WELCOME TO THE FLOW DES GABARRIERS

france's longest non-stop open water marathon

5ÈME EDITION - SAMEDI 13 JUIN 2026

REGISTRATIONS OPEN !

l'ANGLETERRE À L'HONNEUR

AMY ENNION, AMBASSADRICE 2026 !

« L’eau représente tant de choses pour moi dans ma vie. C’est la liberté face à mon travail et à ma carrière. C’est la quiétude et la méditation, le seul moment où j’ai réellement l’impression que mon esprit se tait. Et c’est aussi un défi, d’un genre que je ne retrouve nulle part ailleurs dans le monde : un sport d’ultra-endurance où il n’y a aucune pause.

Pas de quoi s’assoir ou marcher. Pas de descentes où l’on peut se laisser aller. Pas de raccourcis, et aucune concession accordée par Mère Nature. Le défi peut être effrayant. Il peut être terrifiant. Mais c’est à ces limites que l’on découvre vraiment de quoi notre esprit et notre corps sont capables. »

EN SAVOIR PLUS SUR AMY ENNION
Affiche 2026

the template flow

samedi 13 juin 2026

Designed for experienced swimmers who wish to be part of an unique adventure open water swimming.

  • 33km downstream
  • solo or relay
  • a breathtaking route
Find out more

le petit gabarrier

Registration opening-> novembre 2025 !

Discover the 1 km open water swimming course in the heart of Cognac. Accessible from ages 12 to 99, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore outdoor swimming. Enjoy 500 meters downstream and then 500 meters upstream. An unforgettable swimming experience!

Find out more

the apprentice template maker

Registration opening-> novembre 2025 !

Discover the 16 km open water swimming event for experienced solo swimmers. Take on an exceptional distance and enjoy the support of spectators along the old towpaths from Jarnac. A great stage made in Charente!

Find out more

the flow challenge

Registration opening-> novembre 2025 !

Discover the 3 km open water swimming event, perfect for all levels, including beginners. Take on a personal challenge in a unique setting with 1500 meters downstream and 1500 meters upstream. An outing that will leave you wanting more!

Find out more

programme

8h00

Start of the 33km Flow Des Gabarriers solo

Le Bain Des Dames in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente

8h20

Start of the 33km Flow Des Gabarriers relay

Le Bain Des Dames in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente

10h30

Opening of the Finishers’ Village

Solençon square in Cognac

11h30

Start of the 16km Gabarrier Apprentice

Jarnac

11h30

Start of the 1km The Petit Gabarrier

Solençon square in Cognac

12h30

Start of the 3km Flow Challenge

Solençon square in Cognac

17h30

Prizegiving

Solençon square in Cognac

18h00

CLOSURE OF THE FINISHERS' VILLAGE

Solençon square in Cognac

The "Le Flow Des Gabarriers" association is made up of a small group of swimming enthusiasts from the Charente who are working to give people a taste of open water in a river environment. France's rivers, including the Charente, have been welcoming more and more swimmers in recent years, so join us!

En 4 ans plus de 450 nageurs se sont élancés sur des parcours plus ou moins longs, la 5ème édition s’annonce chargée avec 5 épreuves exceptionnelles ! N’attendez plus, réservez votre samedi 13 juin 2026 !

The association "Le Flow des Gabarriers" and its volunteers are available to help you undertake a unique personal challenge and answer all your questions!

listen to the total immersion experience of arthur germain, our 2022 godfather

  • It's even better in stereo!
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I don't have a kayaker. What can I do?

Each participant in the 33 kms and 16 kms is responsible for his or her own logistics team, including the accompanying kayaker. Your kayaker is one of the pillars of your organisation, and it's difficult to find someone locally. The event's FB page is one way of finding a volunteer to accompany you down the Charente. Don't leave it to the last minute!

Will I get seasick?

It's highly unlikely! The passing of boats can generate small ripples, and the wind can also create a slight chop.

Is a neoprene suit compulsory?

No, wetsuits are not compulsory, but they are recommended to prevent the risk of hypothermia during marathons.

How fast is the current in the Charente, is there a risk of being swept away?

The current in the Charente is weak, and the only passages where the current increases slightly are in sections that are not used or where it is forbidden.

What are the categories and prizes?

The Flow Des Gabarriers is an aquatic adventure that will crown the fastest swimmers at a prize-giving ceremony at 5.30pm. There are different categories (scratch, combi/without combi, men/women etc.) and exciting prizes donated by our partners.
see more questions
See our partners

Take on the challenge

Sign up today

en_AU
fr_FR es_ES it_IT en_AU