Location: Southwestern France

The warm air of the Mediterranean surrounds southwest France, supporting ancient olive groves and famous wineries. The “Pyrenees-Atlantiques” department, or region, (home to the Gave d’Oloron River) lies on the border with neighboring Spain.

Level of Difficulty: Class II / Beginner

River rafting trips on the Gave d’Oloron are Class II and family friendly. The region is also known for salmon fishing.

Scenery: French Villages, Olive Groves, and Mediterranean Vineyards

One of the unique features of Gave d’Oloron river rafting trips is that they flow past historic and charming villages. Laas is a tiny village with an agriculturally-based economy and dotted with houses crafted of local stone. Navarrenx dates to the 11th century and its 16th century fortifications are some of France’s best surviving examples of architecture from this period. Another interesting village is Sauveterre de Bearn, which dates to the Middle Ages. Although it was a former pilgrimage route, important for religious reasons, its surviving architecture isn’t as impressive as that in Navarrenx. The canyon itself offers views of green valleys, and steep cliffs.

Season: April – November

Gave d’Oloron River trips are typically short, one day affairs running from April to November. Those looking for longer itineraries will find several companies that offer multi-day trips combining rafting and other water sports.

Location: Southwestern France near the border with Spain

The Gave de Pau flows through France’s southwest Pyrenees-Atlantiques region, near the border with neighboring Spain. The region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, which is why so many olive trees and grape vines are cultivated there. Wine lovers will find plenty of opportunities to relax with a glass of local vintages after a day on the river.

Level of Difficulty: Class II-III / Beginner

Class II and III rapids make Gave de Pau River rafting trips accessible for family trips and those new to the sport of whitewater rafting.

Scenery: Waterfalls and Mountain Peaks

Le Gave de Pau River is sourced high in the Cirque de Gavarnie mountain range in the Pyrenees National Park. One of the features of the park is the spectacular Gavarnie Falls—at 400m the highest “cascade,” or waterfall, in France.

Season: May – September

River rafting trips on the Gave de Pau are fairly short, ranging from half to full day itineraries.

Location: Southwestern France near Carcassonne and the Spanish Border

The Aude river flows through France’s southwestern Aude region, near the border with Spain and the Pyrenees Mountains. The river is near the town of Carcassonne, an impressive walled city with formidable turrets, towers and a fortress restored to glory in the 19th century. The town’s beauty and remarkable architecture landed it on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Beginner

Whitewater rafters have two options for Aude River rafting trips. Those wanting intermediate class III whitewater can run the Gorges de St. George section, which flows near the village of Axat. Somewhat more challenging is the gorge called the “Defile de Pierre Lys,” which is a section higher up on the Aude River. The Defile de Pierre Lys section has class III-IV rapids, making accessible to both adventurous beginners and experienced rafters.

Scenery: French-Mediterranean Vineyards

The Aude River flows 170 km from its source in the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea. Along its journey, the Aude River flows through southwestern France’s important wine and grape growing region—wine connoisseurs will recognize the famous vintages of the Languedoc-Roussillon, whose vines thrive in the warm Mediterranean climate.

Season: May – September

Aude River rafting trips tend to be short, one-day affairs. Many commercial outfitters on the River l’Aude offer longer itineraries that include whitewater rafting days as well as canyoning, fun-yaking (called “hot-dogging” in France), and canoeing.

Location: Southwestern France

The Gave d’Ossau River is one of the attractions of southwest France’s Pyrenees region. Rivers like the Gave d’Ossau are sourced in the mountains and then flow toward the Mediterranean Sea.

Level of Difficulty: Class IV / Intermediate

Springtime brings good flows to Gave d’Ossau River whitewater rafting trips, making its class IV rapids a thrilling challenge for experienced rafters. Athletic and adventurous beginners will also enjoy this trip.

Scenery: Forested Canyon

Created by the confluence of the Gave Bious and the Gave de Brousset Rivers, the Gave d’Ossau ultimately flows into the Gave d’Oloron. The snake-like river winds its way through the Bager Forest, giving rafters glimpses of local wildlife like Salmon and elegant Herons.

Season: April – June

Half and full day Gave d’Ossau River raftng trips are offered in the springtime.

The French Alps are justly famous for their superb ski-slopes and alpine retreats but these high mountains also source beautiful whitewater rivers like the Isere River and one of its tributaries, the Doron de Bozel River.

Isere River Rafting Trips (Class):
Located in the famous Val d’Isere, the Isere River has two sections, one suitable for families and one perfect for more adventurous rafters.

Doron de Bozel River Rafting Trips (Class IV-V):
A high-adrenaline rafting adventure with limited trip availability.

More About Rafting in the Rhone Alpes

The Rhone Alps region of France is famous for hosting the 1992 Olympic Winter Games. Southern Alps rafting trips on the River Isere range from class II-III to III-IV and run from May into September. The Rhone-Alps region’s most challenging whitewater is found on the class IV-V Doron de Bozel.

