3 places to make rafting in Serre-Ponçon

Are you staying in the South Alps? Discover the best spots where to make rafting in Serre-Ponçon to make the full of sensations!

Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, Serre-Ponçon Lake offers magnificent landscapes. But beyond its very pretty beaches, this natural paradise is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts! Many rafting lovers gather in Serre-Ponçon.

But you can also do canoe-kayak, paddle, windsurfing, waterskiing, pedal boat... You will find your happiness! It is an opportunity to discover these wild valleys, accessible only from the water... Without further delay, here are the best places to make rafting in Serre-Ponçon!

1. Durance

Course

Although it is famous in history for its terrible floods, the Durance is the nourishing river of Provence. It is above all that feeds the lake of Serre-Ponçon. Very accessible, it still promises beautiful sensations! Usually you start in Châteauroux-les-Alpes (11 km) or in Saint-Clément, higher (18 km). In any case, you lead to Embruns at the lake gates.

2h to 3h30 of live water routes await you. It is also an opportunity to sail on the famous wave of the Clapière, which is almost all year long. The Rabioux's wave is more difficult to match, and it is intended for experienced raftors or lovers of strong sensations!

Practical information:

• Although it offers true sensations, the Durance is accessible to all levels. If you’re a beginner and are looking for rafting in Serre-Ponçon, don’t hesitate!
• The most adventurous (and experienced) will face the mythical wave of Rabioux. This is one of the most famous waves in Europe! However, the latter is very hollow. Wait till you get out of here...
• Outside the summer, contact the nautical bases before Before you go there.

That is: Are you staying in the area between late May and early June? Discover the event of the Durance radeliers. This is the historical reconstruction of an activity in the Hautes-Alpes more than a hundred years ago. Indeed, the Durance once allowed to go back to the Mediterranean. Visit Châteauroux-les-Alpes to get back to time!

2. Ubaye

Course

Less famous than the Durance, the Ubaye nevertheless offers very nice courses to make rafting in Serre-Ponçon. The majority of them are destined for an informed audience. The descents are more difficult and the higher flow rate! You usually leave from Lauzet or Guillestre/Eyglier, higher. However, some sections can go down with the family. These include:

• Jausier in Barcelonnette / Rioclar (1h30);
• Thuiles / Coudamine from Jausier to Frequire (1h30);
• Martinet in Lauzet (1h30).

In all, it's 52 kilometers of practicable river, 60 rapids and 9 routes that await you. All around, the valley is preserved and wild. A real pleasure for nature lovers!

Practical information

• Although the Ubaye is considered difficult to navigate, the water bases have been able to adapt certain routes to the whole family. Indeed, you will find out who are destined for children from 6 years old ;
• You can also navigate the Ubaye in the spring. Your equipment will be adapted so that you can spend an equally pleasant moment;
• Some schools propose to descend the river over two days. You then bivourate in nature. An experience out of time!

3. The Guil

Course

Located in the heart of Queyras Regional Natural Park , the Guil Gorges offer an exceptional setting to make rafting in Serre-Ponçon. If you like to discover usually inaccessible landscapes, then don’t wait to browse the lively waters of the Guil combs! Several courses are offered to you, including the main ones:

• Aiguilles à Châteaux Queyras ou Ange Gardin à le Veyer (1h15) ;
• Château Queyras at the Chapelue (2h) ;
• Chapelue at Maison du Roy (1h45);
• Ville-Vieille in Mauson du Roy (4h).

These trails cover a total of 25 kilometers, where fast lines and cliffs are covered. This is the river for those who love intimate and grandiose landscapes!

Practical information

• The Guil offers more challenges than the Durance. His descents address experienced rafters or adventurers (in good physical condition);
• Compared to Ubaye, this river is wilder. However, its flow rate is slightly lower;
• The Guil is practicable May to Octoberaccording to the sections.

But also...

In the vicinity of the valley of Serre-Ponçons, you will find other rivers where to practice raft:

• La Clarée, located in the Nevache valley, is a 3/4 river. Especially pretty, it is ideal for making rafting in Serre-Ponçon in May;
• La Guisane, or river of Serre-Chevalier, is a river of class 2/4. Like the Durance, it is very accessible, but also offers some challenges. Preferably in spring;
• The Gyr, very tumultuous, is primarily intended for experienced rafters (class 4). Strong senses guaranteed!

Prepare your equipment to make rafting in Serre-Ponçon!