Canoe-Kayak in Pau 

In 1867, a Scotsman named Mac Gregor landed in France in "Rob Roy", a wooden kayak inspired by ancestral vessels. This event marked the beginning of the modern era of canoeing. The first Canoe-Kayak club was founded in 1904 on the banks of the Marne: the Canoe-Kayak Club de France in Bry sur Marne. Other clubs, sports associations governed by the Law of 1901, followed.

The French Canoe-Kayak and Paddle Sport Federation was founded in 1931 as a result of the desire of these clubs to join forces and organise canoeing.

Today, the Federation has more than 700 clubs, welcoming more than half a million enthusiasts either on a regular or occasional basis. The Federation has been delegated by the government to organise 11 disciplines: road racing, slalom, downhill, kayak polo, marathon, freestyle, ocean racing, Va'a, waveski surfing and dragon boat. Trekking, rafting and stand-up paddle are also disciplines practised in our clubs for recreational purposes..

Team Relay in Pau, May 20.

The Eaux Vives Stadium is one of the major training centres for the French canoe-kayak team, and has been the training ground for its most illustrious representatives: Tony Estanguet, (triple Olympic champion in slalom), Boris Neveu, etc.

Many international teams regularly organise training camps here. Since 2009, the venue has hosted a large number of international competitions: slalom World Cups on several occasions since 2009, the World Championships in 2017, and the European Championships in 2019.

For the team Relay, the Flame will go down the stadium escorted by various boats.

For the first time in the history of the Games, each day of the Olympic Torch Relay and Paralympic Torch Relay, relay teams of 24 people, made up of champions, everyday athletes, volunteers, referees, coaches, etc. will be organized to spread the energy of sport and teamwork throughout the country.