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.