Barcelonnette Valley – Discover our whitewater courses on the Ubaye
The Ubaye river in a few words
Before introducing you to the whitewater courses on the Ubaye, let us tell you a few words about this mountain torrent. It's here " mythical river of France and one of the best known in Europe. Experienced kayakers come from the ends of the world to brave the Ubaye rapids. The French championships are organized almost every year.
In spring, when the snow melts, the water levels are very high and allow for sporty descents with impressive waves.
In summer, with less water, it is more crystal clear. We take advantage of its attractions with swimming in rivers, rock jumping and more fun navigation!
Ubaye is a natural river, that is to say without dam, which finds its source in Haute Ubaye. It passes through the small towns of Jausiers, Barcelonnette, passes practically in the center of Lauzet-Ubaye and ends its course in the Lake of Serre-Ponçon.
Presentation of the different whitewater courses on the Ubaye
If you want to go rafting in Praloup, Barcelonnette or anywhere in the Ubaye valley, we will always offer you the same routes. These are the most interesting parts of the river, for its varied landscapes and its suites of magnificent rapids.
These courses are possible in Rafting, Hydrospeed or Kayak-Raft and are for all levels, whether you are a novice or an expert in whitewater.
Experience the Best Of – Discovery Course
There downhill Best Of leaves from the hamlet of Martinet to Lauzet-Ubaye which is 9 km. A discovery trail which offers adventurers magnificent landscapes through the Barcelonnette valley. You will be able to descend category III – IV rapids throughout your Rafting, Hydrospeed or Kayak-Raft expeditions. A unique opportunity to be intoxicated by the beauty of the nature of Ubaye and to discover the valley in a different way.
This is the legendary descent of the Ubaye, the one that makes it famous!
The “discovery” rafting course is suitable for all people who want to discover whitewater sports.
Experience the Ubaye Sport descent
To access the 5 km of the “sport course” (class IV and V), it is important to have been introduced to the “discovery course”
The departure is from the hamlet of La Fresquière and the arrival is in the village of Martinet. It is also called route of the impassable exes from the top, “Ex from above”. It's a descent that goes very quickly: the rapids follow one another and the river guide's instructions must be followed to the letter and reactively.
It's a sports course, demanding which requires commitment, the rapids are category IV-V. We only accept adults over 18 in good physical condition. You don't need to be a great sportsman but you need to be a good swimmer and dynamic.
Our river guides are specialists in this “EX du Haut” route and they practice it very regularly. We do everything we can to navigate as safely as possible. We therefore ask the crew to be attentive and serious.
If your desire is to have fun with friends and family in Raft, Hydro or Kayak we advise you to do the Best Of session, which is super fun with grandiose landscapes.
Are you hesitant about doing the Sport course?
If you want a sporty rafting trip, but you have no experience or are not sure, we have the solution: The Crazy Half-Day ! This is the Best-of discovery descent, with a small snack, followed by the sport part.
The apprehension of the sport course will disappear because you will be at ease with your paddle and with your guide. As a professional, this is the option we prefer, because we steer the raft better in the sport course, when we know our crew.
Other whitewater courses on the Ubaye
There are many routes on the Ubaye, particularly in Haute Ubaye and between Barcelonnette and the hamlet of La Fresquière. These are routes that we offer when water levels allow us. They are accessible during a flood, in mid-spring. These routes are not “à la carte” because they are difficult to predict. The choice of route is made on the day, with the river guide who accompanies you.
More information on the L’Ubaye flood
Every spring, the flood of the river is different. Depending on the speed of snow melting, we can reach more than 70 m3 per second, unlike in summer, where it is on average around 10m3 per second. From one day to the next, the Ubaye can reach levels which do not allow for certain routes but which are ideal for others. We have an incredible playground, which allows our rafting base to offer interesting descents every day.
Water levels are given live on the internet via the vigicrue website weather France. We have two catchments with cells installed in Barcelonnette and at the mouth of Lake Serre-Ponçon, at Lauzet Ubaye 04
Do you want to do several whitewater courses on the Ubaye?
Multi-activity package and whitewater course from €90/person
We offer different options which give you access to several descents and/or different boats. You can do two Descents on the same day or on two different days. We apply the same rate whether for one or several days. It's up to you to combine a Rafting descent followed by a Hydrospeed descent or choose Kayak-Airboat or Canyoning!
You can consult our page White water sports courses, Multi activities and/or contact us by phone for more information.
Half-day Crazy at €90/person
It's a combined Best-Of discovery descent followed by the Sport section, with a snack in the middle. It is done in half a day, in the morning or afternoon. It takes around 4 hours of activity, including shuttles, snacks and the two courses.
Meeting times for half-day rafting in Ubaye: Morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. / Afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
To better discover the Ubaye river and go deeper into the practice of Rafting, we recommend this formula. The discovery descent (1h30) allows you to warm up and master your paddle. Then the sports part (1h15), much more technical, becomes accessible with good team cohesion.
It's a sporty and sensational half-day, accessible to all people in good physical condition. Only adults over 18 years old are accepted (except for exceptions and accompanying parents). We must have at least 4 participants to do the Crazy half-day. If there are fewer of you, contact us anyway, we might find you some playmates!
