Tag: airboat

Canyoning in the Ravine of Venascle, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

- Canyoning Verdon

I don’t have to introduce you anymore Christophe, my canyon guide friend with whom we have already discovered the Val d’Angouire canyon. This time he is going to a tributary of the latter; the famous Vénascle ravine. A canyon very rarely in water. But thanks to the rainy spring of this year, there is enough water to evolve all along the course. Indeed, it is always more interesting to practice a canyon in water. A dry canyon is somehow cut off from the fun aspect that a water canyon can offer. Finally, it is good to know that a canyon that does not flow generally presents stagnant pools. A not very healthy atmosphere that we prefer to keep away from.

Approach walk and organization for the Vénascle ravine

We leave Castellane at 8:30 am because for the last few days the weather has been turning stormy in the early afternoon. It is never advisable to take the rain in the middle of a narrow passage. Indeed, we often fear the “flush” effect. It is therefore better to leave before the rain. A good hour of road is necessary to arrive at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie by the D-952. We know it by heart but it is always very pleasant. Especially early in the morning when the road belongs to us.

To perfect our last adventure, we decide to take this time two cars. In order to make a shuttle between the lodging of Vénascle and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. This allows us to save the two and a half hours of walking we did the week before, loaded like mules. Too bad for the warm-up this time!

We park quietly on the plateau and we prepare the stuff. Once the bags thrown on the back, we are ready to leave! We ask ourselves then the following question “Where is the departure? We begin to look for, to look for… This famous departure is not easy to find. We turned back several times to find this very badly indicated departure.

 

Progression in the Canyon of the ravine of Vénascle

We change quickly and Christophe who already growls (I make fun of him :))) “Let’s hurry up, it’s getting covered!” We cover 50 meters before putting the first rappel and already, the scenery is set. A long narrow passage interspersed with small abseils. Even if there is only one jump, I have the impression that this route is more fun than the one in Val d’Angouire. The anchors are not as new but they held! Several passages under waterfalls, do not forget the hood!

At the end of the route, a few passages of de-escalation are mandatory. Two or three meters at the most but that will not be easy for the less adventurous, we will be careful not to slip… Then at the arrival, we join the Val d’Angouire which today is very wet. Probably too much to be able to cross it serenely.

A walk of 40 minutes is necessary to return on the highest parking of Moustiers, it is recommended to follow the red paint marks at the beginning not to get lost and to join the botanical path.

The Funny Helmets.

Angouire valley, canyoning in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

- Canyoning Verdon

This morning, it’s 9:30 am and I enjoy my coffee with a chocolate bread on the terrace of the “Tourisme”, an institution of the village where the outdoor professionals like to meet. Christophe, a canyoning guide friend is passing by. “Say, I’m going to do a canyon, the Angouire valley in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, are you coming ? And I answer: “Well, listen, no activity on the Verdon this afternoon, come on, let’s go! It’s still an hour’s drive from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Castellane on the D952, known as the “route des gorges”. In July-August, with two-three campers in front, it can take a little longer.

 

Approach walk and organization

So here we are on the road to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It is now 11:30 am and we are leaving for a canyon day, le Val d’Angouire! Fortunately, there are only two of us and we know that we will go faster than a group of beginners. However, it is always interesting to be one more in order to share the material and especially the ropes!

We leave the car on the highest parking of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and start the ascent towards this medieval road which leads to the Roman way leading to Castellane via Chasteuil.

First impression; this walk must be unbearable in summer under the sun. Second impression; it is better to come with two cars and take a shuttle to get closer to the start of the canyon because we walked for more than two hours at a rather steady pace before starting the activity. To do this, it is necessary to take the direction of the lodging of Venascle. We follow a track at the exit of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie which also leads to a takeoff of paragliding.

 

Progression in the Canyon of the Val d’Angouire

This canyon is in a particularly wild and little frequented environment. It dries up very quickly in the season, so it is only practicable in spring, even in years with a lot of rain. We are finally at the start, it is already time to get equipped. We do the first rappels which are not difficult at all. Even on a sunny day, I’m glad I put on my 7 mm wetsuit because the abseils under the waterfalls are very very refreshing…

We finally arrive at the passage known as the “Pear”. Here, the phenomenon of erosion reaches its paroxysm, the water cut about 30 meters into the limestone layer to form a narrow corridor. The sunlight even has some difficulties to come to the bottom. This is often the problem in this sport.

