Since its creation in 2010, the Open Canoe Festival has worked to make touring canoe culture accessible to as many people as possible, in a spirit of sharing and friendship. For our 15th edition, from 8 to 11 April 2027, we have had to make a decision we would rather have avoided: raising the early […]
It was with immense sadness that we learned of the passing of Andy Oughton in the summer of 2026. A British canoe instructor, Andy had been a loyal friend and companion of the Open Canoe Festival for many years. Andy was one of those special people who truly embodied the spirit of our festival: a […]
The dates for the 15th Open Canoe Festival are now confirmed! We are delighted to welcome you from Thursday, April 8, 2027, 6:30 pm to Sunday, April 11, 2027, 6:00 pm for four days entirely dedicated to learning, improving skills, sharing experiences, and celebrating the culture of canoe tripping and river travel. Choosing the dates […]
The photos from the Open Canoe Festival 2026 are now online! 937 images to relive this unforgettable edition: the blue of the river, smiles, workshops, encounters, the party, the big raffle, the tipi, and happy paddlers from all across Europe. A huge thank you to all the participants, coaches, partners, and volunteers who made this […]
Taking care of your body is also part of the Open Canoe Festival experience. This year, we are pleased to welcome Samāna – Holistic Massage & Bodywork, with Mathilde, who will offer moments of relaxation and recovery throughout the festival. Whether after a day on the water, between workshops, or simply to take a break, […]
This year, Quebec takes center stage at the Open Canoe Festival. A land of powerful rivers and vast lakes nestled between mountains and forests, it has inspired generations of paddlers—and is also the birthplace of a canoe brand renowned for its durability and performance: Esquif Canoes. Some rivers have become almost mythical for those who […]
The Official Open Canoe Festival 2026 T-shirt Is Ready! As every year, the official 2026 T-shirt will be offered to all participants. A souvenir to keep for years, but also a symbol of belonging to a large community of paddlers who share a passion for rivers and canoe touring. For four days, the Open Canoe […]
Venture Canoes are excited to attend the Open Canoe Festival once again, and will be bringing a fleet of demos with them, including the most whitewater capable, traditional PE open canoe on the market, the Afon! If you want to feel like a superhero on familiar runs, or take on rapids you previously thought impossible, […]
Want to improve your canoeing skills? “Destination Rivières” offers a range of technical courses tailored to all levels. Looking for adventure, nature, and moments of contemplation? Join the association for a canoe touring trip on one of the most beautiful rivers in France or Europe. On the occasion of the Open Canoe Festival, Aurélien Rateau […]
A special edition in every respect, with the presence of Canadian paddler Becky Mason, a record number of participants, and a river flood that forced us to move the workshops to the lake… ultimately resulting in one of the most beautiful editions ever organized! Ask those who have already experienced it: the OCF is simply […]
We are delighted to announce that our first partners Canoë Diffusion and Esquif are offering a magnificent “Pocket Canyon Lite” canoe from Esquif, worth €2,500. This legendary model will be offered fully equipped with flotation bags and reinforced stems — the ultimate whitewater canoe! There’s no doubt the suspense will once again be unbearable during […]
Designed by paddlers, for paddlers, the Canua app has become one of the most comprehensive canoe and kayak databases in Europe. Available on the App Store, it supports paddlers at every stage of their journey — from planning to navigation, recording, and sharing routes. Ultra-Detailed Mapping Precise river descriptions, kilometre-accurate route tracking, put-ins and take-outs, […]
The Open Canoe Festival is featured in the pages of the German magazine Paddle Power, which has published a multi-page report dedicated to the Drôme River and our gathering. Under the evocative title “Stechpaddel-Paradies im französischen Süden” — “Single-Blade Paradise in the South of France” — the article immerses its readers in the heart of […]
Born in Grenoble, Petit Bivouac is a French premium clothing brand inspired by exploration and the quiet contemplation of nature. From mountain peaks to forests, following torrents and rivers all the way to the sea, our world is rooted in the wild landscapes we love to roam. At Petit Bivouac, adventure is not about the […]
