Tag: in the verdon

Getaway to Castellane: outdoor sports to be favored

- Various sport activities

Travel to Castellane: outdoor sports to try

Want to experience new things for the next vacation, direction Castellane. This peaceful town has the distinction of being the least populated sub-prefecture in France. It is part of the PACA or Provence-Alpes-Côte d´Azur region. It has received the label “village and city of character”. Being in the regional natural park of Verdon, Castellane invites you to participate in different activities on the Verdon. Discover in this section the outdoor sports to do absolutely on this river.

Trip to Castellane: indulge in rafting on the Verdon

Indeed, located at the northeast end of the Gorges du Verdon, Castellane is a destination to be privileged for living a new adventure. In the heart of this locality, you can do many outdoor sports on the Verdon. One of the most unmissable of them is rafting. This activity will allow you to know all the joys of white water. However, before participating in this adventure and thrill sport, a few criteria must be met. To be able to fully enjoy this hobby, you must be in good physical condition. Knowing how to swim is also imperative. This is one of the most important criteria to be met.

Also, a minimum age must be respected. Participants must be at least eight years old. Equipment allowing to raft in all serenity is also to envisage. Take with you a swimsuit as well as closed shoes like sneakers for example. As for the life jackets and helmets, they are generally provided by the agencies offering the activity. Also, don’t forget to bring a towel and bag with a change of clothes for the return.

Getaway to Castellane: go for an aqua-hike on the Verdon

We don’t just raft on the Verdon. You can also practice aqua-hiking. This fun activity is a way to fully admire the beautiful landscapes of the Gorges du Verdon. It will allow anyone not afraid of white water to discover a river more horizontal than vertical. Lying on your back, lifted by a life jacket, follow the course of the water while swimming or floating. The course on the Verdon can be punctuated by several jumps which are not compulsory. To practice aqua-hiking safely, it is advisable to be accompanied by a guide. The latter will show you the way to go and show you the most remote corners of the Verdon. The guide will not fail to inform you of the fragility of the site’s environment and will ask you to respect it.

Circuit in Castellane: indulge in airboat kayaking on the Verdon

In the range of outdoor sports that can be done on the Verdon, we find the airboat kayaking. The latter is particularly recommended during a trip to Costa Rica. This activity is much more sporty than rafting. Alone or in pairs, discover the river aboard your inflatable boat. The airboat is generally operated with a double paddle. Its inflated structure and its self-draining bottom give it great stability. This will allow novices to easily cross the river. On the Verdon, you can follow different routes. Your guide will not fail to point them out to you. It should be noted that to be able to do this activity, you must absolutely know how to swim.

The Funny Helmets.

Hiking and legends; Robion Mountain

- Hiking

Hiking and legends

Robion, one of the most characteristic mountains of Verdon. It rises to 1,660 meters, 950 meters above Castellane. A characteristic massif since rafting and canoe route from Castellane and ending at Pont de Soleil. Practically goes around the mountain of Robion on the right. In other thermal baths, one could say that the mountain of Robion is located on the left bank of the course … From Castellane, behind the swimming pool, you take the small departmental road in the direction of Bourguet. You quickly come across the small yellow signs that mark the path to the summit of Robion. Allow around 4 hours to make the round trip.

In summer, it is recommended to start early to climb before the heat. From the summit a bright day, you can see the Mediterranean! Personally, I have never had this chance. It is also possible to make a loop by borrowing the ascent or the descent, the route known as “Tour de Robion”. From the village of Robion, on the route du Bourguet, you will also discover the chapel of Saint Trophime. An 18th century troglodyte chapel hanging on the mountain and dedicated to the first bishop of Arles.

Robion and the Knights Templar

Unless the legend has endured over the centuries in some secret circles. It was at the beginning of the twentieth century that the discovery of a parchment in Siberia awakened curiosity about the past “Templar” of the Verdon. Nevertheless, you can read this article on the legend of the treasure of the Knights Templar in the Verdon. The persecuted Templars carried their treasure from the east to the Verdon and hid it in the greatest secrecy. We then searched in the subfields of the castle of Valcros without success. It is also believed that the treasure can be found in an immense underground lake contained in Robion Mountain also called The Island of the Watchers.

Stop at the Moulin de Soleils Bakery on the road to Draguignan, the boss, passionate about this story is inexhaustible on the subject.

 

The Funny Helmets.

Days of rafting and water levels on the Verdon

- White Water activities

Rafting days and water levels on the verdon? You mean there are days for rafting and days without rafting on the Verdon? Is the river closed or is it? No, the flow is regulated by a dam.

Operation of the dam outside July-August

It is the Chaudanne dam which has this role, it regulates the flow from the Verdon from Castellane to Lake Sainte Croix. In the spring, EDF provides us with its information on water flows the day before for the next day. Saturday-Sunday in May and June are not normally turbined (dam closed). Indeed, this measure serves to secure the most abundant attendance of weekends. Over this period, you will therefore need to be patient. During the week, the next day’s activity cannot be confirmed until the evening before. For fans of rafting and canoeing, it is always possible to go sailing on Haut Verdon for an additional hour’s drive from Castellane.

