Europe's Premier Canoe Rendezvous.
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No. If a flood were to occur, the workshops taking place on the river would be relocated and adapted on land.
Yes: sport insurance covering the practice of canoeing and kayaking.
The workshops are chosen in two steps: river workshops are chosen online, but not at the time of registration for the Festival (we will send you an email later). The workshops that take place on the ground are chosen at the last moment, at the Festival location.
No. They are done at a later stage. The organizers send an email to all participants when registrations for the workshops are open.
See this article for a self-assessment: https://www.opencanoefestival.com/what-is-my-level-of-canoeing/
River workshops are offered by several instructors. So no problem: there will be something for everyone! Ground workshops have no participant limit and are offered multiple times.
No. The camping must be paid separately.
Yes. But they must be kept on a leash.
No. There are many people at the OCF and the pitches must be shared. That being said, the campsite is large! Only the chalets and mobile homes are available for reservation.
Those who do not want to camp can book a chalet or a mobile home at Gervanne Camping. The number of accommodations is limited, so it is necessary to book in advance. There are several accommodation options available near Gervanne Camping, such as “gites” (lodgings), Airbnb, and more. Information: https://www.gervanne-camping.com/
Gervanne Camping is a 4-star campsite located in Mirabel-et-Blacons, at the confluence of the Drôme and Gervanne rivers. It is a private place ideally situated by the river. Children can play there freely.
The OCF is usually organized over a 3-day long weekend at the end of April/beginning of May. This is the time when the river has the most beautiful water levels and colors. Therefore, it takes place every year, but not necessarily on Easter.
Yes. A qualified and bilingual animator takes care of children aged 6 to 12.
No. We do not recommend it. Minimum suggested age: 8 years if the parents are experienced and the child is well equipped.
Participation in the workshops requires a minimum level of autonomy on the water. The minimum age for workshops on the river is 12 years old.
The Drôme is a class 2 river. With a normal level (15/30 m3/s), local companies rent canoes without supervision.
No. All descents are done under your own responsibility.
No. However, you can embark wherever you want if you want to do a shorter descent than the proposed Grande Descente.
No. We do not recommend it. Minimum suggested age: 8 years if the parents are experienced and the child is well equipped.
No. Each ticket holder must be present to win the prize drawn. The draw is nominative.
Participation in the workshops requires a minimum level of water autonomy. The minimum age for workshops on the river is 12 years old.
No. It’s not possible to offer handmade solutions for 600 participants. Sorry!
The organisation cannot take care of this part. However, you can use the OCF FaceBook group to look for a boat or a partner: https://www.facebook.com/groups/194905997942111
No.
Only those with a medical certificate will be able to request cancellation and reimbursement of their registration. Please consult the regulations: https://www.opencanoefestival.com/en/regulation/
No. Registration is online only and closes several weeks before the OCF so that we can manage the right quantities of meals, T-shirts, workshops, etc.
No. The entire organisation is bilingual: French + English.
No. Canoes are not provided. Use the OCF FaceBook group page to start looking for partners or boats : https://www.facebook.com/groups/194905997942111
No. Unfortunately, local rental companies only rent “sit-on-tops”, i.e. heavy boats for beginners. An option to choose if you have no other solution (exhibitors’ test boats, people looking for crew…). Use the OCF FaceBook group page to start looking for partners or boats : https://www.facebook.com/groups/194905997942111
Yes, most technical workshops focus on touring canoes, but there’s nothing to stop you bringing another type of craft. Just make sure you follow the specific instructions when you join a technical workshop. For example, an open canoe solo workshop (OC1) is not for kayaks or tandems.
The organisation cannot take care of this part. However, you can use the OCF FaceBook group to look for a boat or a partner: https://www.facebook.com/groups/194905997942111
Open Canoe refers to the traditional Canadian canoe.
Yes, the nearest train station is Crest (5 km from the Festival).
The Festival is run by the association “Outdoor et Compagnie”. It was created by Paul Villecourt, who is still its main organiser. Paul is a river runner / adventurer, a photojournalist specialising in outdoor sports and, in particular, the author of “Guide du canoë en France”. In 2017, he crossed France from east to west, between Geneva and the Atlantic. www.villecourt.com. Paul is assisted in the organisation of the event by a number of professionals, by Gervanne Camping, which hosts the festival, and by around thirty volunteers and as many instructors.
The OCF is an event organised by professionals. It takes several months to prepare: workshops, instructors, sponsors, exhibitors, partners, concert, meals, administration, etc. It actually costs nearly €265 per person (excluding the cost of camping), compared with €150 (adult price). The difference is made up by our search for sponsors, grants and partners.
The Open Canoe Festival is a three-day gathering dedicated to canoe touring. It’s a place for sharing knowledge and techniques, run by around thirty instructors from all over Europe. The workshops are grouped into 3 main categories: technique / safety / canoeing culture. Although most of the workshops are very canoe-oriented, the OCF is open to other craft (inflatables, kayaks). The OCF does not provide canoes or partners. In addition to the workshops, the OCF also offers a 28km collective descent on a class 2 course, several festive events (concert, big prize draw) and three meals included.
3 meals are included. For all other meals not included, the campsite has everything you need: restaurant, supermarket, bakery.
Yes: vegetarian (but not vegan).
No.
Compulsory personal protective equipment: standard lifejacket, standard helmet and closed shoes.
Compulsory personal protective equipment: standard lifejacket, standard helmet and closed shoes. Additional equipment recommended: warm clothing, canoe air bags, first-aid kit, safety rope, spare paddle, mobile phone.
