White Water Rafting · Morvan
How to choose
Both tours run on the Chalaux River inside the Morvan Regional Nature Park and are operated by AN Rafting Morvan, so the choice comes down to format and intensity. The 59 € canorafting option runs 2.5h to 3h and is rated “Occasionally sporty”, meaning expect real paddle work and some technical sections. At 61 €, the straight rafting session clocks in at 2.5h flat and is open to everyone, including beginners and families. The 3 € price gap reflects the longer potential runtime and higher physical demand of the canorafting format. Pick canorafting if you want more time on the water and a bit more of a challenge. Pick the rafting session if you're bringing people with no prior river experience.
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Our picks
Canorafting on the Chalaux River in the Morvan Regional Nature Park, Burgundy
At 59 €, the canorafting session runs up to 3h on the Chalaux with an “Occasionally sporty” physical rating, giving you the most river time and the highest intensity of the two options.
Rafting on the Chalaux River in the Morvan Regional Nature Park, Burgundy
The 61 € rafting session is rated “Everybody welcome” and lasts 2.5h, making it the straightforward entry point for anyone hitting whitewater for the first time.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment on the Chalaux River?
The strongest rapids hit during the canorafting route, rated “Occasionally sporty”. You'll be actively paddling through technical sections where the river narrows and current accelerates. The rafting session keeps it accessible for all levels, so the peaks are milder.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Basic swimming ability is strongly recommended for any whitewater activity. You'll be wearing a buoyancy aid at all times, but knowing how to stay calm in moving water matters on the Chalaux River.
How are the two tours rated by past participants?
Both tours from AN Rafting Morvan hold a perfect 5/5 across 50 reviews combined. That's an unusually clean score for a whitewater operator.
Is this suitable for children or first-timers?
The rafting session (61 €) is explicitly listed as “Everybody welcome”, making it the right pick for first-timers, families or mixed groups. The canorafting option requires occasional physical effort and suits participants comfortable with a more active session.
When is the best time to raft on the Chalaux River?
The season runs from May through September. Water levels on the Chalaux are typically at their highest in May and June due to snowmelt and spring rainfall in the Morvan massif, which translates to faster currents and more active rapids.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.3 °C | 96.6 mm | Possible |
| February | 5.9 °C | 83.3 mm | Possible |
| March | 6.6 °C | 101.3 mm | Possible |
| April | 10.1 °C | 90.6 mm | Good |
| May | 13.1 °C | 71.6 mm | Good |
| June | 17.5 °C | 71.5 mm | Good |
| July | 20.9 °C | 55.1 mm | Peak |
| August | 19.8 °C | 39.6 mm | Peak |
| September | 17.6 °C | 48.4 mm | Peak |
| October | 12.4 °C | 107.2 mm | Possible |
| November | 7.6 °C | 90.7 mm | Possible |
| December | 3.3 °C | 64.4 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry shorts under your wetsuit, and bring water shoes or old trainers with a secure fit. Both sessions run 2.5h to 3h on the Chalaux River, so a change of dry clothes and a small towel left in your car at the Saint-Martin-du-Puy base will save you on the drive back.
Getting there
Both tours meet at Base AN Rafting Morvan, 1 Bis Les Hâtes, 58140 Saint-Martin-du-Puy, accessible by car from Nevers (roughly 50 km southeast) or Avallon (roughly 40 km north).
See also
White Water Rafting elsewhere
Other activities in Morvan
Updated September 2026