Pau, world capital of canoeing from September 23rd to October 1st, 2017 [fr]

No less than 500 athletes, representing 65 nations, are expected for this competition.
Le World Championship takes place every year (except on olympic years). Since its creation in 1949, it has taken place in France every 15 years. This will be the first time that Pau hosts it, after London in 2015 and before Rio in 2018.
The Whitewater Stadium in Pau is a nature spot at the heart of the agglomeration. Permanent training center for the National French Team, it is an international sports center, with over 30 foreign nations received each year during the training camps. Its vocation is to make wildwater sports accessible to all, with 30.000 people initiated to a wildwater activity each year.

Beyond the competition, this World Championship will offer a unique experience, in a festive and friendly atmosphere. Children as well as grown-ups will have the opportunity to be initiated to wildwater sports through animations open to the public. Free concerts and casetas held by local restaurant owners will allow a mix of culture and gastronomy with nature and sports, in the finest tradition of the Bearn region.

Canoeing is a nature sport by excellence. The World Championship was conceived so as to limit its impact on the environment. The event has earned an Agenda 21 label.