Enjoy a unique experience close to nature as you explore the Gorges du Tarn by night!
Le Moulin de La Malène offers you a brand-new and unique experience in the heart of the Gorges du Tarn. Have you already enjoyed canoeing or kayaking? Discover the river in a different way: on a stand-up paddleboard, at night, with glow-in-the-dark paddles! It’s a unique experience! Supervised by an instructor, the trip is both peaceful and calm, a little challenging in places but suitable for everyone.
Welcome to the Tarn Gorges!
The Gorges du Tarn are situated in the south of the department of Lozère. To reach our mill, access is via the north-south route on the A75 motorway, which passes through La Canourgue (exit 40), and via the N88 for the Lyon–Toulouse route. La Malène is situated in the heart of the Gorges, about 40 minutes from Mende or La Canourgue.
The meeting point: 7.30 pm, at our base ‘Au Moulin De La Malène’, which you’ll find at the entrance to or exit from the village (depending on which way you’re coming from). Muriel and Janot will be there to welcome you and, once the registration formalities are complete, you’ll be looked after by our instructor, Sébastien.
Paddle, wetsuit, paddle: professional-grade kit
Our changing rooms are open so you can get kitted out for the descent. You’ll be comfortably settled in whilst you get changed. Wetsuits are a good idea as the nights in Lozère are chilly, even in summer… A helmet and life jacket are compulsory. We’ll also lend you some water shoes. You’ll need to bring a swimsuit, a towel and a light picnic for dinner, as we’re due back between 10.30 pm and 11 pm. You might want to have a light snack before we set off.
First steps on the water
You’re now all kitted out and ready to get to know your board. You’re all set for the activity – the river is waiting for you. The instructor will hand you your board and your paddle, which they’ll adjust to suit your height, and explain how to handle it in the water, as well as the correct position and placement of your feet on the board. You’ll have a quick trial run in front of our beach to get used to your board… then you can set off on the 8km descent with complete confidence!
Birds, beavers, fish…
At the start, night has not yet fallen. At this hour, the Gorges are free of all the hustle and bustle. You savour the calm of the night as it gradually settles in; you are alone in the world, and the Gorges are all yours. You can hear the river’s murmur; all your senses are heightened. Thanks to the light-up paddle, you navigate your course with ease. As you drift along the water, Sébastien guides you and shares his passion for the river and for stand-up paddleboarding. You spot the local wildlife: birds, trout and barbel, a family of beavers, and you discover the butterwort: a small carnivorous plant.
Plan your stay
Where to eat, where to stay, what to do?
Discover all our top picks in the Gorges du Tarn.
How do I get there?
- You can reach La Malène via the D907bis, the Gorges du Tarn road. It’s a particularly scenic route, so do plan to stop several times along the way to take photos!
- La Malène is situated 13 km from Sainte-Enimie. In summer, tourist shuttle buses allow visitors to get around the Gorges du Tarn without using their own cars.
