Alps White Water Holiday – France 2026 – Wednesday Day 12 Espinassess – Archidiacre – Basin Tallard

2026 08 12 Durance Espinassess – Archidiacre – Basin Tallard

Today’s paddle saw 5 kayakers run the Durance from Espinassess to Basin Tallard (below Lake Serre-Ponçon). In the search for new water, we decided to put in at Espinassess. This section of water was new to everyone and we were excited to explore somewhere different.

We spent 3 hrs paddling the river down to Archidiacre. This was a 15km stretch of grade 2 water. But at the current low water levels, this felt very easy. Jaqui described it as a day off while still paddling.

We floated down the river in the sunshine, enjoying the narrow river lined by trees and grasses on either side. We tried look out for otters and beavers, but only saw ducks and goats.

One of the many otter and beaver slides into the river.

We put out at Basin Tallard after playing in the local slalom course. Jaqui and Ella were left unattended whilst the car shuttle occurred, and they hatched a plan to swim down the slalom course. This was fun but not entirely successful, as it was fast-moving and very shallow.

Mark playing on the slalom course at Basin Tallard
Ella swims down the river having been left unattended!

Once the car shuttle was complete and all paddlers were reunited we headed to Lake Serre-Ponçon for an evening swim. A handstand competition occured (1st: Po, 2nd: Tinky Winky, 3rd: Dipsy, 4th: LaaLaa).

The Eclipse from the Pizzeria

Post swim, we sat at a pizzeria by the lake with the aim of viewing the eclipse. Unfortunately, a big cloud blocked the view of the eclipse and dinner took 3 hours to arrive.

Will tomorrow be more successful? Stay tuned.

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