Get ready to put your dancing shoes to the test at the Friday, May 1st concert: it’s going to get hot under the big tipi! Le Mange Bal is one of the pioneering projects of the emerging trad / electro-folk scene, alongside Beat Bouet Trio, Patate Sound System, Turfu and Superparquet. Their music draws its […]
The cycling and hiking travel agency. Safrantours is a French travel agency based in Mirabel-et-Blacons (Drôme), specializing in self-guided itinerant trips: turnkey journeys where you travel at your own pace while benefiting from full organization (accommodation, logistics, route notes and practical information). The agency offers cycling trips, hiking holidays and donkey-supported treks, as well as […]
In 2021, over the course of eight months, a Québec-based team completed the first-ever north–south crossing of Canada, an unprecedented journey carried out using human power alone. In 2024, the adventurers of the AKOR expeditions take on a new large-scale challenge: crossing the Canadian Far North, from the Yukon to the easternmost edge of the […]
The Open Canoe Festival is an ambitious event, and anyone who has experienced it will tell you: we pay attention to every detail — flawless welcome, high-quality meals, complimentary T-shirt and poster, and the very best European instructors…After fifteen years of experience, our expertise is well established, and the OCF has become an unmissable event […]
The song of the birds, evenings by the water, bivouacs under the stars, and the freedom to explore the last wild rivers by paddle…Do these images make you dream? Then this message is for you. The Open Canoe Festival will take place from Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, once again in the […]
Here's the program for the 2025 workshops. Please note that you will have the choice of 10 additional workshops (themed descents) offered during Sunday's grand descent. These “Grande descente” workshops will also appear in the “river workshop registration” e-mail sent out on Monday April 7. Remember that registration for the “ground workshops” takes place at […]
When you register at the OCF, you will have to indicate your level of practice: beginner, intermediate or advanced. It is not that simple. Read this article carefully before registering. The OCF's team of instructors counts 30 coaches, including some of the best specialists in Europe. They all know that OCF participants have difficulty qualifying […]
You were expecting a canoe that is both very light and very durable... Esquif has done it! Esquif made a big splash back in 2015 with the development of T-Formex, the successor to its cousin, the now-defunct Royalex. Since not all paddlers necessarily need the extreme durability that traditional T-Formex offers, Esquif now presents, for […]
Here's the Open Canoe Festival 2024 video. This year, we wanted to show the OCF's DNA, what we want to share with this event. Only the international side doesn't stand out, but we haven't forgotten our many foreign coaches and the 13 European countries taking part. Thanks to all of you!
The Drôme is one of the last wild rivers in Europe, with a natural, torrential flow. It meanders for 106 km from its source to its confluence with the Rhône. As a result, it is home to some exceptional flora and fauna, and in particular to two experts in camouflage: On the banksThe ringed plover: […]
Record for the longest title! All this to tell you that we've created a new FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section. Can I bring my dog to the OCF? Are canoes provided? How do I win the lottery? Do I need to reserve a campsite? How do I register for workshops? Why is the OCF called […]
Some basic psychology to avoid giving up canoeing after the first descent… and save your relationship! By Paul Villecourt / www.villecourt.com In North America, canoeing is often called the "divorce boat"! You will understand why. When a few friends embark on the river for the first time, logic naturally pushes couples to form crews. At […]
This list has been tested for trips of 30 to 60 days. It includes the essentials, although you can always do more minimalist. All this gear fits into a large 100/120 litre waterproof bag which will therefore contain all the bags described below. For shorter trips, surprisingly the equipment is not much different. Remember: the […]
We take care of your kids while you're paddling! During the 3 days of the Festival, a qualified and bilingual animator will take care of the children from 6 to 12 years old. Treasure hunt, land art, games, some workshops for adults… A lot of fun in the superb setting of Gervanne Camping, while the […]
