White Water Rafting in the Verdon: rapids and family rides

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Where to go rafting in the Verdon?

With 100 km of gorges, the Verdon offers a diversity of landscapes and styles for its exploration by water. Let us recall here that the gorges of the Verdon are divided into three parts. The lower gorges are ideal for quiet canoeing with children. The Baudinard gorges are refreshing and superb yet it is once more a matter of strolling and exploring. Eventually, the Grand Canyon is the one reserved for kayaking professionals but it can be explored on an aquatic hike.

So, where to go rafting in the Verdon? For a thrilling experience, you have to go to Castellane upstream of the Grand Canyon.

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How to practice rafting in the Verdon?

Rafting consists of an inflatable boat containing eight people. It was invented 40 years ago by the military to transport equipment on waterways. So you’ll be up to eight passengers on a raft for one helmsman. Don’t expect to lead the raft! The helmsman is a qualified instructor who is responsible for the crew. Therefore, he will give you simple instructions: right, left, forward, backward! There must be coordination between paddlers for all this to work well because rafting required an amazing teamwork.

Some ideas of activities to do in the Verdon during your rafting trip

Here are some ideas of activities to book before or after your rafting session :
Book a guide for the Imbut Trail
Book a guide for the Martel White Trail
Enjoy an astronomy evening on the shores of Lake St. Croix and sleep on site
– Watch the Verdon Secret 3D movie on giant screen

The most beautiful raft trips in the Verdon

Downstream from Castellane, the Verdon enters narrow gorges while following the gorges road. It is in this over 15kilometers section that the conditions are optimal for rafting. There are four rafting routes starting from Castellane: Discovery rafting, Carajuan rafting, Pont de Soleil rafting and finally Point Sublime rafting which is definitely a must-do if you’re ready to get amazed.

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Discovery rafting

Discovery rafting is the shortest trip that lasts one and a half hours. It can be done from the age of 10 depending on the providers. Even 8 years old if accompanied by parents. In this version, you start from Castellane and stop at the beach of the pine forest near Chasteuil. That’s about 8 or 9 km of descent.  Saint-Jean is the most impressive rapid which will leave let you delighted and soaked! You can book or get more information here.

The rafting Pont de Soleils

Rafting “Pont de Soleil” is the middle version. About 2h30 of descent to reach the Pont de Soleils. The name of the bridge comes from the small village of Soleils located in the municipality of Trigance. To learn more about this commune and the surprises it has in store for you, please refer to our article about Trigance. This trip can be booked on our website or get more information here.

The rafting Point Sublime

This is the long version from Castellane to the Sublime Point. An 18-kilometer descent that crosses all the previous rapids including the famous “Solitaire” rapid. The “Solitaire”, located just upstream of the Samson corridor, is the icing on the cake on this course. The last section between Pont de Soleil and the Sublime point crosses gorges of great beauty and wilderness. Indeed, the former road) is no longer there to break the atmosphere. After the Tusset bridge, the Verdon rushes into the Salpétrière. It is a clue that the proximity of the Grand Canyon is nearby. However, everything must be earned. you will have to carry the boat at the end of the descent in order to go back up with a snowshoe and get back to the road. You can book this raft trip here.

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How old do you have to be to go rafting in Verdon? 

Rafting with children is possible in the Verdon as different routes allow families with children to enjoy their first rafting experience. In all cases, the minimum age required is 8 eight years old, provided the presence of an accompanying parent.

Discovery rafting from the age of eight

This is the minimum age required for a one and a half hour course). Have a look above for a description of the course and how to book it. In addition to the question of age, the weight plays a key role in the decision with a minimum of at least 30 kilos. The child must be able to stay on the raft. If it is too light, it may be cold. Let us not forget that the main objective in addition to guaranteeing safety is above all to have fun!

Rafting Pont de Soleil from 10 years old

The minimum age of 10 years is required for the Pont de Soleil rafting course. This is also a minimum as I have seen children afraid yet rafting because their parents were the ones really motivated. In case of doubt, it is better to wait another year and prefer another activity. Indeed, there are short routes this canyoning perfectly adapted to children from 6 years old.

When to practice rafting in the gorges du Verdon?

Rafting in the Verdon in May and June

In May and June, rafting can be practiced on the Haut Verdon. In this case, the flow is natural and everything will depend on snow and rain conditions in the spring.

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Rafting Verdon What price in 2019 and 2020? Rafting price comparison

If you find different prices for rafting in the Verdon, ask yourself the question: for which route? Indeed, prices vary from 35 to 60 euros depending on the route chosen. Here are the prices for 2019 and 2020:

Price rafting Verdon discovery course: 40 euros per person

The first prize for discovering rafting. If you find it cheaper, it may hide some disadvantages. Find out more and compare…

Price rafting Verdon Pont de Soleil: 45 euros to 50 euros per person

Find out about the starting point because leaving from Castellane adds about twenty minutes compared to a departure further downstream.

Price rafting Verdon Point Sublime: 55 euros to 70 euros per person

This route can be done from Pont de Soleil in a short version for 55 euros. From Castellane, the route takes the whole day and we take a picnic. Count  70 euros.

Rafting, company seminar in the Verdon and team spirit

Adventure course, rafting, orienteering race… The activities offered in the Verdon are ideal for developing team spirit. Verdon Voyages has designed trips adapted to companies in order to meet their objectives. Consult us to prepare your seminar or your turnkey business convention.

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