Rafting, kayaking and hydrospeed on the Ubaye
Our whitewater activities in the Barcelonnette valley:
Discover the Barcelonnette valley and Ubaye by raft!
Rafting and white water to discover Ubaye in a group
Ubaye, perfect for group outings
Our Raft and whitewater activities are perfect for strengthen cohesion within a group. We regularly organize works council outings, summer camps or hen parties. Something to break the ice and have a good time together!
Rafting on the Ubaye – The ideal family activity!
Likewise, we frequently receive families looking for an unusual activity for their vacation. If we exclude the most sporty courses, our rafting courses are suitable for children, from 5 years.
Crazy Water Rafting Ubaye and the Barcelonnette valley
Crazy Water Rafting: Who are we?
It was in 2010 that the first Crazy Water Rafting raft embarked on the Ubaye. The Crazy atmosphere was born in the valley of Barcelonnette!
Mat, the founder, has been kayaking since the age of 7. He chose the Ubaye, a benchmark river in France, to start his basic rafting and unusual accommodation project. Quickly, Roxane came to improve the Crazy evolution and since then the team has only grown.
Guides, drivers, reception and photographer, all are now very attached to this magical place and now form the Crazy Family!
Our whitewater sports base in Ubaye – Barcelonnette Valley
Welcome to our eco-base ! We are a place to energy 100 % solar and built with recycled materials! Discover the very special atmosphere of Crazy Water Rafting, with a warm welcome and a unique spirit of adventure! Cabins, refreshment bar, terraces, hammocks… Everything is there to have a great time!
Located in Lauzet Ubaye (04), you will find us at the entrance to the valley of Barcelonnette, near Lake Serre Ponçon, 25 minutes from Savines-le-Lac.
Located in the Alpes de Hautes Provence department, the Crazy Water Rafting base is located 2.5 hours from Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, 3 hours from Toulon, Nice and Grenoble.
Come and discover the rapids of the Barcelonnette valley in Rafting on the Ubaye, in Hydrospeed or Kayak !
Le Lauzet Ubaye
At the entrance to the Barcelonnette valley, Le Lauzet Ubaye is a small picturesque village, which welcomes you for a nature stay ! Crazy Water is located in this essential place for whitewater sports, hydrospeed and rafting on the Ubaye.
In the center of the village, you can swim in Lake Lauzet and enjoy its picnic and restaurant areas. Campsites, unusual accommodation, hotels and lodges will allow you to stay in this beautiful place.
A 10-minute walk away, the Lauzet Gorges and the Roman Bridge (listed historic site) are worth visiting, don’t miss out!
THE Costeplane waterfalls : an unmissable place for a refreshing moment surrounded by nature, with waterfalls and natural pools. It is also a starting point for hikes.
A 10-minute drive from Lauzet Ubaye is the Serre Ponçon Lake. This sea in the middle of the mountains offers all possible aquatic activities.
Where is Lauzet Ubaye?
In the Alpes de Haute Provence department (04), 20 minutes from Barcelonnette and 40 minutes from Gap.
Ubaye, a mythical river
Ubaye is the most surprising of all the rivers in Europe. Its natural flow makes it an evolving, living river with a strong character.
In spring, you will discover a fast and powerful wave river between the still snow-covered mountains.
In summer, the Ubaye flows crystal clear in the middle of beautiful greenery. It slaloms between the rocks, creating beautiful rapids.
Located in the Barcelonnette valley in the Alpes de Haute Provence (04), the Ubaye river begins upstream of Barcelonnette and flows into the Serre Ponçon lake at the level of Lauzet Ubaye.
Barcelonnette, 20 minutes from Crazy Water Rafting
Barcelonnette is an atypical small town, surrounded by mountains located in the Alpes de Haute Provence (04), It offers a wide choice of summer activities. The city center is pleasant to visit, with pedestrian streets and lively cafes.
Around the city center, you can discover the “Mexican Houses”, vestiges of the history of the valley.
Many events take place all summer: Jazz Festival, Mexican Festivals... One thing is certain, Barcelonnette does not lack character!
