6 places to make rafting in the Pyrenees

Are you going on vacation in the Pyrenean mountains? Are you going to make a lot of sensations by organizing a rafting of the Pyrenees?

For a fun activity between friends or family, opt for rafting in the Pyrenees! On board a large pneumatic boat, you devalue the streams of water between calm and impetuous rapid portions. Guides are experienced and know rivers by heart. They will take you safely to make you spend unforgettable moments under the sign of strong emotions.

The chain of the Pyrenees separates France from the Spain and peaks at 3,400 metres above sea level. In the spring, the melting of the snow fills countless torrents that stretch the slopes to reach some of the most beautiful French rivers. These snakes in grandiose landscapes and offer the opportunity to practice all kinds of live water sports.

1. Rafting on the Garonne

Course

The Garonne is a Class 2 river that allows all travellers to enjoy themselves during a rafting descent in the Pyrenees. The passages in the current are playful without being too technical. You can choose between different routes.

The first, from Spain to Lake Gerry, is 10 kilometers. The second between the Lac de Géry and the Fronsac area offers you 11 kilometers of navigation. And for sports addicts, it is possible to combine both for nearly 4 hours to slide on the water.

The flat passages and the rapids connect to a sometimes calm, sometimes frenetic rhythm. Under the instructions of the bar, you paddle or cling to the rope to not be ejected from the boat. The flow of the river allows all practitioners to easily learn rafting in the Pyrenees.

The experienced guide will make you comfortable and pass on his knowledge. Thus, you will enjoy the maximum of your live water descent on the Garonne.

Practical information

Activity is accessible 6 years provided that you can swim and be in good physical condition. It is not necessary to have already practiced rafting to take part in this activity.

2. Rafting on the Gave d’Ossau

Course

For a rafting descent in the most sporting Pyrenees, don’t hesitate! The river of the Gave d’Ossau offers the most beautiful navigable section of the Western Pyrenees. You'll go on expedition to the day or half day. Between 1h45 and 2h15 you will go from Herrère to Oloron-Sainte-Marie. For the day, you will leave the village of Buzy and take a mid-term picnic break.

This descent is technical and the frame is thus tightened. It is advisable to have already practiced rafting before embarking on the adventure. The rapids are linked with sometimes real stunts or the raft runs almost vertically.

Practical information

The descent is accessible from 12 years old . Due to the technical aspect of this rafting descent in the Pyrenees, the guides do not board more than 7 people. The rafting activity on the Gave d’Ossau is organized only between early April and late June when the flow rate is maximum.

3. Rafting on the Gave de Pau

Course

This descent will lead you from Saint-Pé de Bigorre to Lestelle Betharram. It is one of the best portions to make rafting in the Pyrenees. You will alternate quiet and rapid passages impetuous, for a beautiful day of adventures in bright waters.

The course is flexible, allowing all participants to enjoy. The guides know the river on the fingertips and can modulate the journey according to your desires. Choose: reassuring descent with family or veritable rodeo for the most expensive!

During your descent, you will pass through the famous Flip Flap wave, where the challenge will be to stay inside your boat. You will join the Pont des Grottes basin, which hosts national and international slalom competitions in kayaking. Strong senses guaranteed!

At the end of the course, you arrive on the nautical base where you can watch the photos that were taken in the descent. Another moment of fear in perspective...

4. The Gorges de l’Aude

Course

You will go downhill in rafting in the Pyrenees in the high valley of Aude. You enter directly into the subject with the crossing of the wild gorges of Saint-Georges. 3 kilometers of rapids connect for the greatest pleasure of lovers of strong sensations.

The current then slows down, it’s time to relax with the crossing of the villages of Axat and Saint-Martin-Lys. The most technical passages then arrive in the gorges of Pierre-Lys. This portion is reserved for wardens from 12 years old.

No panic, if you don’t want to get into the adventure, it’s possible to land before serious things start! If you want to sketch the rapids, you will board the shuttle and follow the adventures of other team members from the edge. You will take a place in the rafting when the river calms again.

Finally, you will end your rafting descent in the Pyrenees to the private beach of the base. After a beautiful day full of sensations, a little swim is needed!

Practical information

This rafting descent in the Pyrenees is accessible from 6 years old except the passage of the gorges of Pierre-Lys from 12 years old .

The course is 14 kilometers and takes about 3h30. There is a possibility to go in initiation on a stretch of only 7 kilometers and 1h15. This course can also be done on a day, with a picnic break at noon. Ideal for a family day.

5. Rafting on Ariège in Foix

Course

Ariège is a Pyrenean department, but it is also a wild river that descends from the mountains to throw itself into the Garonne. For a nice rafting ride in the Pyrenees, choose the portion between Ferrières-sur-Ariège and Foix.

Over 9 kilometers you will experience a condensed of emotions between strong currents and quieter passages. The course begins with the Scios rapids, a Class 3 passage that will bring the adrenaline up. The boat driven by an experienced boat will be shaken but you will cross this passage (almost) without congestion.

It will then be 500 meters of waves in the stadium of bright water! The opportunity to learn the maneuvers at the paddle or to throw themselves into the water to be carried by the current.

At the end of this rafting descent in the Pyrenees, you will cross the beautiful city of Foix, pass under the old bridge then reach the majestic castle of the 12th century.

Practical information

This descent is accessible from 6 years old . The river is navigable between April and September . For a rafting descent in the Pyrenees sport, visit the spring. In the summer, the flow rate is calm and is suitable for families looking for a quieter activity.

6. La vallée d’Aure à Saint-Lary-Soulan

Course

You will take a place in your boat at the bridge of Bazus, downstream of Saint-Lary-Soulan, for a quiet first part. You can learn about the navigation techniques at the paddle. Then you will sail on the river Neste d’Aure, in an emerald green water.

After the Cadéac dam, you enter the gorges or the flow rate accelerates. This sportier part will lead you through several rapids, including the "letter of letters". At this stage of your rafting descent in the Pyrenees, some of the crew members will probably go to the water, the occasion of good moments of rigolade.

Life jackets and helmets guarantee a safe practice. After about 1h15 descent depending on the water flow, you will arrive at the village of Arreau. You can take a drink before you go back to the shuttle to your departure point.

Practical information

The relatively short duration of the descent is ideal for learning about the joys of live water sports. The descent is accessible to everyone from 5 years old, provided you can swim.

So prepare your sports business and go rafting in the Pyrennées!