On holiday in the Pyrenees? Discover where to make rafting in Pau, to offer strong sensations on the Bavarian waters!
In the heart of Pyrenees , Pau is a city where he makes good living. Arriving on site, it is easy to understand why. Surrounded by mountains, the city preserves a beautiful historical heritage while maintaining a perfect harmony with its modernism.
Discover the castle of Pau, the old town, the park Baumont, the boulevard des Pyrénées, without forgetting to taste the gastronomy and wines of the region. If you prefer nature, the Bearn is a real playground. For sensation lovers, we recommend testing the best spots where to make rafting in Pau. Wanderlix has prepared your list. Then follow the guide!
1. Le Gave d’Oloron
Level: beginner to intermediate
Duration: between 2 hours and 1 day
Distance: between 7 and 23 kilometres
Course
The Olon gaver is among the best places to make rafting in Pau. There are several routes to choose according to your level and availability:
- Baptism: for beginners, this seven-kilometre journey takes you to the discovery of rafting and its obstacles. A few moments of relaxation await you between invigorating rapids;
- Half day: during a morning or afternoon, take the rapids of this high-colored gavel. Have a good time of fun with your friends and/or family;
- Adventure: for the most experienced, go to Navarrenx on the Olon water. With the many rapids that await you, the sensations are guaranteed.
Practical information
The appointment is made directly in the centre. Then you will take a bus with the monitor and your entourage, direction Oleron. Here are some informations before you start for a rafting session in Pau:
- It is strongly advised know how to swim to embark on such an adventure;
- De physical conditions are preferable to be able to face the rapids;
- The centres are between March and October ;
- A complete rafting equipment is provided to you, namely a neoprene combination, a helmet and a lifejacket;
- You'll have to bring your bathing suit, Basketballs, a towel and spare clothing.
2. The Gave de Pau
Level: beginner
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 13 kilometres
Course
On board your submersible inflatable boat, face the rapids of the Pau gave. With up to eight people and the monitor, the rafting promises an exceptional day with your loved ones. Located between Lourdes and Lestelle Bétharram, Pau gave you the wave of flip flap, as well as the cave bridge.
These places are particularly renowned, as they regularly host international rafting competitions.
Practical information
Bad weather or rain, it is not sufficient excuse to cancel a rafting session in Pau. The monitors that accompany you ensure your safety against Mother Nature. Don't worry! Upstream, they check that the spot is practicable for everything to be done at best.
However, if the weather is really unfavourable, the rafting session will be postponed. Apart from the weather, here are some conditions to make rafting in Pau:
- Between 7 and 83 years old;
- Being able to swim and immerse themselves (no need to be a great swimmer, but at least move in the water)
- Not to be pregnant, no heart.
3. The water of Ossau
Level: intermediate to experienced
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: between 9 and 22 kilometres
Course
Your guide is waiting for a rafting session in Pau. The gave d’Ossau is probably one of the most sporting spots in the region. The route extends from Herrère and Oloron-Saint-Marie, where you will discover the rapids of the Bager.
If you and your group are enthusiasts of strong sensations, it is possible to add additional options to make the adrenaline rise: then cross bridges and imposing dams. I am sensitive to abstain! If you leave for the full day, the picnic is planned to regain strength before going to other rapids.
Practical information
The Herrère route in Oloron-Saint-Marie is only available from April to June. This period is the most exciting because of ice melting. Here are the conditions to discover the rafting in Pau:
- Have over 7 years ;
- Savoir swim.
4. The aquasport park
Level: beginner
Duration: like you want
Distance: 5 000 m2
Course
If you have never done rafting, it may be better to start in a more framed place than in the middle of the river. For this purpose, the Pau-Pyrénées stage of bright water is the perfect place for an initiation. Here you are at the foot of the mountains in an exceptional setting.
An artificial river is waiting for you to discover this activity. The park has equipment worthy of large professionals. With its water plan of 5,000 m2, the stadium includes different routes; an arrival basin, an initiation basin and a live stream with adjustable flow rate.
In addition to rafting, the park also offers many other activities, such as kayaking, hydrospeed, or surfing.
Practical information
The park is open throughout the year. This is the ideal plan if you want to make rafting in Pau when the other companies are closed. Also, know that the staff is trilingual and speaks French, English and Spanish.
Now that you have all this information, just paddle!
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