Rabaska ride under the stars of Périgueux

When the sun sets and the city lights come on, Périgueux reveals an unexpected side, especially from the calm waters of the Isle. The Périgord Guide had the incredible opportunity to experience this transformation during a rabaska canoe ride at nightfall. A truly extraordinary experience.

Imagine gliding across the water in a large Canadian canoe, paddle in hand, while the city's iconic landmarks light up around you. Périgueux Canoe-Kayak promises a unique experience and a magical atmosphere to see Périgueux in a new light (or rather, a new night!).

Our first steps towards adventure in a rabaska canoe

An organized and reassuring welcome

The activity begins at the Moulin du Duellas, the meeting point for this nighttime escapade. There are five of us trying the experience: the Périgord Guide is accompanied by four members of the Destination Périgueux tourist office.

Upon our arrival at 8:00 p.m., Anthony from Périgueux Canoë-Kayak warmly welcomes us and explains the evening's schedule. The first step is to scan a QR code with your phone. A quick but essential formality, which allows us to enter our personal information for insurance purposes. This is a detail that, from the outset, underlines the seriousness and security put in place for this activity.

Equipment and local delicacies

After the formalities, it's time for the equipment! Anthony gives each of us a life jacket, mandatory and essential for navigating safely on the Isle. In the activity formula, we have the right to choose a drink from a rather comprehensive list: sodas, syrups, water... We put these little refreshments in a sort of buoy to take with us to enjoy them halfway through during the planned stop. In the summer season, the drink can also be accompanied by a gourmet surprise from a local partnership. This adds a tasty and typically Périgord touch to the experience.

Boarding: between team spirit and safety

Once equipped and equipped with our treats, we leave our belongings in the clubhouse and collect our sailing equipment before heading to the slipway. The rabaska, this large Canadian boat, can accommodate up to 13 people maximum with the helmsman. For our group, this means a clever distribution of paddlers. Anthony invites us to position ourselves in a staggered row, an arrangement that allows for good weight distribution and ensures better stability.

Périgueux along the Isle

Once on board, the moment of departure is marked by calm. The rabaska gently pulls away from the Moulin du Duellas, gliding over the calm waters of the Isle to begin its descent towards Barnabé. The sun gives way to the first glimmers of dusk, revealing a soft, changing light.

We pass by emblematic sites :

• The barge, which gives a picturesque touch to this enchanting setting.
• The imposing silhouette of Saint-Front Cathedral reflected in the water.
• The charming house of the Consuls, whose architectural details were revealed in a new light.
• The mysterious rock of Arsault, seeming to watch over the river.

Each paddle stroke gives us a different perspective, a new memorable shot and new muscles being activated.

An exciting guide by our side

Our coxswain is not only an excellent rower, he is also a great guide. He has the ability to adapt his narration to the mood of the group. Whether you want a quiet and contemplative stroll, a more sporty outing with a sustained pace or a real historical discovery of the city, Anthony adapts to everyone. His commentary is enriching, interspersed with anecdotes and explanations on the history of Périgueux and its monuments. He makes the stroll lively, informative and enjoyable.

Atmosphere and relaxation during the break

A few paddle strokes later, we arrive at Barnabé's pier for a well-deserved break. We watch a beautiful sunset, while enjoying the drink we chose before departure. This moment allows everyone to chat, get to know each other a little better and talk about everything and nothing.

The rabaska, at the dock, attracts young and old alike. It's not every day that you come across this type of boat. Before returning, Anthony takes care to light the rabaska's lanterns. They cast a soft light on the water and a little smoke on the paddlers.

We climb back on board in a calm and friendly atmosphere. The muffled sound of the paddles cutting through the water punctuates our progress.

For the return journey, Périgueux begins to dress up in its night clothes. All the monuments light up at nightfall, transforming the urban landscape into a magical scene. The atmosphere has become even more magical.

We take our time again to appreciate the moment and immortalize it in photos. The deafening heat of the day is far behind us, thanks to the pleasant breeze we feel on the water.

Once back at the Moulin du Duellas, we get out of the rabaska and walk towards the club to collect our things.

The Périgord Guide’s favorites

A rabaska canoe ride under the stars is not just an activity, it is a real experience .

The advantages of this excursion:

• Discover Périgueux in a unique and unexpected way ;
• Create unforgettable memories on the Isle ;
• Choose your walk : sporty, historical or contemplative.

The Périgord Guide is happy to have shared these moments of happiness on the water with amazing teammates and a friendly and professional helmsman.

Did you like our report? Find more in our Experiences to Live section.

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