Do you want to go rafting in the Hautes-Alpes? We offer you a selection of the most beautiful rivers for rafting in the Hautes Alpes.
In the Hautes-Alpes, there are a multitude of spots that will allow you to indulge in your favorite fun activity.
The Ubaye River: the best of rafting right next to the Hautes-Alpes
Ok, the Ubaye is a river in the Alpes de Haute Provence. But it is very close to the Hautes Alpes, so we put it in this list. It is ideal for white water sports and particularly for rafting.
The Ubaye has very beautiful gorges and dark water. These are the main characteristics of this river. Ubaye owes the color of its water to the gray rock present in the valley.
The descents of the river are between Barcelonnette and Lake Serre-Ponçon over a distance of more than 25 kilometers. During your rafting on the ubaye, you will certainly enjoy the many possible routes on this river (from Barcelonette to La Fresquière, from La Fresquière to Martinet, from Martinet to Lauzet-sur-Ubaye, from Lauzet-sur-Ubaye to Lake Serre-Ponçon). The difficulty levels of these courses range from 2 to 5.
La Guisane: best rafting spot in the Hautes Alpes!
The Guisane river is ideal for rafting in the Hautes Alpes. It flows in the Serre Chevalier valley on the edge of the Ecrins national park. Unlike Ubaye, it offers two different routes.
A course at the top of Casset in Chantemerle which alternates easy descents and intense rapids, offering you some thrills.
It also offers a route down from Chantemerle to Briançon that is much wilder than the previous one and made up of a series of excellent class 4 rapids.
The Guisane river is turquoise blue in color. This is justified by the fact that it is fed by the melting of snow and glaciers. With Guisane, you have your destination for your next rafting trip. The flow of the Guisane remains high in summer. You can therefore do your rafting there during this season.
The Gyr
Rafting on the Gyr is always special.
The movements of its water follow one another with impressive speed.
The Gyr is also considered one of the fastest rivers in France. If you choose this river, you should therefore expect very strong sensations.
There are several rafting routes on the Gyr.
You can opt for short courses of 4km or for descents over longer distances. The ideal is to travel this river at the end of the day when the water flow linked to the melting of the glaciers is considerable.
Le Guil
The Guil river is located in the heart of Queryas and is known as one of the most popular in the Hautes-Alpes. It stands out from many other rivers for its beauty and interesting rapids.
The rafting route on the Guil is approximately 16 km long and takes into account the Combes du Château-Queyras, the Combes de l'Ange-Gardien and ends on rapids such as the Triples Chutes, the Tunnel, the Grille, the Millénium and the Molosses.
The water flow of the Guil increases in spring, when the snow melts or even during heavy rain falls. During the summer this flow becomes less important, but the river remains suitable for rafting in the Hautes Alpes.
The Durance: the queen of rafting in the Hautes Alpes
The Durance is seen in Hautes-Alpes as the collector of other rivers. Just like the Guil, it is very well known to the inhabitants of the region. Its main source is located in Montgenèvre. It then flows into the Rhône at Avignon. This river is fed by melting snow, rain and the Ecrins glaciers. The Durance river has very attractive turquoise water which may tempt you to fetch your raft and your paddles.
The classic routes of this river are generally done over a distance of around 16km. Navigation is between Saint-Clément-sur-Durance and Embrun. We advise you to do this route with your family to experience wonderful moments.
The Drac
The Drac is not a rafting river in the Hautes Alpes, but it is located very close to the department.
The Drac river is also fed by melting snow and dominated by the Pic du Vieux Chailol.
This is also why its torrents are so wild and impetuous in spring. The rapids of this river are also very impressive. You will enjoy sailing on its waters in the company of your friends, loved ones or even complete strangers.
The route takes into account La Fare up to La Guinguette with a magnificent setting. The distance of the descent is approximately 20 km.
Throughout the months of April and May, you can enjoy a very sporty route. We recommend rafting on this river if you have small children and want to do this adventure with them.
Are you planning to go rafting in the Hautes-Alpes?
