Canoeing in Strasbourg
Did you know you can go canoeing and kayaking in Strasbourg? I didn’t know that until one day I saw some kayakers paddling down the Ill River... Naturally, that immediately made me want to give it a try. Strasbourg Eaux Vives offers canoe and kayak trips in Strasbourg and around the city, with the Tour de l’Aar as its flagship tour.
Summary
- My thoughts on the canoeing and kayaking trip in Strasbourg
- Canoe or Kayak: Which One Should You Choose?
- The Tour de l'Aar: A Route for Everyone
- My group outing: a custom-designed route to Wantzenau
- What You Need to Know Before Booking Your Canoe or Kayak Tour in Strasbourg
- FAQ: Your Questions About Canoeing and Kayaking in Strasbourg
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Location: Strasbourg Eaux Vives, 36 rue Pierre de Coubertin, just a stone’s throw from the European Parliament.
- ⏱️ The flagship route: The Tour de l’Aar, a 7-kilometer loop that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- 👤 Available for: 1 person or more
- 💶 Budget: starting at €25 per person.
- 🚊 Directions: Take tram line E to the European Parliament stop.
- 🧒 Minimum age: 8 years old (reservations are not permitted for minors traveling alone).
My thoughts on the canoeing and kayaking trip in Strasbourg
I liked
- Kayaking in Strasbourg
- The Tour de l’Aar, available for groups of one or more, with no need to organize a group
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Very nice team
- Access by streetcar
I liked less
- Operating hours vary by day: it’s best to check the schedule that applies to you before you leave so you don’t miss your departure.
Canoe or Kayak: Which One Should You Choose?
Different types of boats are offered: the Canadian canoe, which can accommodate 2 people (plus a child), the “sit-on-top” kayak (large open kayaks, very stable and self-bailing) and finally the normal kayak. The latter is reserved for people who have already kayaked but the other boats are accessible to all.
🛶 My tip: If you’re going with kids or beginner kayakers, go for a “sit-on-top” kayak. It’s the most stable and reassuring option, even if you make a small mistake.
The Tour de l’Aar: A Route for Everyone
The starting point is at Strasbourg Eaux Vives, on Rue Pierre de Coubertin in Strasbourg (right next to the European Parliament).
This is the route I recommend first: a 7-kilometer loop that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, starting and ending at the club. It’s open to groups of one or more people and to anyone 8 years of age or older (reservations are not available for minors traveling alone). You’ll paddle along the banks of the Aare, past the Ungemach housing complex (1920) and Contades Park, before heading down the Ill River to Saint-Paul Church and the European institutions. The cost is €25 per person.
🗓️ Local tip: Book several days in advance during the summer—weekend slots fill up fast!
Also on the blog
My group outing: a custom-designed route to Wantzenau
As for me, I had the chance to try out a custom route, organized specifically for our group, that took us from Strasbourg to Wantzenau via Schiltigheim. This type of outing isn’t available to individuals—it’s a custom experience organized exclusively for groups. If you’re interested in this adventure with friends or extended family, it’s best to call the club directly to see what can be arranged.
What struck me right away was the calmness on the water! The departure is done in Strasbourg but you feel really elsewhere as soon as you put your boat on the river. We are immersed in nature, we glide quietly on the water and we have the impression of being far from the city! It’s very nice, I really loved the atmosphere.
At the end of the tour, a member of the Strasbourg Eaux Vives team picks up the participants and their kayaks and takes them back to the starting point. If it’s time to eat, you can even plan to have a picnic—there are tables available outside. That’s what I did for lunch—it was really nice!
What You Need to Know Before Booking Your Canoe or Kayak Tour in Strasbourg
- The Tour de l’Aar is the easiest way to get started: available for groups of one or more, 2.5 hours, €25 per person.
- For a group outing, contact the club to see if a customized route can be arranged.
- No prior experience is required for Canadian canoeing or sit-on-top kayaking.
- Easy access by tram (Line E, European Parliament stop).
Looking for more unique ideas in the Strasbourg area? Check out “Unique Strasbourg” – Our 18 activity ideas.
Practical information
Tour, Pricing, and Reservations
The Tour de l’Aar can be booked starting at €25 per person. You’ll find all the information about this tour, including prices and booking details, here.
Access
By car
The address is: 36 rue Pierre de Coubertin 67000 Strasbourg. It is possible to park in front of Strasbourg Eaux Vives.
By public transport
Streetcar stop European Parliament (streetcar E)
FAQ: Your Questions About Canoeing and Kayaking in Strasbourg
Where can you go canoeing and kayaking in Strasbourg?
The Strasbourg Eaux Vives club, located at 36 rue Pierre de Coubertin, offers several canoeing and kayaking routes, including the Tour de l’Aar, its most accessible route.
Do you need to be in a group to book a canoeing or kayaking trip in Strasbourg?
Not for the Tour de l’Aar, which is open to groups of one or more people. For a group ride, you can also contact the club to organize a custom route, as I did with my group when we rode to Wantzenau.
How much does the Aare River Canoe and Kayak Tour in Strasbourg cost?
This 2.5-hour tour costs €25 per person.
How long does the Tour de l’Aar take?
About 2 hours and 30 minutes for a 7-kilometer loop; an easy hike suitable for children ages 8 and up.
How do I get to Strasbourg Eaux Vives by public transportation?
The club is directly accessible by tram, Line E, at the European Parliament stop.