Tag: verdon gorges

Rafting in the Aude Gorges, Pyrénées Orientales

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Aude, a varied destination

The Aude is a river located in the Occitanie region. It rises in the Pyrenees Orientales, at 1700 meters above sea level. It flows two hundred kilometers further into the Mediterranean Sea, at the Fleur huts, not far from Narbonne. All along its route, wild parts ideal for fishing will follow one another. But also tumultuous parts, ideal for white water sports. Then quieter parts, ideal for canoeing.

White water sports

Between Axat and Quillan is the Haute Vallée de l’Aude. A must-see destination for whitewater activities such as rafting, hydrospeed (also called whitewater swimming) or canoraft (hot dog). Nearly fourteen kilometers of wild river are adapted to these practices. They are possible from April to September, for everyone from 6 years old.

Une rivière au débit régulé par l’hydro-électricité

Les lacs de montagne (retenue de Puivalador et de Matemale) servent de réservoir aux différentes usines hydro-électriques présentes le long de l’Aude. Ces derniers régulent le débit de la rivière qui reste suffisant même en été pour la pratique du rafting. En effet, ces lacs ont été construits au départ pour augmenter le débit de l’Aude en période de sécheresse car la rivière est aussi utilisée pour l’irrigation et l’alimentation du canal du midi.

 

Rafting with Oxygen Aventure

From spring, rafting activities on the Aude are possible until the end of September.

Oxygen Aventure is a group of independent instructors whose base is located in Belvianes and Cavirac, near Quillan, at the arrival of the rafting course, along the river. During the rafting descent, it will be possible to descend the gorges of Saint Georges (upstream of Axat) but also the gorges of Pierre Lys (between Saint Martin Lys and Belvianes and Cavirac).

 

The Funny Helmets.

Regional Natural Park of Verdon, the Guardian of the Temple

- Various articles

Regional Natural Park of Verdon

Created on March 3, 1997. Like any Regional Natural Park, it ensures that the economic development of its territory is harmonized with the conservation and enhancement of its natural heritage. Thus, they differ from the National Natural Parks which are territories protected from human activity.

In addition, surrounded by culminating landscapes at an altitude of more than 1,800 meters, the Parc du Verdon was created around the watershed of the river: the Verdon. It includes 7 landscapes; The Valensole plateau, Artuby, Lakes and Mountains, Lake of Sainte Croix, The Gorges of Verdon, The Low Gorges of Verdon and The hills of Haut Var.

Finally, in addition to the 46 member municipalities, the departmental councils of Hautes Alpes and Var. As well as the regional council of Provence Alpes Cotes d’Azur. Together, they constitute the Joint Syndicate. Each participant of the Joint Syndicate is represented by a delegate who sits on the Syndical Committee. It is the decision-making body of the Park. To put its decisions into action, the Parc du Verdon knew how to equip itself with a team. It is made up of thirty-eight agents with multiple and varied skills.

The Park Charter

The Verdon Regional Natural Park is based on a charter formalizing its project and defining its main directions. It is structured in 4 varied chapters;

-Transmission of heritage – The man at the heart of the project – Sustainable development of resources – Experimentation with new relationships between municipalities

The Park and Tourism

The economy of the region evolving towards an increasingly dominant tourist activity, the Verdon Regional Natural Park also relies on professional guides from Verdon to inform their large clientele about the fragility of the natural heritage discovered during whitewater activities for example.
Regional Natural Park of Verdon welcomes you to the Park House;

Domaine de Valx in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 5:30 pm
Such. : 04 92 74 68 00 | Fax: 04 92 74 68 01 info@parcduverdon.fr   www.parcduverdon.fr

 

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