Where to make rafting in Ariège?

Do you want to have fun and face nature in the Occitania region? Here are the places to make rafting in Ariège.

Whether you're alone, as a couple, with friends or with family, a rafting session will be a pure moment of happiness during your holidays. You know how to swim, are you equipped and motivated?

So enjoy it to make a descent on the waters of the Ariège River, in the heart of the department of the same name. Several providers offer rafting descents in Ariège.

In fact, almost all have the same route, the descent of the Ariège River, from Ferrières-sur-Ariège, to Foix. Some also offer the Salat, VicDessos or Lez, if conditions permit and on request, usually in the spring.

If we search where to make rafting in Ariège, then the descent that crosses the city of Foix is the spot of the department. Also, it is only one hour away Toulouse and 15 minutes from Pamiers.

Here are the sites where to make rafting in Ariège!

Good to know.

The rafting is a sport of bright water that consists of descending from high-speed rivers and streams aboard an insubmersible pneumatic boat.

It can carry up to eight people accompanied by a State graduate instructor. It is possible to classify the descents according to different categories, ranging from I to VI.

The easiest being categories I and categories VI are very technical.

• Class I: level very easy ;
• Class II: level beginner ;
• Class III: level intermediate ;
• Class IV: level sport and advanced ;
• Class V: level Expert ;
• And finally Class VI: limit Airworthiness.

1. On the river Ariège

Course

The Ariège River crosses the department of the same name. She takes her source in the Pyrenees at 2,400 metres above sea level and then jumps into the Garonne after silling over 160 kilometres.

It crosses several cities in Ariège, including Ax-les-Thermes, Tarascon-sur-Ariège Foix and Pamiers. The Ariège River is the main spot and the ideal site if you are looking for rafting in Ariège.

The best period is March to May for a sports descent, with a larger flow, linked to the snow melt. And in general, for a classic descent from April to July.

Sensations guaranteed with the Scios and Foix’s stage of bright water, which are perfect for the sports of bright water. It’s a good leg or arm set before attacking the thorny waters.

A quieter discovery area allows you to cross the medieval town of Foix and see its famous castle. This medieval castle of the 12th century overlooking the surroundings on its rocky grove will be a beautiful view during your rafting descent.

Several types of rafting routes in Ariège are therefore offered, of different duration and distances.

• Discovery course: This is the simplest and shortest route, perfect for an initiation rafting in Ariège. The starting point is in Ferrières-sur-Ariège, at the level of the hydroelectric plant and it goes to the Foix stage of bright water;
• Severe waters: the initial 3-kilometre discovery journey continues with an hour of activities at the Foix water stadium;
• Browse familiar: with this rafting course in Ariège, the distance is a little longer since you pass 6 kilometers. The itinerary crosses Foix, always taking the departure to Ferrières-sur-Ariège and it ends at the exit of Foix at the Bruilhols district;
• Course adventure : So here is the longest and most difficult Ariège rafting route, sensations strong guarantees. The descent of the Ariège river allows you to discover beautiful landscapes on 9 kilometers. This time the starting point is from Mercus to connect Foix;
• Snow melting course: a sports descent with very interesting water flows for this possible route from March to May, following the snow melting. The level is much more technical, so not suitable for beginners.

Practical information

• The descents are supervised by State graduate guides. They usually do April to October ;
• We need to know how to swim 25 metres, immerse yourself, and be physical condition for a rafting descent;
• It is necessary to plan to come with closed shoes of type sneakers, swimsuit, towel and spare clothing. Seront provided : lifejackets, Neoprene combination and helmet;
• ♪ tariff rates advertised include navigation equipment, guidance, equipment and transport from the base to the point of departure. One. briefing will be done before departure with the monitor.

2. On the rivers Salat, Vicdessos, Lez

Duration: 1h30 to 2h30 on average Distance: variable according to the course – 6 km for the Lez

Course

It is possible to make rafting descents in Ariège on the Salat but only if the water level is high enough, usually in the spring.

This is the same for the Vicdessos and Lez River. These are small spots (class II/III) on which rafting descents are sometimes possible, but it is rather on demand. They are all located in the Natural Park of the Ariegean Pyrenees.

In general, it is more canoe or kayak descents that are available on these sites. Providers, for example, offer single or biplace kayaking options. A descent of about 1:30 for a complete activity 2:30 (from 20€ for adults and 15€ Children).

The main spot where rafting in Ariège remains the descent of the river of the same name that passes through the rapid Scios, the stadium of bright waters and the city of Foix.

• The Salat is a river that flows from the Garonne in the Cousserans region and takes its source in the Pyrenees. In the department of Ariège it crosses the cities of Seix, Oust, St Girons, St Lizier... ;
• The Vicdessos is one of the tributaries of the Ariège River;
• Lez is a river of the regional natural park of the Ariegean Pyrenees. It is a fairly easy descent for 6 kilometers from Audressein.

Practical information

• According to the season, the authorities can decide regulation the practice of rafting or rendering it squarely impossible. This is the case in particular of the spots mentioned above. If the rafting descent is not possible you can then maybe choose thealternative canoeing or kayaking ;
• In all cases, Graduate guides of States supervise the descent. They usually do April to October ;
• We need to know. swimming pool 25 meters, immerse yourself, and be physical condition for a rafting descent;
• It is necessary to plan to come with closed shoes of type sneakers, swimsuit, towel and spare clothing. Seront provided : lifejackets, Neoprene combination and helmet;
• ♪ tariff rates advertised include navigation equipment, guidance, equipment and transport from the base to the point of departure. One. briefing will be done before departure with the monitor;

Are you looking for rafting in Ariège? You now know two spots to have fun, you only have to book!