White Water Rafting · Nice
The essentials
Les Flots de Julie runs one 3-hour rafting session down the Var river, starting near Entrevaux, about 90 km from Nice. At 55 €, it's rated "Occasionally sporty", meaning real current and real rapids without requiring prior experience. Guides speak French, English and German. Book early in summer: the season runs May through September and slots fill fast on weekends.
The offer
Rafting down the Var at Entrevaux, near Nice
Frequently asked questions
How intense is rafting on the Var near Entrevaux?
The tour is rated "Occasionally sporty", which means you'll hit genuine rapids and fast current, but it's accessible without prior rafting experience. Expect physical effort in bursts rather than sustained intensity throughout the 3 hours.
What's the most adrenaline-heavy moment of the trip?
Navigating the rapids on the Var is where the rush peaks. The river cuts through a steep gorge, so the combination of fast water and tight channels makes for sharp, reactive paddling moments.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Basic swimming ability is strongly recommended. You'll be equipped with a wetsuit and buoyancy aid, but the Var carries real current and knowing how to float and maneuver matters.
When is the best time to go?
The season runs from May to September. Late spring and early summer typically bring higher water levels from snowmelt in the Alps, which makes the rapids more powerful. July and August are busiest, so reserve ahead.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.2°C | 67.8 mm | Possible |
| February | 2.4°C | 113.8 mm | Poor |
| March | 2.6°C | 104.8 mm | Poor |
| April | 6.2°C | 86.3 mm | Possible |
| May | 10.2°C | 79 mm | Good |
| June | 15.2°C | 67 mm | Good |
| July | 18.4°C | 71.7 mm | Good |
| August | 18.9°C | 52.7 mm | Good |
| September | 15°C | 72.5 mm | Good |
| October | 10.3°C | 124.4 mm | Possible |
| November | 4.9°C | 122.9 mm | Poor |
| December | 1.7°C | 31.6 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wetsuit and buoyancy aid are provided by Les Flots de Julie. Bring a secure swimsuit underneath, water shoes or old trainers with a closed toe, and a change of dry clothes for after the 3-hour session.
Getting there
The meeting point is the car park on the banks of the Var on the D902, just after the bridge over the Var as you leave the Route de Grenoble coming from Entrevaux, approximately 90 km north of Nice.
See also
White Water Rafting elsewhere
Other activities in Nice
Updated March 2026