Ardeche is known as the “Chestnut Capitol” of France and is home to the famous Cotes du Rhone wine region. Ardeche also offers whitewater rafting trips on the famous and popular l’Ardeche River, whose class III-IV rapids will satisfy both adventurous novice rafters as well those with prior experience.

Ardeche River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
The "Grand Canyon" of the Cotes du Rhone region, the Ardeche River canyon is an outdoor mecca for hikers, climbers, kayakers, and rafters.

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, which is on the border between Italy and eastern France, has numerous river rafting trips, which offer an outstanding vantage point to experience this beautiful and popular region in France.

Ubaye River Rafting Trips (Class II, IV, or V):
One of France’s best whitewater rafting trips, the Ubaye River has several sectins, offering something for everyone from kids to adventurous adults.

Verdon River Rafting Trips (Class II):
Flowing through the deep Verdon Gorge, this is an excellent run for the whole family.

More about Rafting in the Alpes de Haute Provence

Provence conjures images of gnarled olive trees, fields of lavender, lush tomatoes and herbs, the historic cities of Marseilles, Arles, the perfume capitol of Grasse, and the hills immortalized by Cezanne outside Aix-en-Provence. Whitewater trips on the l’Ubaye and Verdon Rivers range from class II-V and are available from April into September, depending on the run.

The Pyrenees Atlantiques region of France offers a wide variety of rafting options. Whitewater rafters can book river trips in this spectacular region on the River l’Aude, le Gave d’Ossau, le Gave de Pau, and le Gave d’Oloron.

Aude River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
Flowing through French Mediterranean Vineyards, the Aude River has several sections ranging from Class III – IV.

Gave d’Oloron River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
A family-friendly rafting trip that flows through historic villages.

Gave d’Ossau River Rafting Trips (Class IV):
Only running in the springtime, the Gave d’Ossau River is an exciting intermediate run.

Gave de Pau River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
Olive orchards and vineyards line this beginner run that is perfect for families.

More About Rafting in Pyrenees Atlantiques

Situated on the border between France and its Western neighbor Spain, the Pyrenees-Atlantiques region of France is a popular destination for nature lovers because of its wide range of outdoor activities in places like the Pyrenees National Park. Pyrenees river trips range from family-friendly itineraries to more challenging class III-IV runs. Many rivers run consistently from April into the fall.

Thinking about joining a whitewater rafting trip in France? France beckons millions of visitors each year with an astonishing array of attractions: first-class wine, historic architecture, gastronomy, fashion, and . . .river sports. For people wanting a break from the hordes of tourists and seeking natural—rather than man-made wonders—a whitewater rafting trip in France is the answer.

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Rafting Trips

Choose from the Ubaye River, or Verdon River.

Cotes du Rhone Rafting Trips

Choose from the Ardeche River.

Pyrenees-Atlantiques River Rafting Trips

Choose from the Aude River, Gave d’Oloron River Gave d’Ossau River, or Gave de Pau River.

Rhone Alpes Rafting Trips

Choose from the Doron de Bozel River or Isere River

More about Rafting in France

France has literally hundreds of rivers, but those most suited for whitewater rafting trips tend to be concentrated in the South. “Departements” or regions like Pyrennees-Atlantiques, Ardeche, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and the Rhone-Alps offer opportunities for families and novice rafters as well as challenging runs for more experienced river runners.

Location: Northern California near Yosemite National Park

Cherry Creek (the Upper Tuolumne River) is located near Groveland, 30 minutes outside of the northern entrance to Yosemite National Park.

Level of Difficulty: Class V / Advanced

Cherry Creek drops at an average of 110 feet per mile and provides fifteen Class V and V rapids and many unnamed Class IV+ rapids. The first few miles are Class IV with a few “easy” Class V’s: Guillotine, Corkscrew and Jawbone. Then, just around the bend, Mushroom (Class V) and Toadstool (Class V) line up back to back. Further downstream the recovery pools grow shorter and the rapids more difficult as the river enters into the “Miracle Mile.” Here, the river drops over 200 feet in a single mile with 5 Class V rapids, one right after the other. More Class IV and V rapids continue until take-out at Meral’s Pool. This 9-mile run is not for the timid. Cherry Creek is the ultimate in fast and furious whitewater. Significant Class IV and V paddling experience, adequate physical condition and swimming ability is required because total participation is needed to safely navigate this run.

Scenery: Granite Boulders and Crystal Clear Water

While this fast-paced, action-filled trip doesn’t leave much time for taking in all the splendor, when you do get a chance to look around, you will be witness to one of the most breathtaking canyons in California. The clear aqua water juxtaposed against the grey granite and evergreen trees is truly an incredible backdrop for a rafting trip.

Season: June – October

Cherry Creek is dam-released so flows last throughout the summer. However, due to the technical, continuous nature of the run, it can only be run below 2000 cfs, so the season begins after the winter snow melts and the spring runoff is over.