Activity · Lac des Vieilles-Forges
Stand up paddle board rental at Lac des Vieilles-Forges
Rent a stand up paddle board by the hour on Lac des Vieilles-Forges, in the French Ardennes: a closed 150-hectare lake with no waves or current, open from age 6. Board, paddle and life jacket are provided, and dogs are welcome: you can paddle with your dog.
At a glance
- On your own: €12 for 1 hour, €16 for 2 hours, €22 for 3 hours, per person. Board, paddle and life jacket provided.
- As an experience: Cap Lac et Sentiers, 2 hours of mountain biking then 1 hour of stand up paddle, €26 per adult and €19 per child.
- Who for: from age 6, all levels, beginners welcome. You must be able to swim 25 m.
- With your dog: welcome on the paddle boards, on a lead on land.
- Wind matters: ideal below 10 km/h, not recommended above 15 km/h. In that case, choose canoeing, kayaking or the electric paddle board.
- When: from Saturday 10 April 2027. See opening times (in French).
How would you like to enjoy it?
On your own
Stand up paddle rental
Choose how long you want, then set off at your own pace, alone, with friends or with the family.
- Stable board, paddle and life jacket provided
- One, two or three hours
- Safety briefing before every departure
- Online booking
From €12 per hour, per person
As an experience
Cap Lac et Sentiers: mountain bike and paddle
The lake from the trails and from the water: a half-day in nature.
- 2 hours of mountain biking, then 1 hour of stand up paddle
- 3 hours in total, or 5 hours with the 4-hour mountain bike option
- From age 8, able to swim 25 m
- Mountain bike, helmet, board, paddle and life jacket provided
€26 per adult, €19 per child
Rental prices
| Option | 1 hour | 2 hours | 3 hours | For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stand up paddle | €12 | €16 | €22 | 1 person per board, from age 6. Board, paddle and life jacket provided |
Cap Lac et Sentiers package: €26 per adult (€19 per child), 3 hours, from age 8. Mountain bike, helmet, board, paddle and life jacket provided.
Rental prices are per person, safety equipment included. The 2-hour option at €16 is the most popular.
Dogs welcome
Paddle with your dog
Dogs are welcome on all our boats and on our paddle boards. The lake is closed, with no waves or current: a calm setting for a first outing together.
- Your dog comes on board with you for the whole outing.
- On land, dogs must be kept on a lead.
- We do not provide life jackets for dogs.
- Bring fresh water and a towel for your dog.
Key facts
- Age
- From age 6
- Level
- All levels, beginners welcome, no waves or current on the lake
- Ability
- Able to swim 25 m
- Equipment
- Stable board, paddle and life jacket provided
- Fleet
- 25 stand up paddle boards
- Safety
- Life jacket compulsory, briefing before every departure
- Wind
- Ideal below 10 km/h, possible from 10 to 15 km/h, not recommended above 15 km/h or in a storm
- Insurance
- Personal liability insurance required for all activities
- Dogs
- Welcome on boats and paddle boards, on a lead on land. No dog life jackets provided
- What to bring
- Swimwear, water shoes recommended, a towel and a change of clothes, sun cream in summer
- Deposit
- Proof of identity required for all equipment rental
- Last departure
- 1 hour before the base closes
- Payment
- Bank card, cash and Chèques-Vacances (ANCV)
- On site
- Free parking, toilets and changing rooms, picnic tables
- Season
- 10 April to 26 September 2027
- Opening times
- Weekends first, then every day from 28 June to 5 September: see the 2027 calendar
- Address
- D 40 E, 08500 Les Mazures (Ardennes, France), about 20 km north of Charleville-Mézières
Book online
Online booking is coming soon. In the meantime, write to us to book your slot.
Why paddle board on Lac des Vieilles-Forges?
- Calm water: 150 closed hectares, with no waves or current, for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
- A gentle activity: paddle boarding combines balance, relaxation and the pleasure of being out in nature.
- A natural setting: forest surrounds the lake, with coves and quiet spots, in the heart of the Ardennes Regional Nature Park.
- A supervised start: full briefing, life jacket provided, team on site.
Good to know: it gets busy in July and August, so booking online is a good idea. Arrive 15 minutes before your time slot to get kitted out and attend the briefing. Read our TripAdvisor reviews
Frequently asked questions
Where can I rent a stand up paddle board in the Ardennes?
At Lac des Vieilles-Forges, in Les Mazures, in the French Ardennes, about 20 km north of Charleville-Mézières. Cap Ardennes Events has been renting stand up paddle boards there since 2014, with 25 boards, on a closed 150-hectare lake.
Is stand up paddle suitable for beginners?
Yes. The lake is closed, with no waves or current. A full briefing is given before every departure and the boards are stable.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes: you must be able to swim 25 m. A life jacket is compulsory for the whole outing and provided by us.
From what age can you take part?
From age 6, with the compulsory life jacket. For younger children, pedal boats (in French) are open from age 3 with an adult.
How long should I choose?
One hour (€12) to discover, two hours (€16) to explore, the most popular option, and three hours (€22) to paddle without rushing. Prices are per person.
What happens if it is windy or stormy?
Stand up paddle is the activity most sensitive to wind. Above 15 km/h or in a storm, we offer you a postponement or a refund, in line with our terms and conditions. Rain alone is not a reason to cancel. Canoeing and kayaking and the electric paddle board cope better with wind. The limits are on the lake weather page (in French).
Can my dog come on the paddle board?
Yes: dogs are welcome on all our boats and on our paddle boards. On land, they must be kept on a lead. We do not provide life jackets for dogs.
Do I need insurance?
Yes: personal liability insurance is required for all our activities.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
The cancellation and change rules are set out in our terms and conditions of sale (in French).
How do I book?
Online, with real-time availability, secure payment and instant confirmation. For a group, request a quote.
Combine with
- Giant stand up paddleSeveral people on one board (in French)
- Electric paddle boardGlide effortlessly, even in the wind (in French)
- Cap Lac et SentiersMountain bike then stand up paddle (in French)
- Canoe and kayakThe best choice on windy days
- GroupsCompanies, associations, schools: request a quote
- Any questions?Write to us, we reply quickly