Dougoud, who is poised to make his Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 next year, navigated a tricky course in the French city to finish in 95.11sec. 

He finished in front of Czech Tomáš Zima in 95.85, followed by Argentina’s Thomas Bersinger in 98.77.

"I made some mistakes, but it was a good run," Dougoud said.

"Last year I was a little bit stressed and made a lot of mistakes because of the Olympic selection. 

"It’s really strange and really special, so maybe today I was more relaxed."

Marie-Zélia Lafont made use of her home advantage to triumph in the women's K1 in 106.57.

French team mate Romane Prigent was second in 110.55, with Ukraine’s Viktoriia Us coming in third in 111.92. 

"It’s special, even though the best are not here the French team is very strong," Lafont said.

"I was not too relaxed, because there are a lot of international competitors so I need to be prepared. 

"But I am very happy with the way I am paddling."

Competition, which is taking place without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to continue tomorrow with the men and women's C1 medal races.   

This is just the second ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup event of the year, owing to the pandemic.