Operation of the dam in July-August

In summer, this is somewhat different … Indeed, EDF assures us two days of releases per week in the months of July and August, which lets a little see coming … These days are Tuesday and Friday for rafting and canoeing. The remaining five days are open to the Aqua Treking activity, day and half day.

Now, from year to year, there can be big changes as evidenced by an article published this fall on the blog. Indeed, the accumulated snow reserves during the winter play an extremely important role. In fact, with a lot of snow, there is more days of water in summer. Heavy snowfall and cool weather in the spring play a large part in increasing the number of turbined days in summer.

Reserved flow

The days of “closure” correspond to what is called the “reserved debit”. In fact, EDF ensures the survival of the river by maintaining a minimum flow on closing days. The reserved flow is 3 cubic meters seconds all year round but increases to 1.5 cubic meters seconds from June 15 to September 1.

So, “Rafting days and water levels on the verdon” have no more secrets for you.
The Funny Helmets.

Transverdon with MTB. Allos pass to Gréoux-les-bains

- Mountain biking

The transverdon with MBT

The Transverdon, only for the braves !! 3 – 2 – 1 – GO !! to your bikes !! 260 km, certified by the French Cycling Federation, La Transverdon is one of the 10 largest mountain bike crossings in France!

The route begins at the sources of Verdon, met at the Allos Pass at 2247 m altitude. A particularly Alpine, sporty and demanding route that crosses the mountains and joins the lakes of altitude. Thereafter, starting from Saint-André, with the entry in the Natural Park of the Verdon, one joins Castellane, Chasteuil, Rougon, Moustier Sainte-Marie and Gréoux-les-bains by remounting old forgotten roads. A second part more Mediterranean or it will always be good to refresh yourself in the beautiful lakes of Verdon if you start from the month of June.

A course divided into 15 sections

The course is divided into 15 sections plus an annex (from Barcelonette to the Col d’Allos and one at the arrival of Gréoux les Bains to Manosque). Perfectly identifiable, these sections are linked in the order you want, it is also easy to find accommodation on the course.

Here’s how we linked 15 sections of the transverdon in 5 days. First three days in the fall, followed by two more in June of the following year:

Day 1 / Allos Pass – Colmars les Alpes (sections 1 and 2) We start by crossing a magnificent forest of larches, the day will be tough for both the driver and the machine.

Day 2 / Colmars the Alps – Thorame Basse (sections 3, 4 and 5) The most difficult day I think, we find ourselves pushing the bike on very steep slopes … Black runs in winter .. The arrival at Lake Lignin is sublime.

Day 3 / Thorame Basse – Castellane (sections 6, 7 and 8) It goes down! Not quite … Beautiful views of Lake Castillon from Blaron. Personally very tired after these three days, I am very happy to put the transverdon in pause until next June

Day 4 / Castellane – Moustiers Sainte-Marie (sections 9, 10 and 11)
We resume the course in June with the first beautiful days so much so that the heat made us suffer a little.

Day 5 / Moustiers Sainte-Marie – Gréoux-les-Bains (sections 12, 13, 14 and 15) With much less height difference than in the first sections, the course of 4 sections is still very long

It is strongly recommended to train beforehand on the course of Castellane can be ..

 

 The Funny Helmets

Bungee jumping on the Artuby Bridge, 182m

- Various sport activities

10% discount on your bungee jumping verdon

VERDON XP & The Funny Helmets team up with LATITUDE-CHALLENGE to offer you a 10% discount on your bungee jumping on the Artuby Bridge, 182m, the highest in Europe. Come and enjoy the thrill in the beautiful setting of the Canyon du Verdon!

Latitude Challenge is positioned as one of the first bungee jumping companies in France. Latitude Challenge is over 90,000 jumps on the bridge of Artuby.

At Latitude Challenge, bungee jumping is open to everyone, from 15 years old with parental authorization and medical certificate from 55 years old.
For 20 years, Latitude Challenge has also been overseeing the bungee jumping of many people with disabilities. Particular care is then taken.

A key word; Security. All equipment is systematically checked

In 2004, Latitude Challenge extended its activity to teaching parachute jumping. And thus creates a school, specialized in the discovery of free fall for beginners. Since 2012, Latitude Challenge has obtained the Quality Tourism label. Latitude Challenge has the highest rating among outdoor recreation organizations across all industries.

By contacting Verdon Xp, you will be given a promotional code that you will enter on the provider’s website when you register. All you have to do is follow the instructions and be ready on the “D” day for the big jump! Only Sunday from April to November and also Saturday from mid-July to mid-August.

For a group, here is an activity that can perfectly pair with the Must activity in the Verdon who start from the parking of the Auberge des Cavaliers (Grand Canyon Hotel). Only ten minutes drive from the Pont de l’Artuby. Certainly a plus at a hen party girl or boy!

Idea weekend; Saturday; Aqua Trekking Day and night at the Grand Canyon Hotel. Sunday; Jump from the Bridge of Artuby then back to the house of stars in the eyes.

 

In the Verdon, climate changes between 2017 and 2018?

