The Hautes-Alpes, a magnificent French department that is full of secrets. Its mountainous landscapes, its valleys and, especially, its rivers will leave you with unforgettable memories. The most emblematic, the Durance, will give you a feeling of peace and relaxation. The Gyr is more intense. Descending directly from the glaciers, it is a river whose waters have never been polluted by the hand of man. The Guil is a river that is a bit like the other two, sometimes calm and sometimes more turbulent. How would you like to experience these feelings directly from the waves of these exceptional rivers through a rafting activity?

Where are the best places for rafting in the Hautes-Alpes?

• Plan d'eau d'Eygliers: Located near the village of Guillestre, 20 minutes from Embrun and 30 minutes from Briançon, you can go rafting on the Guil or the Durance. You will evolve on white, transparent and crystalline waters along about 12. 5 miles (20 km), strong feelings and memorable emotions guaranteed!

• Saint-Clément: A must stop for rafting descents, you can take advantage of the location of this high mountain village to enjoy rafting on the Durance. Only 22 minutes-drive from the lake of Serre-Ponçon, you will marvel at the beauty of the high mountain landscapes. Located on the edge of the National Parc of des Ecrins, it is easy to contemplate the beauty of its landscapes covering almost 1,000 m². Here you can ride the famous Rabioux wave.

• Châteauroux: In addition to Eygliers and Saint-Clément, these three rafting spots will take you directly to the village of Embrun. Known for this adventure sport, you can enjoy the thrills on one of the three rivers of the Alps that pass through it: the Durance, turquoise waters, the Guil, crystalline, or the Gyr, the most extreme. During the program, adrenaline rushes in rapids and waves will give you indescribable emotions. Amongst moments of laughter and chills, you will have a great time, just 10 minutes from the Italian border.

• Montardon, les Combes de Château, Queyras et le Haut Guil: From these alpine villages, you will venture down the Guil for more than two hours. Between moments of joy and escape, you will live an exciting adventure on this river that takes its name from "great waters" in pre-Celtic, enough to give you an idea of what awaits you!

When is the best time to do this activity?

Our centers are open during the rafting season. This runs from April to October approximately, except in the Guil, where the season lasts until mid-November. It corresponds to the melting of snow and glaciers. In fact, after this period, it is complicated to do this activity, as the rivers are usually too low. However, if you haven’t had the opportunity to live this adventure in time, you will find some offers that give you the possibility to do canoe-raft, kayak-raft or airboat. The concept is the same as rafting, but with smaller boats, two-seater or single-seater, which allow you to do the activity on the Guil, Ubaye or Durance, when the water level is lower.

What are the different options for descents?

Depending on your level and your experience, our centers will propose you, different offers adapted to your profile.

In addition to choosing the right river, you will be able to do an initiation if it is your first time. A rafting activity on the Durance is perfect for beginners, for example, due to the current of this river. Otherwise, there are options for more experienced people. For example, the Gyr is for those who are looking for strong feelings. It is known to be the most turbulent river in the High Alps.

You can enjoy the pleasures of this water activity with friends or family, from 3 to 10 people. By the way, don't worry! For each activity, you will be accompanied by 1 or 2 professional guides depending on the difficulty of the course. This will guarantee you a moment of disconnection and feelings in complete safety.

Depending on the route and its difficulty, your rafting activity can last between 2 and 5 hours. You can also take a break to recharge your batteries before the rest of the trip and take the opportunity to admire the picturesque landscapes of Embrun, Saint-Clément and the Durance valley.

Who can do this experience?

In the alpine region, clubs will offer you different courses depending on your level. For example, there are courses adapted for the youngest. This is the case of the Baby-raft from the age of six. In general, rafting is accessible from the age of eight years, depending on water levels, but especially the degree of difficulty of the river section.

The Gyr, given its reputation of wild and intense river, our instructors impose access from 16 years old.

A trip will be a breath of fresh air for you. It will allow you to recharge your batteries and have a good time with friends or family. So, if you want to dive, both literally and figuratively, you will love this activity.