Little by little, the canyon comes to an end. We finish in a luxuriant vegetation, decorated with multiple tuff waterfalls. Another 40 minutes of walking to find the car left in Moustiers. Be careful to follow the way back or you will quickly end up at the neighbor’s. He is not very inclined to receive “canyoneurs” on his property.

The setting was great and the route was quite sportive as we took more than seven hours in total, at a rather steady pace. Still a good day as we like them, we did not make the road for nothing.

 

The Funny Helmets.

Vultures Fawn and Monk vultures of the verdon

- Natural environments

In the Verdon, when the weather is good, it is almost impossible not to see vultures flying in the sky. And as the weather is very often good… Take a walk in the area of Point Sublime or from the first viewpoints of the Route des Crètes. You can also see them very well from the part of the 952 road that leads from Carajuan to Point Sublime. Look up, they are there! They had disappeared in the XIX century in the Verdon. Indeed, these majestic birds were accused in the past of being bad omens. They lived very badly the arrival of the rifles and the other rifles.

Thus, the association Vautours en Haute Provence launched in 1993 a project of reintroduction of the griffon vulture by installing several of them in an aviary above the village of Rougon. This aviary is still present, it is in this place that the population is supplied every week. Indeed, they are now quite numerous for the few carcasses that can be found in the vicinity.

 

The Griffon Vultures

It has a wingspan that goes from 240 cm to 280 cm for a length of 95 to 105 cm. It has long wings and a small whitish head. The Griffon Vulture is the first vulture to help itself to a carrion. It feeds on soft flesh (muscles and viscera). It has a long neck that allows it to get inside the carcass. The latter is covered with down. Indeed, the dried blood cleans better on this support than on feathers or naked skin. The first griffon vultures were released on October 16, 1999. Between 1999 and 2005, 99 griffon vultures were released from the aviaries of Rougon.

 

The black vulture

The reintroduction program saw an evolution from 2005 with the arrival of the black vulture. Eleven specimens were released. They fly from the Mercantour to the Barronies, nevertheless, a couple is now breeding in the Verdon. With a wingspan of 250 to 295 cm for a length of 100 to 110 cm, it is the widest of the European raptors. The young have a black plumage while the adults have a brown plumage. Its head has a powerful beak that allows it to get interested in the hardest flesh such as tendons, skin, ligaments, cartilage …

 

Percnopter vultures

Also called “Egyptian vulture“, it is a migratory bird of prey. It has not been reintroduced in the Verdon but it benefits from some mass graves in the region. This vulture feeds mainly on dead animals but is also known to eat eggs that it breaks with stones. It has a wingspan of 165 to 170 cm and a length of 56 to 75 cm. It has long rectangular wings and a narrow head. The plumage of the young is chocolate brown while that of the adults is white and black.

 

The Bearded Vulture

It is a bone crusher that throws them from great heights before going to feed on the ground. With a wingspan of up to 275 cm, this vulture is rarely seen in the Verdon. It is rather found in the upper Ubaye valley or in the Mercantour National Park.

 

The Funny Helmets.

The Roc of Castellane, breathtaking view of the Verdon.

- Villages of the Verdon

It does not matter which path you take to come to Castellane the first time. We will always remember the appearance of the Roc of Castellane in the landscape. For my part, I came that day from Digne-les-Bains. Once the bus arrived at the top, at the Col des Lèques, I saw this enormous block of limestone below. Le Roc; surmounted by its small chapel, rising above the village of Castellane. This memory still comes back to me each time I take this road more than came years later.

 

The Roc of Castellane

It culminates at 930 meters, this limestone formation rises more than two hundred meters above the village. The ideal place to take shelter from the Verdon floods and invaders. Indeed, during the middle ages, the habitat moved to the top of the Roc. It was appropriate at the time to protect oneself from the Moorish invasions which led lightning attacks from the Mediterranean coast. Afterwards, the village was set up a little lower down on a small plateau with easier access. Some traces of this site called Sinaca are still visible during the ascent.

The site has been classified since 1933 and climbing is prohibited there mainly to avoid rockfall in the village. Some say they saw someone base jump from up there.

A few years ago when the summers weren’t too dry, the July 14th fireworks display was shot from the Rock. Unfortunately, following these events, the Roc experienced many fire problems. This is why for several years now, the municipality has chosen the primary school at the bottom of the village as a launching point for the many rockets that illuminate the sky of Castellane on that evening.

