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Whitewater Rafting Guide To River Trips

Gave de Pau River

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.