Looking for adventure and thrills? The Gorges du Verdon are the ideal place for a rafting trip. From Castellane to Palud, the courses offer a unique experience, combining sport with the discovery of breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're an amateur or an experienced rafter, there are courses to suit all levels. So don't hesitate, and embark on a memorable water rafting trip in the heart of France's great canyon.
Who should you go rafting with in the Gorges du Verdon?
Rafting, like climbing or canyoning, is an exciting sport, but it can be dangerous if you leave it to amateurs. For safety reasons, rafting cannot be improvised. We strongly recommend the services of Aboard Rafting, who offer several routes in the Verdon for different levels, and who will equip you and advise you in a highly professional manner.
You can access their site by clicking on the banner below:
Discover the Gorges du Verdon, the Grand Canyon of France
The Gorges du Verdon, stretching between the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, are a haven for rafting enthusiasts. This activity offers you an exceptional opportunity to discover this emblematic place from a new angle.
The wild, majestic landscapes of the gorges, with their towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters, add an incomparable charm to the experience. Let yourself be carried along by the current of the river, and you'll be able to observe the natural beauty of Europe's largest canyon.
Discovering the Grand Canyon du Verdon by raft is not just a sporting adventure, but also an immersive experience that lets you connect with nature in a magnificent setting.
Routes of varying lengths and difficulty are available, making this activity accessible to all, whatever your level of experience.
Rafting, an activity for all the family
Rafting is an activity that can bring the whole family together in a shared adventure. Many of the courses are designed to be enjoyed by children as young as 6, with strict safety standards and experienced guides. It's a fun and original way to discover the Gorges du Verdon together, sharing moments of complicity and wonder at the beauty of the landscape.
Adaptability: The rafting routes are adapted according to the age and physical abilities of the participants, allowing every member of the family to take part in the adventure in complete safety.
Equipment: The organisers provide all the necessary equipment, including life jackets and neoprene wetsuits, to ensure everyone's comfort and safety.
Qualified guides: The guides are trained not only to ensure the safety of the participants, but also to help them discover the hidden treasures of the Verdon in an educational and exciting way.
Good humour: Rafting is an activity that promotes good humour and laughter, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family.
In short, rafting is a family activity par excellence, offering the perfect combination of sport, discovery and shared pleasure.
The Air-Boat: individual rafting
The Air-Boat is a single-seater inflatable boat that offers a more individual rafting experience. It's the ideal alternative for those looking to go solo and take on the challenge of the Verdon rapids on their own. Using a double paddle allows you to manoeuvre the air-boat with precision and adapt to different water conditions. This activity is offered by ABOARD Rafting, with morning appointments to make the most of it. It's a sporting adventure that gives you the opportunity to experience the thrill of white water on your own terms.
Our opinion of Aboard Rafting: A superb experience
Aboard Rafting offers a variety of whitewater activities, from rafting and hydrospeed to canoe-raft and aqua-rando. Based in Castellane, the centre has direct access to the river from its Adventure Forest/ABOARD Rafting base on the banks of the Verdon.
There is something to suit all levels. Beginners can take it easy on half-day water rafting trips, while the more sporty can opt for multi-activity packages or two-day descents.
Canoe-raft trips: Ideal for adventurous paddlers, these two-person trips allow you to discover the Gorges du Verdon at your own pace.
Aqua-rando: Combining floating, swimming and jumping, this activity offers total immersion in the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon.
Sports days: Over several days, these combined packages offer a range of white-water experiences.
Thanks to the experience of its guides, who have navigated some of the world's most famous rivers, Aboard Rafting offers a professional and safe approach to these activities, all in a friendly atmosphere.
Prices at Aboard Rafting
Aboard Rafting offers competitive prices for an unforgettable experience. Prices vary according to the length and difficulty of the trip.
A 2-hour tour of the Middle Verdon, suitable for children aged 8 and over, costs €50.
A half-day trip along the same route, lasting 3? hours and suitable for children aged 12 and over, costs €65.
A full-day rafting trip on the Moyen-Verdon, lasting 5 and a half hours, costs €80.
Other activities include canoe-rafting, with a 2-hour guided descent of the Moyen-Verdon for 16-year-olds and over, at a cost of €50.
All these activities are available from April to September. Bookings can be made directly on their website.
What are the best rafting descents in the Verdon?
For a memorable descent, the Point Sublime route is very popular. With a duration of 4 hours and a distance of 16 km, this is a route for the more adventurous.
Another route, starting in Castellane, is an 8km descent lasting around 1? hours, accessible to all and supervised by a qualified guide.
The Legendary Rafting route offers a 2? to 3-hour descent through the most challenging rapids in the Gorges, for a complete change of scenery.
The Grand Canyon descent between Chasteuil and Pont Sublime is a 14km trip lasting 4? hours, recommended for those over 16. With a longer route, the Rafting Intégral between Castellane and Point Sublime is a 22km descent lasting 5 hours, offering breathtaking views over the Gorges du Verdon.
Other water activities to discover
Canyoning in the Gorges du Verdon
Canyoning is another flagship activity in the Gorges du Verdon. It allows you to discover the natural spectacle of these gorges in a unique and exciting way. This activity combines different disciplines such as abseiling, swimming, walking and sometimes even jumping.
There are various canyoning routes in the Gorges du Verdon, suitable for all levels. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll find a course to suit your skills and desires. Among the most popular routes are the Haut-Jabron canyon, ideal for beginners, and the Lance canyon, more suited to more experienced sportsmen and women.
Qualified professionals are on hand to guide you and ensure a safe canyoning experience. They will provide you with all the necessary equipment and give you instructions and advice adapted to your level.
It is advisable to book your canyoning trip in advance, especially during the high season. Prices vary according to the route chosen and the duration of the activity.
Canoeing and kayaking
As well as rafting, the Gorges du Verdon also offer canoe and kayak trips. These activities are suitable for all levels, whether you're an experienced paddler or a beginner. They offer a different experience to rafting, allowing a more leisurely immersion in the beauty of the Verdon rapids.
You can also opt for a family canoe trip, a more leisurely activity suitable for children. For thrill-seekers, kayaking is a more sporting and technical activity. You can navigate at your own pace, discovering the region's characteristic landscapes and enjoying an adventure on the water in complete freedom.
There are a variety of routes to choose from, depending on your level and preferences. Some routes, like the one offered by Yeti Rafting, are accessible to 14-year-olds and over. Departure is from the village of Castellane, for an unforgettable discovery of the Gorges du Verdon.
Don't forget that canoeing and kayaking require a high level of fitness. So get ready for a sporty, spectacular and friendly experience.
Water sports in Esparron
Esparron de Verdon is a prime location for water sports enthusiasts. Lined with cliffs and creeks, Lake Esparron offers an exceptional panorama for your boat trips.
For an authentic, environmentally-friendly experience, opt to hire an electric boat. Quiet and easy to handle, it lets you discover the Verdon landscapes in complete tranquillity.
If you prefer a more sporting activity, canoeing is ideal. You can navigate at your own pace, between calm waters and faster currents.
For a more gentle way of exploring the river, pedalos are a great option for young and old alike.
Finally, for a unique experience, come aboard the Perle du Verdon, the only cruise boat on the Verdon, for a one-hour guided boat trip.
Don't forget your swimming costume to make the most of the many coves and beaches accessible only by water.
We hope this article on rafting and other water sports in the Verdon has been of interest to you. If you're looking for qualified professionals for rafting in the Verdon, we recommend Aboard Rafting, you won't be disappointed: