Montrichard is a medieval market town on the Cher River in the Loir-et-Cher département, set beneath a dramatic 11th-century keep and surrounded by tuffeau-cave wine cellars and vineyard hillsides. The town's riverside leisure area provides a calm, flat-water launch zone for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) sessions operated by Montrichard Loisirs, located directly on the Bords du Cher. The Cher at this point is wide, slow-moving, and sheltered from prevailing westerlies by the valley walls, making it one of the most beginner-friendly SUP venues in Centre-Val de Loire. Boards and paddles are provided; life jackets (buoyancy aids) are available and recommended for non-swimmers. No prior SUP experience is required; staff offer a short instruction covering standing position, paddle stroke, and how to fall safely before the session begins. Sessions run from one to two hours at a cost of €15–€22 per hour. Participants must be able to swim 25 metres unaided; children aged eight and over can join with an adult present on the water. From the board, paddlers look up at the Donjon de Montrichard keep perched on its tuffeau spur above the town, and downstream the river winds between poplars and the terraced vineyards of the Montrichard wine zone. The stretch is approximately 2 kilometres before reaching the next weir, allowing for an easy out-and-back session. Calm mornings produce mirror-flat water ideal for photography; light afternoon breezes add a gentle balance challenge for those wanting to develop their skills. The SUP season runs from June through September, with July and August offering the warmest water, typically 20–22 °C. Wetsuits are not required; swimming costumes or quick-dry shorts are appropriate. Sunscreen and a secure hat are recommended, as UV exposure on open water is high. Montrichard Loisirs is located at the public beach area on the Bords du Cher, accessible on foot from the town centre in approximately five minutes.
Activity facts
- Where
- Montrichard, Loir-et-Cher
- Duration
- 1–2 hours
Equipment
- Board and paddle provided
- Life jacket available
Location
Montrichard Loisirs, Bords du Cher, 41400 Montrichard, France
47.3428, 1.1810 View on map
Highlights
- Flat-water SUP sessions on the Cher directly beneath the 11th-century Donjon de Montrichard keep
- Beginner-friendly venue with calm, sheltered river water and short staff instruction included
- Views of Montrichard's tuffeau hillsides, vineyard terraces, and medieval town skyline from water level
- No wetsuit required — warm summer Cher water of 20–22 °C in July and August
- Central location a five-minute walk from Montrichard's town centre and cave-wine restaurants
Tips for visiting
- Book morning slots in July and August — afternoon breezes make balance harder for first-timers.
- Bring a waterproof phone case or leave valuables at the Montrichard Loisirs base; falling in is common for beginners.
- Quick-dry shorts and a rash guard are ideal; cotton clothing becomes heavy and uncomfortable when wet.
- Apply high-SPF sunscreen before arriving — reapplication on the water is awkward and easily missed.
- Consider pairing the session with a visit to a nearby sparkling-wine cellar carved into the tuffeau bluffs for an afternoon cultural contrast.
Frequently asked questions
Is prior SUP experience necessary?
No. Montrichard Loisirs staff provide a short pre-session briefing covering standing technique, paddling, and safe falling before each hire. The flat, slow Cher current is ideal for first-timers.
What is the minimum age for SUP?
Children aged 8 and over can participate, provided an adult is present on the water. Younger children are not catered for on stand-up boards; check directly with Montrichard Loisirs about alternative inflatable kayak options.
Do participants need to be able to swim?
Yes. Participants must be able to swim 25 metres unaided. Life jackets (buoyancy aids) are available and strongly recommended for non-confident swimmers or beginners.
What if conditions become unsafe?
If wind speeds make conditions unsafe, Montrichard Loisirs will advise against launching or end the session early. Fees for weather-cancelled sessions are generally rescheduled; confirm the policy at time of hire.
Are wetsuits provided?
No wetsuits are offered. In the June–September season the Cher typically reaches 18–22 °C, making a wetsuit unnecessary for most participants. A rash guard is sufficient for UV protection.