- History

Climatic changes

“Climatic changes”. Words that we hear a lot these days unfortunately .. Between 2017 and 2018, we could note some climatic changes in the Verdon. Would this valley distant from the industrial world be affected by such whims of nature?

2018, rainy summer in the Verdon

This year, with a generous winter in snowfall, until the end of May, we could see the snow-capped mountains. Especially from Castellane to the Rafting embarkation. Suffice to say that the water reserves were already well assured. Thereafter, the cool temperatures and the heavy rains of spring allowed a gradual melting. This ensured a constant level in the Verdon for Canoe and Rafting.

Note that it rained then it rained … Number of sessions we did under the deluge. It’s always part of the adventure and then, wet for wet.

We were asked a lot for the activity Aqua Trekking during this period. However, the first trips were made this year, only from the second week of July. An exceptional fact when you know that last year for example, they had started in May.

Indeed, it had already rained more than normal in May-June. So we thought it would calm down in summer .. Not at all! In July and August, a thunderstorm hit the valley every two or three days. Note in passing that when this happens, communications on mobile phones are interrupted until the next morning. What complicates things a little when you have a number that starts with 06!

The days of water were therefore linked almost continuously. Remember that “water day” on the Verdon means that the dam is open. It then delivers a sufficient volume of water to allow to descend with small and large boats. Three, sometimes four days of water a week! With a flow approaching thirteen cubic meters per second. What changes enormously from the ten cubic meters per second delivered generally in summer.

2017, dry summer in the Verdon

On the other hand, we remember that in 2017, the winter was very poor in snow and there was not a drop of water in July and August. We only took advantage of five days of water in July and August, as the inflows upstream from Lake Castillon were weak. We did Aqua Trekking a lot, the water was almost warm. The guides used to paddling turned into sirens of the Verdon!

For more than 20 years that I’m near the Verdon, 2017 remains the driest summer I’ve ever known and 2018, the rainiest … Two extremes in two years.

 

2022, in the Verdon, drought amplified by the media

For the first time in the Verdon since rafting exists, it was not possible to raft… Indeed, after a winter without snow and particularly mild, the precipitations were not there either. So, for the first time, the dams could not reach the summer objective, no release was programmed. This means that no release days for rafting could take place. However, it was possible to go rafting every day!

The media then murdered the Verdon! An unprecedented Verdon bashing has hit our region. Sensationalist, false and unverified information diverted the summer clientele to other places. 2022 was the ideal summer to enjoy the Verdon!

 

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

 

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.

 



 

 

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 !

 

Rafting and raft, history of a revolutionary machine

- History

The words raft and rafting already exist in the collective unconscious, but what are they really?
For many, a strong buoyancy aid that can overcome the tumult of a raging torrent. This remains vague.
Who invented the raft? Theodore Géricault? The raft of the Medusa? It is nothing of the sort. Primarily it is a boat of the American army which was used to transport troops and equipment. It was used for transporting troops and equipment on the sea as well as on lakes and rivers.

What is the rafting?

A “Zodiac” type boat, therefore inflatable, but with an identical front and back and without a floor. Built in a resistant material (hypalon or pvc), it resists perfectly to the shocks caused by the obstacles met in river.

The first commercial uses appeared in the early fifties in the United States. In particular in the Grand Canyon of Colorado with the company Gorgie White, pioneer in this field. This boat has the advantage of being able to take up to eight or even ten to twelve people on a river (for the biggest rafts). It is not necessary to know how to handle the boat since the guide/boatman will be in charge of steering the boat. Nevertheless, rest assured that the guides always take the time to brief their crew. So that everyone knows what he has to do. Both in terms of driving and safety.

Evolution of rafting; The Creature Craft

Darren Vancil, the inventor of the Creature Craft wanted a raft with automatic recovery. Indeed, the capsizing of a boat can sometimes prove to be uncomfortable on certain rivers. It is inspired by the Russian rafts of artisanal manufacture (the Bubliks) and the catarafts that Vancil developed his craft. Imagine a raft covered with a hoop that will prevent it from turning over. A real tumbler of the river! A boat made of many caissons to ensure a perfect resistance to the pressure inflicted by the rapids. In addition, Darren Vancil has equipped his boat with patented thigh braces that ensure its users are not thrown out of the boat.

Handling the boat

In Europe and on narrow rivers, rafts are handled with a paddle.

The guide is installed at the back of the boat and uses his paddle as a rudder. He gives orders to his crew so that the raft describes exactly the trajectory desired by the captain. On larger and more voluminous rivers such as those found on the northern and southern continents of the Americas, in Africa, Asia… Rafts are handled with an oar. The guide takes place on a large frame that supports the oars, which are attached to the raft. The passenger’s role is that of a dead weight since he is generally without a paddle.

There is also the motor raft which allows for example to cross the Grand Canyon of Colorado in record time but, as you can imagine, with much less charm. Of course, everyone can buy a raft and jump into the river of their choice. However, you should know that your safety will never be as good as in the company of a professional guide. You can also follow the link of the international rafting federation which will teach you all about the world of competition.

The Funny Helmets.