FAQ Whitewater special

Whitewater activities depend on weather conditions and water flow.

In the Gorges du Verdon, during the summer, EDF generally releases water 2 times a week (the number of releases depends on the flow of the Verdon, electricity requirements, etc.).

Rafting, canoeing, hydrospeed, floating and packraft are only available on these days.

Conversely, the aquatic hike only takes place on days when there are no water releases.
Canyoning can be done every day.

For EDF water release forecasts :

• Contact our tourist offices
• Contact the whitewater companies

In the Haut-Verdon and along the Var River, these activities are available every day, but they depend on the weather. Due to low water levels in the summer, some activities, such as rafting and canoeing/kayaking, may not be available. Other activities may be offered instead.

• In Castellane, a paradise for whitewater enthusiasts, about thirty companies offer rafting trips down the Verdon Gorge, departing from the village.
• In the Haut-Verdon region, at the source of the Verdon river, you’ll be able to enjoy the thrills of the mountains!

And it’s not just the Verdon! Head for the Gorges de Daluis or Entrevaux for a descent into the Var.

The choice of course is left up to the whitewater companies, depending on water levels and weather conditions. Contact them!

All whitewater companies

First of all, we need to distinguish between activities that take place with a boat: rafting, canoeing, kayaking or packraft, and those that don’t: aquatic hiking, hydrospeed, canyoning andfloating.

With boat

• Rafting is done in a multi-person boat (up to 8 people). The guide is with you in the boat to steer it.

• Canoeing is practiced in a boat that can accommodate one or two people. A more sporting and technical activity than rafting, you’ll be in control of your own boat. The guide will accompany you in his own boat.

• The packraft, an ultra-light kayak reserved for sports enthusiasts, can be sailed alone or in pairs. You will be accompanied by a guide, who will have his own boat.

Without boat

• Aquatic trekking is done in a group supervised by a guide. This activity, which involves floating in the water, combines walking, swimming and jumping for those who want to.
• Canyoning combines a number of activities: slides, abseiling, jumps, swimming and sometimes even zip lines. It is done in a group and accompanied by a guide.
• Floating, which is similar to aquatic hiking, takes place when water is released, and therefore with a greater flow.
• Hydrospeed involves gliding through the water with the help of a foam board and flippers. This activity is enjoyed in a group with a guide.

As a reminder, some activities can be carried out with or without water releases. Please refer to the question “Q hen can you take part in whitewater activities? ”

April kicks off the season! Although not all companies are open yet, you can still book your activity. Major water releases will be reserved for sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers!

In October, it’s still possible: several companies are open until October 31.

Our advice: focus on May and June.

Contact the whitewater companies

No. For your own safety, it is forbidden to take your own boat down the Verdon.

Kayak descents are only possible with a qualified guide. However, canoe-kayak hire is available on the Castillon and Sainte-Croix lakes.

Contact the whitewater companies

No. Canoeing takes place exclusively on the Castillon and Sainte-Croix lakes. However, on the river, white-water companies offer a canoe-kayak route to the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon (Point Sublime).

The complete canoeing trip down to the Pont de Galetas is offered by a single company once a season. The grand canyon expedition is reserved for sportsmen and women with good kayaking skills.

Contact the whitewater companies