 

Go up to the Notre Dame chapel

The Notre Dame du Roc chapel installed at the top of the limestone complex. This building, which may have replaced an older place of worship, was erected as a chapel in the 12th century. Only the south-eastern facade remains from this period, the rest of the building was restored in the 18th and 19th centuries. The chapel remains open at all times, go inside! The walls are covered with votive offerings; These plaques affixed by believers who have seen their requests come true. In addition, we saw fit to let a little relaxing music scroll, day and night. Guaranteed atmosphere.

It is not possible to drive up to the Roc because no road leads there. However, it is also not necessary to go there by helicopter, a 30 minute path will get you there. To do this, go to the Place de l’Eglise then take a tour of the Church of the Sacred Heart. You will then come across the famous Stations of the Cross which goes up to the Roc. You can also get there by a slightly longer path. It starts at the exit of Castellane towards Digne. On the right, following the fire station, the small yellow signs lead you to the top. You will pass by the Pentagonal Tower and its gardens, a magnificent place of relaxation overlooking the village and little frequented even at the height of the season.

An ideal excursion to complete a half day of Rafting!

The Funny Helmets

 

Canoe-kayak, Canoe-Raft in the Verdon Gorges

- White Water activities

Canoe-Kayak, several names for the same discipline

Canoe, Canoe-Kayak, Canoe-Raft, Kayak-raft … Once again, several terms that designate the same activity. Before describing it in more details, we will linger on its ancestor; the kayak, in order to understand the advantages that this new activity offers us.

 

The disadvantages of the rigid kayak

Kayaks and canoes are boats that have been made and used since the dawn of time. The canoe as well as the dugout canoes propelled by a simple paddle are found in most of the civilizations that have developed on the coastline or along the waterways. The kayak, on the other hand, comes directly from the Inuit of the Arctic. Indeed, seal hunting and whaling have always been the main resources of these peoples. They therefore needed an efficient boat. The kayak was made of animal skins assembled on a wooden or whale bone structure. Sitting inside the boat and not kneeling, the paddler uses a double paddle, which has a blade on each side.

The “rigid” kayak, the “queen” boat on the river, requires several days of learning before being able to descend a river with a level of difficulty equal to or greater than that of the Verdon. Indeed, a beginner must learn to “heel” his boat. This is to be able to go from a current area to a counter-current area without capsizing the kayak. Once turned around, you have to get out of the kayak, swim back to the shore, empty it… A very tiring operation that leaves everyone exhausted after the third repetition. In case of overturn, on board their kayak, the Inuits had a way to recover. A technique called “eskimo roll”. This technique requires several hours of learning. It is not easy to perform in the moment in the river. This is why it is a technique used by experienced practitioners.

It is not possible to esquimauter with an inflatable kayak, a little swimming in the Verdon, it is always good!

 

The advantages of inflatable kayaks

The Cano-Raft has shattered this technical barrier. Indeed, this boat is practically unaffected by the current-counter-current passages and therefore does not need to “heel” or very little. Moreover, in case of “desalination”, it is very easy to get back into this boat, sometimes even in the middle of the river. The kayak-raft now allows any beginner to evolve on a course of medium difficulty having never paddled before.

 

Canoe-Kayak in the Gorges du Verdon

Single or two-seater, these boats are built on the same model as rafts; inflatable, light and resistant to all tests. Equipped with a self-bailing system, you will not be encumbered by the excess water accumulated while crossing the rapids. In short, this is the boat you need to travel the river in a sporty way. After having given you your equipment, your guide will explain to you with pedagogy how to succeed in your first descent of the Verdon in cano-raft. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone, your guide will accompany you all along the course and will also ensure your safety. Come and try this superb activity from April to October on the Verdon.

 

Restaurant Hotel GRAND CANYON DU VERDON

- Our recommended accommodations

The exceptional setting of the restaurant hotel Grand Canyon du Verdon

On the D-71, at the place called “Falaises des Cavaliers”, between Comps and Aiguines, is the Hotel des Cavaliers or Hotel restaurant du Grand Canyon. The site of the Cavaliers is already fascinating by itself. The Grand Canyon du Verdon has at this level a characteristic narrowness which probably suggested the following legend. Cliffs of the right bank and those of the left bank being so close. It is said that in the past, riders could jump from one bank to the other with their mounts.

