White Water Rafting · Verdon Gorge
How to choose
8 tours on the Verdon Gorge, priced from 45 € to 90 €, cover durations from 1.5h to a full day. Two physical levels define the range: "Occasionally sporty" covers the majority of offerings and suits first-timers or families comfortable with moving water. "Sporty" applies to the canoraft and the packraft-plus-e-bike combo, both demanding more active paddling. Budget-wise, six tours cluster at 45,55 €, making them the accessible entry point. The 60 € and 90 € options add either a structured half-day format or a full-day multi-activity experience. Short on time? The 1.5h tubing session on the upper Verdon is the fastest way onto the river. Want maximum time on the water? Opt for tours listing a full-day duration. Use physical level as your first filter, then duration.
8 offers available
Our picks
Rafting in the Gorges du Verdon from Castellane
At 45 €, BUENA VISTA RAFTING delivers up to 4h on the Verdon river with English and French guidance from a meeting point directly in Castellane.
Canoraft trip in the Gorges du Verdon
The canoraft format run by Aqua Bond Rafting is rated "Sporty" and puts you in a smaller craft for a more physical, hands-on fight with the Verdon Gorge current.
Rafting in the gorges du Verdon
Aqua Bond Rafting's 1.5h tubing session in the Fontgaillarde gorges is the shortest and most accessible option on the upper Verdon at 45 €.
Packraft Discovery on the Lac de Castillon with a Electric Bike Ride on the Lacs du Verdon Circuit
BUENA VISTA RAFTING's full-day packraft and e-bike combo on Lac de Castillon at 90 € is the only multi-activity format in the lineup, rated "Sporty".
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment on a Verdon rafting run?
The Gorges du Verdon concentrate the river's most technical rapids in a narrow limestone canyon, where the current accelerates through tight passages and the canyon walls tower above you. That constriction is where the adrenaline peaks.
Do I need prior rafting experience to join these tours?
Most tours here are rated "Occasionally sporty", meaning no experience is required. Two tours are rated "Sporty" and require a basic level of physical fitness and comfort in water.
What's the difference between rafting, canoraft, and tubing on the Verdon?
Rafting puts you in a large inflatable raft guided by a professional. Canoraft uses a smaller, more manoeuvrable inflatable that demands more active paddling from participants. Tubing means floating the river in an inflatable ring, which is the most accessible and least physically demanding format.
What is the best time of year to raft the Verdon?
Season runs from May to September. Water levels are highest and fastest in May and June due to snowmelt from the Alps. July and August offer warmer water temperatures and more predictable conditions.
Are the tours conducted in English?
Yes. All 8 tours listed offer English as a spoken language. Several operators also guide in French, Spanish, German or Italian.
How far in advance should I book?
July and August are peak season in the Verdon. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for those months. May, June and September allow shorter booking windows, but availability can still fill quickly on weekends.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.1°C | 68.6 mm | Possible |
| February | 4.6°C | 107.2 mm | Poor |
| March | 5.2°C | 113.4 mm | Possible |
| April | 8.9°C | 99.7 mm | Possible |
| May | 13.1°C | 103 mm | Possible |
| June | 18°C | 93.4 mm | Good |
| July | 21.5°C | 56.8 mm | Peak |
| August | 21.9°C | 46 mm | Peak |
| September | 17.4°C | 83.4 mm | Good |
| October | 12.3°C | 127.6 mm | Possible |
| November | 6.8°C | 113.7 mm | Possible |
| December | 3.6°C | 31.2 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear a swimsuit under a quick-dry layer and bring water shoes or secure sandals that can get wet. Operators provide helmets and buoyancy aids, but tours lasting up to 4h under the Provence sun mean sunscreen and a small dry bag for your phone are essential.
Getting there
Most meeting points are in or just outside Castellane (route des Gorges du Verdon, D952), reachable by car from Nice in roughly 1h45 or from Marseille in around 2h.
See also
White Water Rafting elsewhere
Other activities in Verdon Gorge
Updated March 2026