Frequently asked questions

Yes, and that is the main requirement. Every participant must be able to swim 25 metres and submerge themselves. You must confirm this for your entire group at the time of booking.

There is no age limit: the only requirement is that you can swim. A 5-year-old who can swim may therefore take part, sitting in the middle seat of a canoe and under the supervision of an adult. Children up to and including 10 years of age qualify for the child rate.

No. The Leyre is a calm river and the routes are suitable for beginners. A briefing is given before setting off: how to use the paddle, safety instructions and an overview of the route.

Yes. Group outings are organised on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the number of participants, their ages, the route, any supervision required and transport arrangements. Please contact the team rather than booking individual places, so that the logistics can be sorted out.

The 6 km route takes around 2 hours 15 minutes to complete and is ideal for first-timers or those with young children. The 13 km trip is available in two options: a half-day trip lasting 3 hours 30 minutes, setting off at 1.15 pm, or a full-day trip setting off at 10.30 am. The 20 km trip is a full day on the river, setting off at 9 am.

The timings and pace are different. On the half-day trip, you make the journey in 3 hours 30 minutes without any breaks. On the full-day trip, you set off earlier, take the time to stop and have a picnic on the riverbank, and return in the late afternoon.

This is the most engaging format: a full day of paddling. It requires a reasonable level of fitness and stamina. If it’s your first time, or if you’re bringing young children, start with the 6 or 13 km route.

Canoeing is a two-person activity, with both paddlers seated, and the option to add a child in the middle seat: this is the preferred choice for families and pairs. Kayaking is a solo activity and more physically demanding. Both are suitable for the same routes.

The location depends on the route chosen. The Ô’fil base in Leyre is situated at 89 Route de Bayonne, 33830 Belin-Béliet. Some tours start from other locations, such as the Pont de Saugnacq. The exact address and navigation links are provided on your booking confirmation: this is the definitive source of information.

Shoes that stay on your feet and can get wet, sun cream, water, and a change of clothes left in the car. For day trips, bring a packed lunch. A waterproof bag is recommended for your mobile phone and documents.

A 15-minute grace period applies. After this time, the service has departed and no refunds can be issued. Please allow plenty of time for your journey, especially in summer.

The tours are organised using a shuttle bus: you leave your car at the point indicated on your confirmation, and transport is provided between the start and finish points in accordance with the package you have booked. You will be given detailed instructions before the tour.

Yes, for day trips: that’s actually the whole point of this format. The banks of the Leyre offer plenty of places to stop for a break. Please take your rubbish away with you: the river flows through the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park.

A shower does not prevent us from going out on the water, and the trip usually goes ahead as planned. However, Ô’fil de Leyre may cancel or modify a trip for safety reasons: storms, strong winds, flooding or unsuitable water levels. The decision rests with the instructors.

Where possible, we will offer you an alternative date or time slot. If the outing cannot go ahead, you will receive a full refund.

Up to 10 days before the trip, any sums paid will be refunded, subject to a deduction of €5 for online card payments under €250, and €10 for amounts above that. Between 9 and 2 days before the trip, payments are retained. If cancellation occurs less than 48 hours before the trip, the full balance remains due. Full details are set out in Article 7 of the general terms and conditions of sale.

Whilst not compulsory, all participants are strongly encouraged to take out third-party liability insurance and, where possible, personal accident cover for white-water sports.

Yes, it is strongly recommended. The number of places is limited per departure and per time slot. In July and August, the most popular departures fill up several days in advance. The online booking system shows real-time availability.

Payment is made online by credit card at the time of booking, via a secure page. No card details are transmitted to or stored by Ô’fil de Leyre.

Your booking is confirmed upon receipt of the confirmation email. It sets out the route, date, time, meeting point and instructions. Please keep it safe – you will need it on the day of the outing.

Yes. A gift voucher is valid for the current year: once this period has expired, the service is deemed to have been provided and cannot be carried over or refunded.