White Water Rafting · Lourdes
How to choose
Both tours run on the Gave de Pau, a fast-moving Pyrenean river that feeds off glacial snowmelt, but they target different experience levels. Chloro'fil charges 38 € for a 2.5h session rated "Occasionally sporty", making it the sharper, more intense pick for those who want focused whitewater action. Aventure Chlorophylle charges 39 € but runs 3.5h to 5.5h and is open to everyone, including first-timers. That 1 € price gap is irrelevant: the real difference is duration and intensity. Pick Chloro'fil if you want a tight, punchy run. Pick Aventure Chlorophylle if your group includes beginners or you want a longer river experience from Lestelle-Bétharram.
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Our picks
Rafting Down the Gave de Pau near Lourdes
38 € for 2.5h on a sporty course with English-speaking guides at Chloro'fil is the most concentrated hit of whitewater per euro.
Rafting on the Gave de Pau near Lourdes
Aventure Chlorophylle is rated "Everybody welcome" and runs up to 5.5h, giving first-timers maximum time to find their footing on the Gave de Pau.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment on the Gave de Pau?
The river's gradient drops sharply through several Class III rapids, where the raft accelerates and waves hit hard. Most participants flag the first major rapid as the loudest shock to the system.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Basic swimming ability is strongly recommended. You'll wear a buoyancy aid, but if you fall out of the raft on an active rapid, being comfortable in water matters.
Which tour is better if I've never rafted before?
The Aventure Chlorophylle tour (39 €, 3.5h to 5.5h) is rated "Everybody welcome" and runs briefings in French. It's the accessible entry point. The Chloro'fil session is rated "Occasionally sporty", meaning you'll hit harder sections faster.
What's the rafting season on the Gave de Pau near Lourdes?
Tours run from May through September. The river peaks in May and June when snowmelt from the Pyrenees is at its highest, making rapids faster and more powerful.
Can the guides communicate in English?
Chloro'fil guides speak Spanish, French and English. Aventure Chlorophylle operates in French only, so non-French speakers should book with Chloro'fil.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.3°C | 142.9 mm | Poor |
| February | 4°C | 120.1 mm | Poor |
| March | 4.6°C | 165.7 mm | Poor |
| April | 7.5°C | 197.3 mm | Poor |
| May | 10.5°C | 170 mm | Possible |
| June | 14.5°C | 172.1 mm | Possible |
| July | 17.6°C | 65.9 mm | Good |
| August | 17.8°C | 76.2 mm | Good |
| September | 15.5°C | 102.8 mm | Good |
| October | 10.8°C | 145 mm | Possible |
| November | 6.3°C | 165 mm | Poor |
| December | 2.1°C | 89.5 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear a swimsuit and bring a change of clothes: you will get wet. For the Chloro'fil session (rated "Occasionally sporty"), secure water shoes that grip are worth the effort since you'll exit the raft in active current.
Getting there
The Chloro'fil meeting point is at Chem. de Pouey Castet, Boô-Silhen (65400), roughly 5 km south of Lourdes by car. The Aventure Chlorophylle session meets at Camping Le Saillet along the CD 937, Lestelle-Bétharram (64800).
See also
White Water Rafting elsewhere
Other activities in Lourdes
Updated March 2026