Are you looking for strong feelings? We offer you a guide from the 5 places where to make rafting in the Gorges du Verdon.
The Gorges du Verdon is located between the departments of Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It is, of course, the Verdon, the local river, which was responsible for digging these emblematic gorges. The latter are divided into three parts: the bass gorges, the medium Verdon, and the great canyon, which is also the largest in Europe. Therefore, the place is ideal for the hiking , canyoning, but also for water sports, like rafting. So ready for the great adventure? We're telling you all about the five places where to rafting in the Gorges du Verdon.
BON A LEARN
- If helmets, neoprene equipment and vests are generally provided, don’t forget your bathing suit, sneakers and a dildo or something to eat if the course is long.
- Finally, the best time to enjoy the Gorges du Verdon in rafting is in July and August, because outside these two months, you will not be assured.e to have a sufficient flow to survey the river.
1. The Sublime Point route
Photo credit: Shutterstock – kavram
Level difficult:
Duration 4h
Distance 16 km
Course
This route where rafting in the Gorges du Verdon is surely the most outstanding in the area! It is also the most famous.
The path of the Sublime Point lasts about half a day . You will start your journey near Castellane, in Chasteuil, then you will leave for an unforgettable nautical getaway 14 km who will take you to the Samson Corridor. For 2 to 3 hours of activity, you will combine descents, rapids, and tedious passages Class III + (though difficult) . In addition to strong sensations, you will enjoy magnificent views in the heart of the gorges. Also, note that your arrival will be at the entrance of the famous great canyon! A great reward for your efforts.
Practical information
- To navigate this emblematic course of Verdon, you will need to meet some requirements, such as having a physical condition.
- Also, this rafting session in the Gorges du Verdon is not accessible to children of Under 12 years.
2. The course of the Pont de Soleil
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Claudio Giovanni Colombo
Level intermediate:
Duration 2:30
Distance 15 km
Course
Ready for 2:30 rafting? Although quite similar to the Sublime Point, the Sun Bridge is slightly quieter. This route will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the gorges, to observe the aquatic fauna and the surrounding flora, and perhaps even to pick a head when it is allowed.
But don't get me wrong! Indeed, some descents and other rapids will piment your rafting session in the Gorges du Verdon. Thus, on this unpublished playground, you will cross some iconic passages of the river, such as the Barre Saint-Jean, sometimes dreaded, but also the Clue de Chasteuil: a particularly rocky slope, with limestone walls. Finally, once you arrive at a good port, you will land on the beautiful beach of the Pont de Soleil where you can recover your emotions!
Practical information
- The Pont de Soleil route is accessible to people from over 10 years, in good physical condition, but also to persons with reduced mobility.
- You will leave Castellane for 15 km of navigation on the Verdon.
3. The course of Talloires
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mira Drozdowski
Level : easy
Duration 4h
Distance 22 km
Course
Do you hesitate between several routes? So we offer you a condensed version to make rafting in the Gorges du Verdon and take advantage of its little corners. The canyon won’t have any secrets for you after this day 22 km On the river!
First, you will pass through a few rapids called “facial”, Class I and II . These steps will then help you face the Barre Saint-Jean, for it much more tedious. After this first half-day, you will enjoy a lunch break with your teammates on the famous beach of Pinède.
Then, after an express digestion, you will go back to your boat “La Dégoulinante”: a quick one that you will need to tame. Finally, you will continue your route the rest of the afternoon, juggling between the rapids and the calm flat. Your day trip will end with the Samson Corridor, the iconic arrival of the Sublime Point. And after your last descent, you walk up to one of the famous viewpoints to relax and enjoy the view!
Practical information
- This path is accessible from 8 years old.
- Also, think about bringing your picnic, and your water dildo!
4. The Discovery Version of the Verdon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – David Evison
Level : easy
Duration 1h30
Distance 8 m
Course
The departure of the discovery route is located in the heart of Castellane. You will go for 8 km of navigation on the Verdon, where you can taste the joys of strong sensations in small rapids, but also to the beauty of the places. Keep your eye open on the geology of the gorges: limestone rocks, seaweeds of several hundred meters, but also the imposing rock of Castellane.
You will then pass through the intransigent Barre de Saint-Jean, which represents the most enlivened passage of your journey, present in almost all the routes. No worries, however, your monitor will help you navigate through this fast without a bug. To finish this discovery course in rafting, you will arrive on the beach of Pinède. There, you can enjoy the last moments in the water before bringing your rafting back to good port.
Practical information
- This rafting course in the Gorges du Verdon is intended for beginners over 8 years who prefer to start smoothly.
- Indeed, the “discovery” route simply lasts 1:30, an ideal time to discover the practice of rafting.
- The Gorges du Verdon in packraft
5. The Verdon secret course in Raft Pack
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Konmac
Level difficult:
Duration 5h
Distance 27 km
Looking for an innovative version to make rafting in the Gorges du Verdon? It falls well, several nearby agencies offer a derivative of the rafting from Alaska: the Raft Pack! So you can test a different version of the rafting and discover another facet of the river. We explain everything.
Course
You will start with a hike 2:30 with your raft in... your backpack! Indeed, you will have a small foldable personal boat for this unprecedented journey. You will then cross the Imbut trail on several kilometers, then reach the Verdon. It’s time to put you in the water! There, on the shores, you will swell your raft and take a descent that will allow you to refresh yourself.
As a result of this descent, you will discover the hidden face of Verdon, like majestic limestone caves inside cliffs. You will transform yourself into true explorers, since some parts are only accessible in small boats. Moreover, by being alone in your raft, you will have more room for manoeuvre.
Practical information
- To discover the course of the Secret Verdon in Pack Raft, don’t forget to take out what to drink and eat, because the route is extended over a whole day.
- Also, the group is limited between 3 to 6 persons maximum to ensure optimal security.
What route will you choose for a dose of strong rafting sensations in the Gorges du Verdon? Tell us all in comment!
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