Day 1: Poujol-sur-Orb – Tarassac
You gradually navigate between gravel pits and sandy beaches. The Orb Colombières dam , at the foot of the Caroux mountain, you experience your first adrenaline rush with a water slide !
Four kilometers later, you'll see the blue and yellow suspension bridge of Tarassac ; you're now approaching the rapids . Pay close attention when navigating these rapids, known as "the gate" and "the mill," as you'll lose 10 meters of elevation.
300m further on, the rapids at the right bank campsite Tarassac campsite beach .
Those who have chosen to spend the night at this campsite stop here (bring paddles and life jackets back to your tent).
For those going all the way to the bivouac : another 200m to go, on the right bank you will pass the mouth of the Jaur (it is from the Jaur that the EDF releases). 100m further on, on the left, is the Tarassac where you will set up camp.
Day 2: Tarassac – Roquebrun
On the second day, we recommend launching your boat by 9 a.m. at the latest, so you can enjoy nature as it awakens.
After a stretch of water , the river splits; go through the rapid on the left (the rapid on the right may be full of water if EDF releases water)... and you will finish on foot.
Three kilometers after your departure, you pass under the Drouille submersible footbridge. The mountainous landscapes, with their large green trees, give way to vineyards and olive groves Orb river will be punctuated by rapids.
Two kilometers later you cross the village of Vieussan passing under its bridge and then its footbridge. On the left bank, you will see the water level gauge indicating its submersible level at a height of 5 meters, or 600m³/s. Impressive, isn't it?
You will admire the Vieussan Gorges with the Camps cliffs, a climbing site inhabited by beautiful birds of prey. Beware of the rockfall under the cliffs; please respect the signs. At the exit of the Gorges, watch out for the rapids on the left; there is a possibility of tangling. On the right bank, you will see the Razégue estate, a goat farm – please respect the herds.
Two kilometers later you arrive at the village of Ceps where you'll encounter your first rapid under the bridge on the left. The route becomes more idyllic, but a few rapids might surprise you: the Aqualand rapid and the S rapid, followed by the Trou rapid and its challenging eddy!
You will spend the second night in Roquebrun , the southern gateway to the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park. The campsite and numerous accommodations in the village will allow you to have a good night's sleep.
Day 3: Roquebrun – Réals
To avoid the beach on the right bank, reserved for swimmers after the bridge, stay to the left bank to pass between the two mills. The rapids are tricky, so don't hesitate to carry your gear.
A series of small rapids will take you to the priest's hole; follow the signs and keep left. Do not go right, as this rapid is reserved for experienced paddlers.
After a pretty stretch of water you will arrive at the Maynard , keep right to cross the slide (on the left is the turbine canal).
After the slide comes a nice rapid leading to the difficult rapid of the square, do not hesitate to carry depending on the water level and you can even surf the small wave at the exit, at the foot of the dam.
On the last few kilometers, on the left bank, is the Foulon waterfall , which supplies drinking water Cessenon and sometimes flows in the spring. Then there are two large bodies of water punctuated by a rapid, the Baous.
You will glide down to Cessenon . You will see grey herons, egrets, minks, and small beaches.
Cessenon tower , you are almost there; the river turns left, and at the end of the waterway, you will see the Cessenon .
Continue under the bridge. Watch out for swimmers.
Pass the Moulin Neuf dam and continue to Réals. You will see a large STOP/FINISH sign on the right, with wooden logs for pulling canoes onto the bank.
Logistics and Transport
Day 1: Poujol-sur-Orb – Tarassac => 10km / 3 to 4 hours on the water
Meet us in Roquebrun. On the way up to Le Poujol-sur-Orb, our shuttle will stop in Tarassac to drop off your car and camping gear. Once you've dropped off your car, our shuttle will take you up to the starting point at Le Poujol. This makes navigation easier, and you'll set off with just the essentials.
Day 2: Tarassac – Roquebrun => 15km / 5h on the water
After your night in Tarassac you'll set off by canoe towards Roquebrun. Upon your arrival at our base, we'll take you back to Tarassac to collect your car and camping gear. Please keep your rubbish with you; you can dispose of it in our recycling area upon arrival.
Day 3: Roquebrun – Cessenon => 10km / 3 to 4 hours on the water
After your night in Roquebrun , you'll canoe to Cessenon .
Upon arrival in Cessenon (left bank, 50m before the metal bridge), call us, and we'll pick you up in the late afternoon.
We'll then take you back up to Roquebrun where your car will be waiting for you in our parking lot.
Overnight stays
In Tarassac, you have two choices:
- Camping is available at our boat launch site. You bring your own belongings. We provide dry toilets.
- Camping at "Camping municipal Le Claps" 100 meters from our boat launch. More comfortable, with toilets and showers available.
- 04 67 97 72 64
- https://www.camping-leclaps.fr/
In Roquebrun : Camping and holiday cottages in the village
Our advice for navigation
- Please listen to the induction before you leave.
- Knowing how to swim is mandatory.
- Keep your safety distances before entering the rapids: 10 meters between boats.
Instructions in the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park
You will be crossing the Haut Languedoc Regional Natural Park and private properties; please respect them.
Be courteous to swimmers and fishermen; your respect will be appreciated.
Things to know about waste
Since 2024, final waste cannot be taken on base.
At your disposal, ONLY selective sorting containers (plastic and paper packaging, glass).
