Canyoning in the Ubaye: where the river lives in the rock
In a canyon, you don’t descend a river — you descend into the rock that water has carved. Sculpted pools, waterfalls to negotiate, bare rock walls: a discipline you learn with a qualified instructor. Here are the operators in the valley who will take you there.
At Oueds & Rios, we do whitewater on the river — rafting, kayaking, hydrospeeding. Canyoning is close to our hearts, but not in our catalogue: we don’t offer it directly. That said, the Ubaye Valley is home to highly competent professionals who do it very well — and we want to make sure you know about them.
💧 Looking for a rope-free water descent?
Aqua-hiking (aqua-rando) might be just what you’re looking for: swimming, natural water slides,
jumping into pools, progressing through gorges — no abseiling or rope work. An activity accessible from
age 10, in the heart of nature.
Our partner Hike2River offers aqua-hiking outings in the Saint-Antoine gorges, in the upper
Ubaye Valley. Half-day or full day, small groups.
The valley’s canyons — and who guides you there
The Ubaye Valley offers a range of canyons for all levels, from first family experiences to demanding sporting descents. Here are the main spots and the local operators who lead them.
Canyon de Costeplane
Le Lauzet-Ubaye · Introductory · 3h · Ages 10–12
The introductory canyon par excellence in the Ubaye. Abseils down waterfalls, plunge pools, guided progression — perfect for a first time. Close to the Oueds & Rios base. Some operators offer it under the name « Roche Rousse » — it’s the same site.
- Rapid'Eau Park — Méolans-Revel
- Crazy Water Rafting — Le Lauzet-Ubaye
- Écrins Spéléo Canyon — Le Lauzet-Ubaye
- Aquarider — Le Lauzet-Ubaye
- Fresh Rafting — Pont du Martinet, Méolans-Revel
- Ubaye Canyoning — Jausiers
- Bureau des Guides de l'Ubaye — Barcelonnette
- Eau Vive Passion — Gap
- Bonne Grimpe — Méolans-Revel
Canyon de la Blache (full route)
Le Lauzet-Ubaye · Sporting · 4–5h · Ages 14+
A more demanding canyon: abseils of 20 to 25 metres, deep gorges, real physical commitment. Reserved for people in good physical condition, comfortable with heights. Full day or long half-day.
- Rapid'Eau Park — Méolans-Revel
- Écrins Spéléo Canyon — Le Lauzet-Ubaye
- Crazy Water Rafting — Le Lauzet-Ubaye
- Aquarider — Le Lauzet-Ubaye
- Fresh Rafting — Pont du Martinet, Méolans-Revel
- Ubaye Canyoning — Jausiers
- Eau Vive Passion — Gap
- Anaconda Rafting — Ubaye (contact details available locally)
Canyon de Chaudan
Col d'Allos / Entraunes · Aquatic · 2–4h · Ages 12+
An aquatic canyon on the other side of the Col d’Allos, about 40 minutes from Barcelonnette. Pools, swimming in current, colourful gorges — fewer abseils, more water. Ideal for people comfortable in pools and less drawn to vertical work.
- Bureau des Guides de l'Ubaye — Barcelonnette
- Aquarider — Le Lauzet-Ubaye
- Fresh Rafting — Pont du Martinet, Méolans-Revel
- Ubaye Canyoning — Jausiers
- Eau Vive Passion — Gap
Gorge de Clapouse and canyon Gimette
Jausiers / Les Thuiles · Family · Ages 8–10
Two more accessible canyons for families with young children or for a very gentle first experience. Less vertical, playful progression in a mineral environment.
- Ubaye Canyoning — Jausiers (Clapouse)
- Ubaye Aventure — Ubaye (Gimette and Clapouse)
Clue du Riolan and Clue d’Amen Maglia
Outside the valley · Alpes-Maritimes / Roya · On request · Experienced profiles
Two benchmark canyons offered on request by certain valley operators, for those who want to explore more demanding gorges outside the Ubaye. Full day, requires good physical condition and prior experience.
- Bureau des Guides de l'Ubaye — Barcelonnette
- Ubaye Canyoning — Jausiers
Prefer to stay on the river?
Rafting, kayaking, hydrospeeding — our guides are waiting for you on the Ubaye from our base in Méolans-Revel. Several descents per day, season from April to October.
