Where to go rafting in France?
Rafting in France: the Isère, the Guisane, the Guil… and the Ubaye! A rundown of the rivers worth the trip — and why the Ubaye remains our favourite playground.
Rafting spots in France are plentiful — the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorges de l'Aude, the Allier valley and gorges. If you're on holiday near a suitable river, go for the closest one: every river has its own character, and what matters most is the quality of the guides. But if you're choosing your destination based on the spot, two rivers stand out: the Isère departing from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, and the Ubaye departing from Méolans-Revel. These are also our two historic rivers — and that's no coincidence.
Rafting seasons
The main season runs from April to October. The July–August peak concentrates the majority of trips — book ahead if you're coming this summer. Before and after, it's low season : fewer crowds, lively water, striking scenery.
In spring (April–June): sustained flow, rapids at their most powerful — the ideal time for those seeking raw adrenaline. The water is cold, a wetsuit is essential.
In summer (July–August): warmer water, moderate flow, ideal for families and first-timers. Conditions remain excellent and the days are long.
In autumn (September–October): falling water levels, golden scenery — a great time for a relaxed descent away from the crowds.
In rainy weather: unlike canyoning, rafting almost always goes ahead. Wet is wet — a river in the rain has something special about it. And in a heatwave, you won't find a more refreshing activity.
Rafting: an adventure to share
You pull on your swimwear, your wetsuit, your shoes, your helmet, your buoyancy aid — and jump into the raft with your friends or family. The guide gives the briefing, the crew paddles, and the adventure begins. Rapids, jolts, spray, laughter. These are the moments that become lifelong memories.
"A laugh with friends or a family introduction to the rapids — either way, it's a genuinely multi-sensory experience!"
Our beautiful Ubaye — Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04)
You're on the right site to raft the Ubaye. It's one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe — 50 km, class II to V, with no artificial dam. Founded in 1996 by the Coureurs de Rivières (Lionel and Pierre Lafay), the Méolans-Revel base is now run by Rémi, Joseph and Jorys. Same river, same guiding standards, new generation of guides.
Depending on your level and the group's appetite, Rémi and the Jo-Jo's adapt the route: a family-friendly descent on moderate whitewater, or a more demanding run for experienced paddlers — same river, experienced differently.
Learn more about rafting with Oueds & Rios
The Guil in the Queyras — Hautes Alpes (05)
The valley just north of the Ubaye is home to another outstanding river: the Guil, in the Parc naturel régional du Queyras — around 70 km / 1h20 by road from Barcelonnette, via the Col de Vars.
It's the home turf of Quey'raft, based in Château-Queyras since 1997. Vincent and his team offer rafting, kayak-rafting and canyoning in the Guil gorges — with the Marque Parc label for their environmental commitment. A great option if you're heading over to the Queyras.
The Guisane at Serre-Chevalier — Hautes Alpes (05)
The Serre-Chevalier valley is home to another remarkable river: the Guisane, a tributary of the Durance — around 85 km / 1h40 by road from Barcelonnette, via the Col de Vars.
It offers two very different experiences. The Upper Guisane (Lauzet → Saint-Chaffrey, 15 km, class II/III) is ideal for a first outing or a family trip. The Lower Guisane (Saint-Chaffrey → Briançon, 5.5 km, class IV+) is reserved for experienced paddlers — tight rapids, high demands. Several operators offer these runs — find them on the official Serre-Chevalier website.
The Isère in the Tarentaise — Savoie (73)
The Isère rises high above Val-d'Isère. The Tignes dam allows regular water releases throughout the summer — making it a reliable and lively river. The main descent, from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Centron, is the longest rafting run in France: 23 kilometres of action-packed water. Perfect for a complete experience, with the added bonus of discovering the Tarentaise valley at water level.
For younger or less adventurous participants, there's the Discovery run from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Gothard.
The Doron-de-Bozel — Savoie (73)
The Doron-de-Bozel is best saved as a second experience, or for those chasing a real challenge: it's one of the most technical runs in France, depending on water levels and the season. Thrill-seekers, you won't be disappointed!
Several operators offer these runs — find them on theCœur de Tarentaise Tourist Office website.
Our recommendation
If you're choosing your trip specifically for the rafting, the Ubaye and the Isère are our two reference rivers. The Isère for its length and regulated flow, the Ubaye for its variety, its legendary gorges and its unspoilt alpine character. In both cases, the experience will depend above all on the people guiding you.
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