In the High Alps, Embrun is an unavoidable destination for water sports, as it is crossed by the river Durance. Famous river of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, a rafting activity in its waters will be the opportunity to discover the beautiful mountain landscapes from another point of view. Accessible to all, adults and children will be delighted to have fun while they rubbing themselves with the waves and currents of the village’s waterways.

Where to go rafting in Embrun?

• Entraigues Park: Located at the foot of Lake Serre-Ponçon, you will do this rafting activity in a sublime setting. Between mountains, firs and rocks, you will feel overwhelmed by the beauty of this small corner of paradise. From here, you’ll have the chance to have fun at the Durance. It is the river that feeds the largest reservoir of water in the Southern Alps, with its 18.5 miles (30 km²). Ideal for families, the Entraigues park will satisfy you due to its unique features. In fact, you will have the opportunity to enter some of the unavoidable places of the region, such as the meanders of Saint Clément, the wave of Rabioux or the Pont de Fer and the wave of Clapière. In addition, on the way back, you will even have showers to cool off after the effort.

• Camping de la Tour: Embark on a fantastic adventure through the waters of the Durance. Starting from Châteauroux-les-Alpes, Saint-Clément-sur-Durance or Mont-Dauphin (all three less than 20 minutes-drive from Embrun), you will paddle down the river to Embrun. In the program, intensity, strong feelings, but above all pleasure and relaxation in a natural and wild environment. In the mountains, you may be lucky enough to see ibex or marmots on nearby cliffs.

• La Clapière: Descent of the Durance from 7.5 to 11 miles (12 to 18 km) for 1 h 30 to 2 hours. From the area of La Clapière, you will leave for Saint-Clément-sur-Durance or Rabioux to make the exit. You will live this experience at 200% thanks to beautiful streams and sequences that will leave you with stars in your eyes. As a bonus, a breathtaking view of the valley and Mont Blanc!

What options are there for a descent?

You can enjoy the pleasures of a rafting activity with friends or family, from 4 to 12 people on the campsite La Tour and from 6 to 8 in Entraigues. Either with your children or with friends, the guides of the municipality can propose stretches of rivers more or less long or more or less intense. For example, from La Clapière, you can opt for a half-day or full-day excursion by choosing an exit from Saint-Clément-sur-Durance or Eygliers. Indeed, the Ubaye is a river that is directed rather to the experienced, while the Durance, will adapt to all levels and thus will delight large and small.

After providing you with the safety equipment: helmets, wetsuit, you will leave on board with your oars in hand. Your pilot will introduce you to the rules of the activity and the instructions so you can have a great time, and then you will climb with him to the raft to guide you and help you challenge the waves. Dedicate approximately 30 minutes to the briefing in addition to the water activity. This activity will include a minibus for your comfort, both before and after rafting.

You will have the possibility to continue your activity with a barbecue with the guides. A great way to extend the fun even more!

When is the best time to do this experience?

Our centers in this High Alpine village open in spring. It’s the high season for rafting. The season can be extended if the river level is not too low. However, if you want to enjoy the water outside this period, you always have the option of canoe-raft, kayak-raft or airboating. In smaller boats, you can venture into the rivers Durance, Ubaye or Guil, which are near Embrun.

Who can do this activity?

The rafting bases of this area suggest you try this activity from the age of five in La Clapière. Of course, some sections of the river are more or less intense by the current and the waves, so the starting age could be 12 years, as for the river Ubaye from the campsite Tour.

So, whether you’re with friends, family or partner, this tour will leave you unforgettable memories. Between stunning landscapes and strong feelings, you will be in true ecstasy and you will find difficult to return to the mainland, as you will only want to do it again!