Tag: paragliding

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.

 

The pass of Lèques, departure of mountain bike circuits

- Mountain biking

The pass of Lèques. We have chosen to present you today some mountain bike tours starting from this magnificent pass. The pass of Lèques culminates at 1146 meters of altitude, it dominates Castellane on the N85 leading to Digne-les-Bains. It is also the starting point for a cultural excursion, that of the Sirenians.

 

The ascent to the pass of Lèques

Two choices are offered to you;

The most courageous will go up from Castellane by riding their bike. They will face a difference in altitude of 428 meters over a distance of 9 kilometers. Enough to warm up the calves. It is not recommended to do this itinerary at 2pm in the middle of summer or you will end up dried out like a prune.

The others will organize a shuttle system to arrive at the top of the pass without getting too tired. Once there, you can always enjoy the view on the valley. You can also have a drink on the terrace of the Sirenes campsite, it is also possible to eat there before the activity. Remember to reserve if you want to eat there in the evening.

Then comes the time of the adventure, are the bikes ready? Helmets on the head, patches or a spare inner tube are packed in the backpack.

 

The descent from the pass of Lèques

We mount our bike and we leave on the left (coming from Castellane). Then we cross the hotel complex and its ground of tenis to the abandonment. One continues always on this track in direction of the telephone relay. To note that for the most lazy, we can also continue by car on this track. The economy made in legs is paid then in shock absorber of car.

After two kilometers of track, a first junction leaves on the left between two iron bars. This track brings you back to the beginning of the ascent of the pass of Lèques. We will pay attention to the trees that have fallen in the middle before arriving at a farm. A very wild route, which is apparently not used by any four-wheeled vehicle. The farm seems to have remained a prisoner of the past centuries.

Another route; From the track coming from the pass, continue for another two kilometers after the first junction described above. This time you reach a track that takes you through a valley and back to Brayale. From there, you can go down to Castellane in the direction of the road of the gorges. An excellent route!

 

Villars Brandis

Finally, if you continue this track from the pass in the direction of Cadières de Brandis, you have this time the possibility to go down to Villars Brandis. For my part, I appreciated less this route. Indeed, it imposes some portages (always a little frustrating to have to carry your bike to go down, especially when you sweated a lot before to go up). Moreover, you will meet three patous (imposing Pyrenean shepherds), which is always a bit stressful. According to a friend who lives there, they are as adorable as cuddly toys. Well, you have to let them approach to realize it.

Have a nice trip!

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

 

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 !