Opposite, you can see the Chalet de la Maline, which can be reached from the vertiginous route des Crêtes on the right bank.
Sometimes the guests of one or the other hotel throw sugars and spoons at each other from their respective terraces… or almost.

Perched on the edge of this cliff, the Logis de France Grand Canyon du Verdon hotel overlooks the bed of the emerald river by 300 meters. A unique natural setting on the territory of the Verdon Regional Natural Park. The ideal place to disconnect from the urban environment.

A comfortable Restaurant Hotel

14 rooms, a restaurant (we recommend the chef’s homemade foie gras) and a terrace with a breathtaking view. A bar and a spacious lounge are also available to guests. It is in this exceptional setting that Laurence and her team welcome you throughout the summer. What a pleasure to be able to taste the famous beer of the Gorges after a day of hiking. To take advantage of the breathtaking view on the Verdon river while the heat of the day is decreasing a little. Thus, at the end of the day, we find on this terrace the faces crossed earlier. A sort of meeting point for adventurers in a way.

The hotel opens only from March to November. Indeed, the winter season does not attract much public in the Verdon at this level. Only the springs of the emerald river are visited by people at the ski resort of the valley; La Foux d’Allos. The Hotel Restaurant du Grand Canyon is located much further down. In winter, it is the territory of the wild boars because there are always some acorns to taste in the ground and very few humans to disturb them.

History of the place

Before 1950, when the D71 road was built, there was only a modest hunters’ hut on the site of the hotel. Access was by foot through Canjuers. Once the road was completed, a bar-restaurant was built. Passers-by who were enjoying car tourism came to have a gourmet break during their excursions. In 1958, a certain Winston Churchill signed the guest book.

The hotel as it is today was built in the early 80’s. Sportsmen like Marc Pajot and Sébastien Loeb have come to admire the stars from the panoramic terrace, why not you? From this hotel, the Imbut trail begins. The start of the superb Aquatic Day hike, the most beautiful activity of the Verdon!

 

Aqua trekking day of the Imbut in the Verdon

- White Water activities

Starting point and approach walk

Aqua trekking and day hike in the Verdon gorges. Many guides (canyon and river) agree that the most beautiful aquatic trekking in the Verdon is the one we are going to talk about in this article; the “day”. Everything happens on the left bank of the Verdon, the departure as well as the arrival. The parking of the Auberge des Cavaliers is the meeting point for all those who want to participate in the adventure. This place is located in a no man’s land between Aiguines and the Pont de Chaulière also known as Pont de l’Artuby, on the D71.

You usually have an appointment with our guide around 9 am on the parking of the inn. Indeed, the schedule changes according to the season and its sunshine. After trying on the equipment (neoprene suit, life jacket and helmet), the picnic is locked in a waterproof container. Each one loads his pack in a bag of canyoning specially adapted to the activity and we leave for forty minutes of walk on a “technical” way which takes us to near 400 meters lower, at the edge of the Verdon.

Progression along the water in aqua trekking day

A short break and we already put on the equipment. Let’s go for an hour and a half – two hours of swimming in the river bed. We learn to use the current to orient ourselves on one side or the other, we test ourselves on small jumps in a breathtaking scenery; turquoise water, very high cliffs. Arrives the lunch break, generally on a small sunny beach. Then we leave for an hour and a half – two hours in the water.

Then will follow higher and more impressive jumps in always more fabulous sceneries. The corridor then the rapid of the Stix. And finally; L’Imbut (the funnel in Provençale). The river has found its way in a chaos of huge rocks and gives the impression of becoming underground. It is at the bottom of this fairy cave that the most reckless will go for the final big jump. We dismantle ourselves on the beach of Imbut by taking advantage of the last rays of sun (it leaves much earlier at the bottom of the canyon).

Rise of the aqua trekking day

The bag on the back, let’s go for the ascent! 400 meters of difference in level, one hour of walk in a path made very difficult by the use of time but currently in renovation at the time of writing this article. A good final walk, some passages a little dizzy and we find the D71. It is by truck that we reach the Auberge des Cavaliers where your favorite guide will invite you to have a drink on the panoramic terrace of the Hotel.  Exhausted but happy, you will remember this day!

State of the route in the summer of 2022

At the beginning of July 2022, the GR (long distance hiking trail) of the Imbut was closed by the authorities. Indeed, there are many landslides in the Canyon. In winter in particular, due to the phenomenon of gelifraction. The humidity inside some cracks freezes and separates an element of rock in two. The next day, the action of the sun melting this ice, the “glue” disappears and the rock falls.

