This winter, the towns of Quimperlé and Guilligomarc'h will be the setting for a not-to-be-missed event for whitewater enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. From 16 to 22 February, the Semaine de l'Eau Vive (White Water Week) will focus on the river Ellé and the iconic Roch n'Diaoul (Devil's Rocks), one of Brittany's leading kayaking and canoeing spots.
The event was co-created by the Quimperlé Community Canoe Kayak Club, Les Exploriders and Destination Quimperlé les rias.
The White Water Week 2026 programme
Discover the full programme, the highlights of the week and all the practical information you need to book your tickets online.
Introduction to rafting for everyone
White Water Week is not just for experts. From 16 to 20 February, Les Exploriders will be offering introductory rafting courses to suit all levels and conditions. There are two types of session, depending on your age and level.
Sports rafting: every morning
This sporting session is an opportunity to learn the basics of rafting. Departing from the Loge Coucou bridge, Les Exploriders will take you on a gradual descent through white water to the Roches du Diable site, then, water levels permitting, the famous descent of the Roches du Diable site!
Practical information when you book.
Rafting discovery: every afternoon
This course, accessible from age 6, starts upstream from the town of Quimperlé and can be enjoyed by the whole family! On the programme: learning the basic techniques, crossing the Gorrêts dam and going through the rapids under the Bourgneuf bridge! This introduction to rafting also gives you the chance to admire the town's historic and natural heritage. Halfway along, a gourmet and comforting break awaits you at the Wagon-Lit! It's a friendly, authentic way to experience the pleasures of white water in a safe, friendly environment.
Practical information when you book.
Activities and highlights of the week
As well as the sporting activities, the event also features a range of events, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of whitewater and better understand the strong link between the river Ellé and the region.
Thursday 19th February
A signing session with Nicolas Gestin, Olympic champion from Tréméven and member of the Quimperlé Community Canoe Kayak Club, will be held at the Quimperlé Tourist Office from 5pm to 6pm. Come and buy your Semaine de l'Eau Vive poster signed by our Olympic champion!
At 8pm, join us at La Bobine cinema in Quimperlé for the screening of "Big Water Theory", a kayaking adventure film.
Friday 20th February
We look forward to seeing you at the crossroads of the Ellé, Isole and Laïta rivers for a night-time show: the "Course des Trois Rivières", on the Place Charles de Gaulle in Quimperlé. The race will take place in a festive atmosphere, with a sound system, tombola and refreshment stand!
This race will bring together athletes in 5 categories: K1D, K1H, C2H/D/M, C1D and C1H for a downhill run of around 30 seconds with 5 gates to cross. Fifteen athletes will be at the start of each category, including Olympic, world and European medallists (Flavio Micozzi, Emma Vuitton, Luka Bozic, Jules Bernardet, Alja Kozorog, Benjamin Renia, Marjorie, Doriane and Anatole Delassus, Adam Burgess, Nicolas Gestin, etc.).
On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February, the first round of the French Kayak Slalom Cup will be held at Les Roches du Diable.
Shuttles will be provided in the afternoons from Locunolé town centre to take visitors to the site, as the car park is not easily accessible.
The competitions bring together experienced athletes and sailing clubs, offering the public an impressive spectacle, punctuated by the power of the water and the mastery of skills.
The event was co-created by the Quimperlé Community Canoe Kayak Club, Les Exploriders and Destination Quimperlé les rias.
The White Water Week 2026 programme
Discover the full programme, the highlights of the week and all the practical information you need to book your tickets online.
Introduction to rafting for everyone
White Water Week is not just for experts. From 16 to 20 February, Les Exploriders will be offering introductory rafting courses to suit all levels and conditions. There are two types of session, depending on your age and level.
Sports rafting: every morning
This sporting session is an opportunity to learn the basics of rafting. Departing from the Loge Coucou bridge, Les Exploriders will take you on a gradual descent through white water to the Roches du Diable site, then, water levels permitting, the famous descent of the Roches du Diable site!
Practical information when you book.
Rafting discovery: every afternoon
This course, accessible from age 6, starts upstream from the town of Quimperlé and can be enjoyed by the whole family! On the programme: learning the basic techniques, crossing the Gorrêts dam and going through the rapids under the Bourgneuf bridge! This introduction to rafting also gives you the chance to admire the town's historic and natural heritage. Halfway along, a gourmet and comforting break awaits you at the Wagon-Lit! It's a friendly, authentic way to experience the pleasures of white water in a safe, friendly environment.
Practical information when you book.
Activities and highlights of the week
As well as the sporting activities, the event also features a range of events, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of whitewater and better understand the strong link between the river Ellé and the region.
Thursday 19th February
A signing session with Nicolas Gestin, Olympic champion from Tréméven and member of the Quimperlé Community Canoe Kayak Club, will be held at the Quimperlé Tourist Office from 5pm to 6pm. Come and buy your Semaine de l'Eau Vive poster signed by our Olympic champion!
At 8pm, join us at La Bobine cinema in Quimperlé for the screening of "Big Water Theory", a kayaking adventure film.
Friday 20th February
We look forward to seeing you at the crossroads of the Ellé, Isole and Laïta rivers for a night-time show: the "Course des Trois Rivières", on the Place Charles de Gaulle in Quimperlé. The race will take place in a festive atmosphere, with a sound system, tombola and refreshment stand!
This race will bring together athletes in 5 categories: K1D, K1H, C2H/D/M, C1D and C1H for a downhill run of around 30 seconds with 5 gates to cross. Fifteen athletes will be at the start of each category, including Olympic, world and European medallists (Flavio Micozzi, Emma Vuitton, Luka Bozic, Jules Bernardet, Alja Kozorog, Benjamin Renia, Marjorie, Doriane and Anatole Delassus, Adam Burgess, Nicolas Gestin, etc.).
On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February, the first round of the French Kayak Slalom Cup will be held at Les Roches du Diable.
Shuttles will be provided in the afternoons from Locunolé town centre to take visitors to the site, as the car park is not easily accessible.
The competitions bring together experienced athletes and sailing clubs, offering the public an impressive spectacle, punctuated by the power of the water and the mastery of skills.
