometers to our nautical base. Half of the journey can be done on a cycle path (the one which leaves Carentan towards La Haye), and the other half on small roads. You can pitch your tent at the Picauville municipal campsite, which is just 3 kilometers from our base. And of course, you can leave your bikes with us during your canoe trip.
Where to park?
Several parking spaces are available a few meters from the base, upon arriving on your right (opposite the Auberge de l’Ouve). If these spaces are already occupied, do not hesitate to contact us, we will find you a space to park your car.
Accommodation Nearby
HOLIDAY COTTAGES AND GUESTHOUSES near Longueram Canoe:
- Gîte de Longuerac – 2 people (0 km)
- Gîte de la Cour d’Etienville – 4 to 20 people (6 km)
- Gîtes des Marais Blancs – 2 to 12 people (7 km)
- Bed & Breakfast and Gîte Le Relais de la Liberté – 2 to 9 people (23 km)
- Gîte Au fil du temps – 6 people (20 km)
CAMPING:
- Camping-Car Park de Picauville – pitches for tents and camper vans (4 km)
- Camping l’Étang des Haizes – (15 km)
- Camping de Sainte-Mère-Eglise – (15 km)
Practical information
Adress : Longuerac, 50360 Picauville (Manche, Normandy)
(Near Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, Port-Bail-Sur-Mer, La Haye, Sainte-Mère-Église, Granville, Caen…)
Email : longueram@gmail.com
Phone : +33 6 08 30 90 94
Opening time : From 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm
- April, May, June: open on weekends and public holidays
- July and August: open every day!
Open until 9pm on Saturday - September: open on week-ends
Legal notice et Privacy policy
Photo credits: Christophe Cauchard and Longueram Canoë