Thus, the Imbut trail deserves restoration again. Safety nets must be changed. Neither the department of Var nor the commune of Aiguines want to assume the cost. The battle of who will break first is engaged. We don’t know what will happen in 2023.

 



 

 

“Aqua Trekking”, “Aqua-Rando” or “Aqua Hike”?

- White Water activities

 

The three terms “aqua trekking”, “aqua hiking” and “aqua trekking” refer to the same activity. Since when and why do we practice aqua trekking? In the 90’s, the prefecture imposed that the bed of the verdon river be full up to the lake Sainte-Croix on the days of release, before the sunrise. A measure which reassured the population and especially the tourists who were not used to the functioning of the Verdon.

However, this measure had for effect to divide by two the number of days of possible releases of water since the dam of Chaudanne. Indeed, to allow the water to arrive 35 kilometers lower, it is necessary to open the dam at 10 pm the day before rather than at 9 am the same morning. Two days of releases per week, three days the years when the reserves are sufficient. It was therefore necessary to find a complementary activity in order to be able to work in the valley on a permanent basis. And this, for the duration of the tourist season. The solution was to be found in the Samson corridor, on the days when the dam remained “closed”.

Aqua Trekking half-day trip in the Samson Corridor

From the couloir, we go down the course of the Verdon for about two kilometers. Swimming, with the only buoyancy aid, the life jacket worn in rafting. We are also equipped with a helmet and a neoprene suit. This course offers one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Grand Canyon, only accessible by water. Moreover, the Belvedere of the Couloir Samson, built on the right bank in the commune of Rougon, allows a very easy access to these gorges, often more than four hundred meters deep.

One uses essentially the force of the current to progress. We also leave the water a few times to get jumps between 1 and 5 meters. To this, we must also add the access step, the return step and the few steps in the river that allow to bypass impassable obstacles. It is also up to the guide to comment on this environment. To describe its fauna, its flora and to explain the geological formation of the Canyon in its broad outlines. With the time and the frequentation of the course, the guides become defenders of the ecology, favoring a unique path that preserves the fragile zones of the river.

Aqua Trekking full day in the Samson Corridor

What a pleasure it is to do a full day of aquatic hiking! Enjoy a break in the sun to eat your picnic before going back to the adventure. Indeed, according to the needs, the Samson Corridor course can benefit from some extensions.

First of all, upstream, it is possible to get into the water shortly after the Pont de Tusset. A course generally reserved for the smallest but which will be also a very beautiful introduction to a superb day. Downstream, you can go down to the towers of Trescaïre. Be careful not to enter the rapids of the Turbine, a real inviolable sanctuary of the king Apron.

The river belongs to everyone and everyone can venture out at their own risk. However, given the many dangers of the Verdon, it is best to be accompanied by a professional guide.

The Funny Helmets.

Sports activities and outdoor sport in the Verdon

- Various sport activities

VERDON XP & The Funny Helmets offers exclusively water activities, especially white water activities. However, it is good to know that the Verdon valley offers multiple possibilities in nature sports and outdoor sports activities. Escape in the Verdon area!

 

Cycling, mountain biking & VTAE

Fifteen signposted routes starting from Castellane which is also the crossroads of the Routes du Soleil and the Transverdon (itinerary along the Verdon). Two mythical routes that require several days of expedition. Those who prefer road tours are also served since this mountainous region offers multiple possibilities. The road of the gorges which leads to Moustiers or the Col d’Allos for the most daring.

Even if we are only in the Pre-Alps, the relief remains demanding. Also, it is armed with a good physical shape that you will have to face the various courses decorated with stony ways. In order to lower the degree of difficulty, many people have joined the VTAE formula. With the same physical effort, the VTAE also allows you to cover much greater distances in the same time.

 

Hiking

Hiking for some, trekking for others, the Verdon is a walker’s paradise. In summer, the frequentation is concentrated on the Grand Canyon where the Sentier Martel on the right bank and the Sentier de l’Imbut on the left bank allow to explore two thirds of it. Further up the valley, we enter the Mercantour National Park. The lake of Allos, the massif of the three bishoprics…  The rest of the year, you can enjoy the courses too exposed to the sun in summer.

