The upper reaches of the Ria d'Étel by kayak

(S/E) The walk starts opposite the kayak hire point, at Pointe de la Vielle Chapelle beach. Head towards Pointe du Verdon then follow the coastline northwards, towards the head of the Ria d'Étel.

(1) Please note: depending on the tidal range and between the 2nd and 5th hour of the tide, there may be strong currents in the Landevant River.
Continue northwards to reach a pretty little maze in a seagrass bed about fifty minutes after setting off.

(2) Turn left, heading west-north-west. At the entrance to the branch of the ria leading up towards Nostang, turn left again and use the ebbing current to reach the finish point, following the coastline.

(3) Go round the Pointe de Beg-er-Vil before sprinting to the beach at the Pointe de la Vieille Chapelle and the starting point (S/E).

Public toilets at the tip of Pointe de la Vieille Chapelle, near the launch ramp and the orientation table.
Plenty of wooden picnic tables at the Pointe de la Vieille Chapelle.
Depending on the sunshine, take great care to avoid sunburn: direct sunlight and glare. Protect yourself with a cap or hat that can be fastened securely and use a high-quality sunscreen. If you wear glasses, make sure you have something to secure them with.

From Pointe de la Vieille Chapelle in Sainte-Hélène, there are some lovely walks along the water’s edge.
The stretch of water at high tide is superb. It is best to start the walk an hour before the end of the rising tide to catch the current carrying you towards the head of the Ria d’Étel, and to return with the ebbing tide during the first hour of the falling tide. To find out the high tide times, add 1½ to 2 hours to the time of the high tide at the port of Étel. To find out the time and tidal range, see this website.

Watch out for oyster beds, which are submerged at high tide.

The Cercle Nautique de la Ria d'Étel offers boat hire (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards) with or without a guide, seven days a week in July and August, and by booking the rest of the year.
Route organised in June 2017 with 70 people on the water (supervised by the CNRE) and 30 walkers: a great success.

If you don’t fancy paddling whilst your friends are on the water, you can do the ‘circular’ walking route starting from Pointe de la Vieille Chapelle