Crazy Water Rafting is 20 minutes by car from Barcelonnette.
Our articles on the Barcelonnettte valley
Crazy Water Rafting tips, guides and news
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Whitewater Sports FAQ
Rafting is a whitewater activity that involves going down the river in an inflatable boat called a raft. It can generally accommodate 2 to 8 “rafters”. The goal of the participants? Propel the boat using their paddles so that it crosses the rapids in complete safety, and all this, accompanied by an instructor specialized in Rafting. This activity is practiced on turbulent rivers such as the Ubaye, which allows you to discover a valley differently, with an added fun side.
Rafting on the Ubaye is practiced from spring to fall. Indeed, the Ubaye functions thanks to the melting of winter snow and spring precipitation. When the good weather arrives, you should expect a volume Ubaye, that is to say with waves. It is a unique natural river in France. In summer, the Ubaye becomes a manual and technical river. In autumn, when the rain returns, we can find an Ubaye similar to that of spring.
We provide you with the wetsuits and all the necessary equipment after your visit to reception. You can leave all your belongings in your vehicle which will remain on site. Accompanied by your river guide, the shuttle (around 10 minutes) will take you to the start of the route and pick you up at the finish. The Rafting descent on the Ubaye is a magical experience! Fun and wild, you will discover the river differently.
We provide the complete equipment: complete neoprene wetsuit, vest, helmet and Rafting shoes. All you have to do is grab your swimsuit and towel! For boys: swimsuit or shorts, come as you are!!
We accept cash, checks and credit cards. However, we are in the mountains and the credit card machine connection may not work. There is no distributor within 20 km (Barcelonnette or Savines le lac). We therefore advise you to bring cash or check. Activities can be arranged in ANCV check individually (maximum €40 per group or family).
In terms of reception and the space dedicated to your vehicles, a outhouse (modern and comfortable) is at your disposal. The dry toilet functions like a normal toilet, but sawdust replaces the water. A shower is also at your disposal if you wish to rinse off. Small invigorating detail: this one is cold like Ubaye. ! It’s an eco-friendly adventure!!
No need to have already done Rafting before, the discovery descent (Best of) is dynamic, but to everyone ! It's not "extreme sport" but rather a wonderful wild and aquatic adventure! Accompanied by experienced rafting guides, you will be safe!
The Ubaye is the most sporty river in France. With its multiple rapids, the discovery trail is the most beautiful course! So we recommend doing this one first. For the sports course as a first experience, it will depend on the conditions of the river, at the choice of the Rafting 04 guide. If you want sport, we recommend the Complete Rafting (half day): Best Of course for the warm-up followed by the Sport course, with a snack break between the two descents. This is the best of the best!
Rafting: from 5 years old, from the moment the child manages in the water. He must be willing to practice in white water! Hydrospeed: from 10 years old, the child must be a good swimmer and know how to use fins. The Ubaye in Hydrospeed is a sporty descent! Kayak Air: from 12 years old, the child must be a good swimmer with experience using the double paddle (eg: Canoe-Kayak on a body of water, easy river descent, etc.). We can also put him in a Hot Dog (double kayak) if one of the parents is an experienced kayaker.
Yes ! 500 meters from Crazy Water Rafting Ubaye, the small Lake Lauzet Ubaye is a wonderful place to recharge your batteries and swim. The lake refreshment bar is open from May to September. For walks, you can go to the Ponts Romain (20 minutes on foot), passing through the village of Lauzet Ubaye. It is a magnificent place which overlooks the Gorges de l'Ubaye where you will see the rafts!
You can picnic on site or at the small Lac du Lauzet (in the heart of the village). The Relais du Lac restaurant and the Buvette du lac are pleasant restaurants located 500 meters from Crazy Water. The “Chez Na’dej!” caravan! » offers great homemade sandwiches, dishes and salads. It is located in the village of Lauzet Ubaye, right next to Crazy Water Rafting Ubaye. A 20-minute drive away, you will find many restaurants and snack bars in Barcelonnette.