 

Paragliding

Saint André les Alpes has a first class flying site, as a proof, it regularly organizes world cup rounds. If you have never flown before, no problem, you will always find an instructor at the sailing school to take you on a tandem flight.

The site of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie also offers similar activities.

 

Bungee jumping

The jump from the Artuby bridge! 182m! Unique in the region! Be careful, this activity is only available on weekends, beware, availability is very limited.
Take advantage of a 10% discount with our promotional code. Reservation to be made directly on the company’s website but call us beforehand to get your code.

 

Sports activities Ski

The resort of La Foux d’Allos dominates the Verdon valley since the Verdon river has its source near the Col d’Allos. 180 km of slopes are divided between la Foux d’Allos and Praloup when the link is open. A little below is the resort of Seignus. A more modest resort but with very good slopes capable of hosting international competitions.  This resort also has the advantage of being more accessible from the entrance of the valley.

 

Sports activities Climbing

The cliffs of the Grand Canyon du Verdon are famous all over the world. Patrick Edlinger, the famous climber was the best ambassador. The Grand Canyon includes climbing on the left bank as well as on the right bank on more than 25 km! There are more than 2500 voices among which several are more than 400 meters long. The quality of the limestone is said to be exceptional.

 

Sports activities Canyoning

We recommend that you embark with the Canyoning Sud-Est team. Mathieu will guide you through the great diversity of the canyons of the Verdon region. But also in the Alpes Maritimes department and more widely, in the whole south-east of France.

For more nature sports and activities, call us!

 

Verdon activities, the different courses

- White Water activities

The Verdon takes its source near the Col d’Allos in the Trois Évêchés massif at an altitude of 2800 meters. Then it flows into the Durance shortly after Vinon-sur-Verdon. It runs for about 180 km. In this article we will describe the three different sections of the Verdon used by Verdon Xp & The Funny Helmets for its activities.

The Verdon Xp activities in the Upper Verdon

From the sources to the first dam encountered; the one of Castillon (coupled to the dam of Chaudanne), we have to distinguish the section of the Upper Verdon with natural flow (not regulated by a dam). This section can be navigated by Rafting and Canoe. In spring, when the snow melts. But also in autumn thanks to the rains. During the summer, the water flow does not allow navigation but allows some water trekking routes very little exploited. In a wild and Alpine setting (near the Mercantour National Park), this rather narrow stretch of river has made its way between high cliffs. Walls decorated by fabulous geological folds

 

The Verdon Xp Activities in the Gorges du Verdon

From Castellane to the Pont de Carajuan on the commune of Rougon, the Verdon flows on approximately 15 kilometers. The river bed is wider than in the previous paragraph. In some places, the water has come to perforate the limestone. These are “clues” which allow the water to continue its way. We will pass the clue of the bar Saint Jean then the Clue of Chasteuil. It is a magnificent course which can be practiced in Rafting and Canoe. Only when the flow regulated by the EDF dam of Chaudanne allows it. You will never tire of admiring the landscapes of the Pre-Alps of Provence while sitting on a raft or a canoe. At other times, you can enjoy the song of the cicadas while sunbathing.

 

Verdon Xp activities in the Grand Canyon du Verdon

From the Carajuan bridge to the Sainte Croix lake, there is one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe and the biggest one at that; the Grand Canyon du Verdon. It is a real cut in the pre-Alpine limestone plateau which can reach 700 meters in depth over a length of 30 kilometers. This exceptional site is particularly difficult to access and the river bed is not very suitable for commercial navigation.

With a flow of more than 10 cubic meters per second

However, with this water level we can stop rafting at Point Sublime. Castellane-Point Sublime is the longest route that can be done. In summer (July-August), we only offer the Chasteuil-Point Sublime route in the late afternoon.)

With a reserved flow (Maximum 3 cubic meters per second)

With a low flow, the Grand Canyon du Verdon is the ideal place to practice aquatic hiking (aqua-rando). On the right bank, at the place called Belvédère du Couloir Samson, there is a half-day course accessible to all. On the left bank, along the Imbut path, there is a one-day aqua trekking course considered by many as the must of the Verdon.

Also, except July 1 – September 15, the reserved flow is 3 cubic meters per second. In this configuration, we can propose the Pont de Soleil-Point Sublime route by kayak. A course less sportive than the classic Castellane-Pont de Soleil but a fabulous course all the same.

See you soon on the fabulous playground of Verdon XP & The Funny Helmets !