Places of rafting in the Morvan Natural Park

Do you want strong feelings? Here are the places to make rafting in the Morvan Natural Park!

The Morvan Regional Natural Park is located in the heart of Morvan, in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region. The Morvan, a green lung of France, is a natural site preserved, authentic and wild. The lively waters of the Cure and its tributary Le Chalaux, which thus cross the Morvan, have a very good reputation for water sports, in times of water cowards.

These two spots are an alliance between adrenaline and the discovery of nature, with all the subtleties of the Morvan Natural Park. The Morvan Regional Natural Park is also the closest rafting site to Paris (2h30) and easy access from major cities like Lyon (2h30), Dijon (1h30) and Nevers (1h30).

So, ready to discover the freshwaters? You are told everything about the places where to make rafting in the Morvan Natural Park.

The rafting consists of navigating high-current rivers aboard an insubmersible pneumatic boat. The canoes generally accommodate 6 to 8 people, in addition to the monitor. Six classes of rivers classes the spots according to difficulties. Class I watercourses are the easiest and the most technical.

Now that you know this, let's discover the spots where to make rafting in the Morvan.

The Chalaux

Chalaux is the main spot for rafting in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. This river , tributary of the Cure crosses the Morvan Regional Natural Park, and more tumultuous and calm passages. It is therefore a high place for live water sports.

Total relaxation on this site where nature is of all beauty. The descent passes through the woods and the river is framed with large stones covered with green foam. The road is far enough, ensuring total calm and immersion in the heart of nature, with the possibility to see birds, fish... Chalaux is the perfect spot if you are looking for rafting in the Morvan Natural Park.

Course

In the heart of the wild nature of the Parc du Morvan a descent to begin with the chills of living water in the forest of Morvan. The base is in Chalaux, the village with the same name as the river or Plainefas/Chaumeçon, according to the provider. The departure is usually from the Plainefas Dam.

The route passes through hardwood and thorny forests, through granite rocks. A descent in the heart of nature, away from the road and homes. Sensations guaranteed with Class IV rapids and passages.

Also, this manoeuvial river alternates between calm passages and narrow passages with steeper water flow. Several steps are therefore on the program, including some techniques, such as "the ball pool", "the 400 metre crossing", "the loss of the calves" and "the passage of Courtibas". Chalaux’s sporting descent is well known because it is a stage of the French and European downhill canoeing championships.

The course is made in an exceptional natural setting. But for even more activity, the descents of the Morvan Park and its bright waters, there is also the cano-raft formula. A tandem descent in a boat for two people with a navigation guide. A perfect formula for training in this type of navigation.

The starting point is the Chalaux base, from 14 years old, sports level and recommended experience. There is also a private boat formula. Several possibilities are available, including the mini sports raft "peanut" for 3 people or private rafting for 4, 5 or 6 people. A perfect formula for a family or friends descent.

Several formulas are in the program:

• Classic formula: for a crew of up to 7 people. Average rate 45€ for adults and 37€ children under 10 years of age;
• Family rate formula: for a nice family descent with a guide. From three people, including a minor child. Average 40€ for adults and 37€ for under 10 years.

Practical information

The descents are framed by state-certified guides. They usually take place from April to October. You have to swim 25 meters, immerse yourself, and be in good physical condition to make a rafting descent. It is necessary to plan to come with closed shoes of type sneakers, swimsuit, towel and spare clothing.

Provided: lifejackets, neoprene combination and helmet. The advertised rates include navigation equipment, guidance, equipment and transport from the base to the starting point. A briefing will be made before departure with the monitor.

The Cure

The Cure is a river, tributary of the Yonne and flows into the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region. Among its 34 tributaries are Chalaux, which is renowned for food sports. The Cure Gorges are also appreciated for water sports, but also for climbing, hiking and visits to caves or archaeological sites.

Course

The landscape is of the same type as on the descent of the Chalaux, through a green nature and granite rocks. The departure is made from the nautical base at the place known as Plainefas on the commune of Saint Martin du Puy. For lovers of strong sensations several rapids await you, including that of the "7 bulls" and "the jump of the Gouloux". Here again we enjoy the beauty of nature, between dense greenery of underwood and rocks covered with foam.

In addition, it is also possible to make a cano-raft descent, a rafting-canoe mixture, in tandem. A bi-place boat for strong sensations and especially for perfection, in duo with a guide. Average rate 50 euros, starting at 14 years.

Practical information

The descents are carried out in a way supervised by State graduate guides. The descents usually take place from April to October. You have to swim 25 meters, immerse yourself, and be in good physical condition to make a rafting descent. It is necessary to plan to come with closed shoes of type sneakers, swimsuit, towel and spare clothing.

Provided: lifejackets, neoprene combination and helmet. The prices include navigation equipment, coaching, equipment and transport from the base to the starting point. You will also attend a briefing before departure with the monitor.

From now on, rafting in Morvan has no secrets for you. Good session!