Guidlines and rules of canoeing
Transcription
Guidlines and rules of canoeing
Canoeing on the Sorgue river USEFUL ADRESSES The Sorgue is the only river around the Mediterranean to enjoy a substantial outflow all year long. Even in mid-summer, while other rivers in the region are dry, it still flows several metres per second. The spring, which is one of the most substantial in the world, is supplied by a large reservoir made of limestone rocks. As the water remains underground for a long time, its temperature never excedes 13°C, even in the middle of summer. (Be careful to the risk of hypothermia). During your journey, you will go over hydraulic works which, for centuries, have enabled people to make use of this resource (driving force, fish farming, irrigation, etc.) You will discover an incredibly diverse environment which is the fruit of the climate, of the Sorgue's everflowing spring, of its flow which has been regulated thanks to hydraulic works, as well as the high quality of its water. If you watch carefully, you'll be able to spot rare and sometimes unique species in Provence such as the beaver, the grayling or Planer's lamprey… Likewise, you'll come across flora that is exceptional for the region : the constant level of humidity provided by the Sorgue allows a substantial forest to grow, with ash trees, alders and elm trees. All these trees however are usually found north of the Loire river. The Sorgue has been part of the Natura 2000 network thanks to all those riches. For more information : www.laSorgue.com • Tourist office of Fontaine de Vaucluse • Ch. de la Fontaine +33 (0)4 90 20 32 22 • Tourist office of Le Thor • Place du 8 mai et du 11 novembre +33 (0)4 90 33 92 31 A river worth seeing • Fédération de Vaucluse pour la Pêche • et la Protection du Milieu Aquatique 575, chemin des Fontanelles - L'Isle sur la Sorgue +33 (0)4 90 86 62 68 and preserving • Centre Départemental de Pêche • et d’Initiation à l’Environnement Route du Thor – Velleron +33 (0)4 90 20 09 57 • Club Subaquatique Islois • La Cigalette – L’Isle sur la Sorgue +33 (0)4 90 38 90 38 • Comité Départemental du Vaucluse • de la Fédération Française de Canoë Kayak 1 rue Bourguet – Avignon +33 (0)4 90 27 90 63 • Canoeing club • L’Isle sur la Sorgue +33 (0)4 90 38 33 22 • Canoe rental • Kayak Vert +33 (0)4 90 20 35 44 Canoë Evasion +33 (0)4 90 38 26 22 • Office of the Comité Local de la Sorgue Amont • Syndicat Mixte du Bassin des Sorgues +33 (0)4 90 83 68 25 Head of publishing : the President of the Syndicat Mixte du Bassin des Sorgues. Made thanks to the financial support of the Agence de l'Eau RMC, of the Conseil Régional PACA and the Conseil Général du Vaucluse. Photo credits : Syndicat Mixte du Bassin des Sorgues - FFPPMA 84 Creation and printing - Agence 4 Epices 04 90 840 857 June 2009 Some Printed with vegetable ink on recycled paper DISCOVER THE SORGUE RIVER • Inter-town Tourism Office for the Sorgues area • and the Mont de Vaucluse Place de la Liberté – L’Isle sur la Sorgue +33 (0)4 90 38 04 78 principles to go canoeing on the river CANOEING COURSE MAP CANOEING ON THE SORGUE Recommended landing stage + P Dam : DANGER Canoeing course Car park Canoeing course Canoeing on the Sorgue also means knowing, enjoying and sharing the river Local authority bylaw Dated 09/10/1995 (modified) CONCERNING NAVIGATION ON THE SORGUES In pratical terms, it means : • Abide by the regulations The regional authorities impose a set of rules and bylaws (see opposite). • Preserve natural environment CANOEING COURSE The river life of The Sorgue is unique in Provence and some species are delicate and protected. This applies to both wildlife and plants. Watch them but don't disturb them ! • Respect private property The river bed and the banks of the river are private property as are all the hydraulic structures (dam…). Fishing is widely practised on this canoeing course (a firstcategory river for fish farming), but there is plenty of room for everybody. Fishermen must allow safe passage for canoeists and in return, canoeists must respect the peace and quiet necessary for good fishing. End of navigable section Recommended landing stage + P on the Sorgue instructions 1. The navigation on the Sorgues is allowed only between the third Saturday of April and December 31st. Except for the third week-end of September (fishing closure) / (French Canoeing Federation permit holders have special dispensation.) 2. During this period, navigation is allowed between 9 : 30 AM and 6 : 00 PM. (no hourly restriction on Thursday evenings) • Take into account other activities • Respect safety navigation The main clauses are the following : 3. Only canoes, kayaks and traditional punts are allowed to navigate. Any other means of navigation is strictly forbiden. for Do not approach the floodgates. Use a certified life-jacket. Use appropriate well-maintained equipment. Navigate with a professionnal or competent instructor. Those rules regarding navigation on the Sorgue, published by the Préfecture de Vaucluse, aim at : - Preserving the uniqueness of the river and its surrondings - Maintaining both fishing and canoeing on the river - Maintaining public safety and tranquility It is in everybody’s interest to respect these rules and bylaws