If you are looking for an unusual activity to do this summer, then now is the time for you to try your hand at rafting. As a group, you will have to manage to tame the slightly wild river and go down it without (too much) trouble aboard an inflatable boat. Beginners or confirmed, there are for all levels, we have specified the classes of each watercourse, from I being calm, to VI being it shakes its mother. And, oh surprise, rafting is not limited to the Gorges du Verdon! So, ready for the descent?
You will be rocked by the currents of the Durance, during 3 possible descents, from 45min to 3h of descent. The activity is open from 8 years old and up to a maximum of 10 people on the boat. Access is in Embrun, 20 minutes from Les Orres or 40 minutes from Gap.
Good to know : the descent is possible from April to October and children must be accompanied.
Meeting place : 91 Liberty Street, 05200 Embrun
Class : II and III
Duration : 45min to 3h
Price : from 32€ at Funbooker
If the Gorges de l’Hérault are not on your list, then now is the time to add them. You will pass by the Devil’s Bridge, a Natura 2000 classified place, aboard a boat for 2/3 people. The Gorges de l’Hérault offer all kinds of rapids, from the calmest to enjoy the surroundings, to the roughest for a little thrill. Two formulas are available: Discoveryfor the first practices of the activity with challenges to be met on the course and Experience, for the more accustomed, you will be on a more agitated river. You will be welcomed at the leisure center in Aniane, 40 minutes from Montpellier by car.
Meeting place : ZAE des Treiles 141 Avenue des Treilles, 34150 Aniane
Class : I and II
Duration : 3h
Price : from 40€ at Funbooker
This river in the Pyrenees is an ideal spot for a rafting descent. The leisure base is located on the shores of Lake Géry, 15 minutes from Luchon and 1h15 from Toulouse. The boats can accommodate 6 to 8 people. The course is ideal for families or friends. You will alternate between rapids, jumps in the water and navigation to vary the pleasures.
Meeting place : Lac de Géry – Saint beat (31440)
Class : II and III
Duration : 3h
Price : from 38€ at Funbooker
The Aude is an ideal place for rafting of all levels. At Axat, you will be offered different routes:
Discovery2h, 6km to gently discover the activity, departures at 10am and 1.30pm.
Jock, 2h, 7km, you will start with 1h15 of landscape then you will continue on the part which will help you a little, that’s the goal, isn’t it? Departures at 1:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.
Integral, 3h30, 13 km which is the longest course you can do by linking the 2 previous ones. Departure at 10 a.m.
Now that you have chosen your course, all you have to do is book!
Meeting place : Aliés bridge roundabout 11140 Axat
Class : II and III
Duration : 2h
Price : from 33€ at Funbooker
Here is a river a little more powerful than its neighbor the Isère, Le Doron is class IV. The river is not suitable for beginners but rather for those who have already had a few river descents. The descent will take place in 2 stages, the first to get into the bath, the second will offer its share of sensations with a more powerful descent into the river. Two possible departures from the leisure base: 8:30 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. and departure by minibus to get to the boarding point. The site specifies that the level of this descent is “very sporty”. From 16 years old.
Meeting place : Montgirod-Centron Leisure Center 73210
Class :IV
Duration : 2h
Price : from 78€ at Funbooker
Halfway between Grenoble and Monaco you can go rafting on the Ubaye. Discover the authentic landscapes of the region during a sensational descent suitable for the youngest, from 10 years old. Meet at the Pont du Martinet, to start your activity, the boat can support 6 to 8 people and it’s off for 1h15 of descent on the class III/IV sports river.
Meeting place : The Martinet bridge, 04340 Méolans-Revel
Class : III and IV
Duration : 2h30
Price : from 45€ at Funbooker
The Dranse is a class III river and is particularly suitable for rafting descents. Two descents are available to you: The discovery for the initiation to the practice (from 10 years old) and the classic for the initiated (from 14 years old). The descents last about 1h30. The leisure center is located in Vernaz, Thonon-les-Bains. For access from neighboring towns:
– Downtown Thonon: 18 minutes via D902
– Annemasse: 50 minutes from D903
– Geneva: 1 hour via D1005.
Don’t forget your bathing suit!
Meeting place : Leisure center located in Vernaz, 30 roundabout of Bioge, 74200 Thonon-les-Bains
Class : III
Duration : 2h
Price : from 42€ at Funbooker
The Isère offers you a rather calm descent suitable for beginners, families and those who want a peaceful trip in nature. However, it is essential for children (8 years old minimum) to know how to swim. The walk lasts approximately 1h30 over 7km with 2 departures during the day: 9:30 am or 2:30 pm. The Montgirod-Centron Leisure Center is located 1h20 from Annecy and 1h15 from Grenoble by car. A welcome drink is provided on your arrival to start the activity in a good mood!
Meeting place : Montgirod-Centron Leisure Center 73210 Montgirod-Centron
Class : II and III
Duration : 1h30
Price : from 56€ at Funbooker
The Gave de Pau is class II, perfect for a rather peaceful family descent, time to admire the landscapes of the valley. The activity is possible from an early age.
Meeting place : 24 Rue de Couscouillet, 65260 Villelongue
Class :II
From 6 years
Price : from 34€ at Funbooker
If you want to go down rivers of all levels, then head for the Gorges de L’Allier. The rivers will suit both beginners and the more experienced. From 4 to 7 people, you can embark for half a day or all day in “white water” with a course half rafting, half canoeing. Booking on their website is mandatory. Is included in the price: the equipment as well as the shuttle from the point of arrival to the point of departure. Two departures per day: 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from Prades 43300 beach.
Meeting place : Prades beach, 43300
Class : II and III
Duration : 1/2 day
Price : from 45€ at Canoe Valdallier
The Gorges du Tarn are particularly suitable for rafting with routes for all tastes and sensations in the midst of lush flora and fauna. The Rafting-Canoe site offers you a class 2-3 river descent (difficulty level up to 6) lasting nearly 2 hours and accompanied by a state-certified guide. The best period is between May and June and ends in mid-July depending on the water level. You will meet at Le Brouillet, then the shuttle will take you to the village of Les Vignes to start the activity. More information on 06 81 10 40 87.
Meeting place : Brouillet, Le Rozier 48150 Gorges du Tarn
Class : II-III
Duration : 2h
Price : from 30€ at Rafting Canoe Tarn
How to miss the Verdon, its turquoise waters and its cliffs if you are a rafting fan? Rafting Verdon offers 3 outings depending on your time and your level: discovery (2h), half-day or full day. After collecting your equipment, you will be briefed on the organization of the day. The meeting point is 2.5 km from the village of Castellane where you can park without worries. Find the access plan. On site, you will have showers, toilets and a terrace in the shade to enjoy the place before your departure.
Meeting place : Adventure Forest, D 952 Route de Moustiers, 04120 Castellane
Class : II and III
Duration : 2h to 5h
Price : from 45€ at Rafting Verdon