White Water Rafting · Vallée de l'Ubaye
How to choose
Prices on the Vallée de l'Ubaye run from 47 € to 85 €, with sessions lasting between 2h and a half day. Three intensity levels cover the full spectrum. At the entry level, "Everybody welcome" options (47 € and 55 €) are open to all ages and fitness levels, perfect for a first hit of whitewater on the Ubaye. "Occasionally sporty" tours (49 € and 52 €) demand a bit more engagement as the river picks up pace through the gorges. The 85 € complete descent is rated "Sporty" and is the only option that covers the full length of the river. Budget under 55 €? Go with Crazy Water Rafting for open-access sessions. Chasing the full adrenaline package? Book the complete descent with Eau Vive Passion and clear a half day.
5 offers available
Our picks
Rafting down the Ubaye River near Barcelonnette
At 47 €, this 2h session with Crazy Water Rafting is the lowest price on the river and still open to everybody.
Complete descent of the Ubaye river in rafting near Barcelonnette
The only "Sporty"-rated option covers the complete descent of the Ubaye for 85 €, the longest and most demanding run available.
Canoe rafting down the Ubaye river near Barcelonnette
Crazy Water Rafting's canoe raft at 55 € is rated "Everybody welcome" and guided in English, French and Italian, making it the most accessible entry point.
Descente en canoe raft de l'Ubaye près de Barcelonnette
The 2h30 canoe raft session at 52 € with Eau Vive Passion is the longest mid-range option and rated "Occasionally sporty" for groups ready to push a bit harder.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment on the Ubaye?
The biggest rapids hit during the complete descent of the river, the only tour rated "Sporty". That's where the Ubaye narrows and the current surges hardest through the canyon. The entry-level runs give you rapids too, but the complete descent is the full-force version.
Do I need to be afraid of the water?
Not for the beginner runs. Both "Everybody welcome" tours are designed for people with zero rafting experience. If you can swim and follow instructions, you're qualified. The complete descent is a different story and requires a solid comfort level in moving water.
Which tour covers the longest stretch of the Ubaye?
The complete descent at 85 € is the only tour that runs the full length of the river near Barcelonnette. All other tours cover shorter sections. If total river distance matters to you, that's the one to book.
Can I raft the Ubaye if I've never done it before?
Yes. Tours 0 and 3, both labelled "Everybody welcome", are explicitly open to all. Operators handle safety briefings on-site. First-timers consistently rate these sessions: the overall average across all 5 tours sits at 5/5 from 7 reviews.
When is the Ubaye at its best for rafting?
The season runs from May to September. May and June typically bring higher water levels from snowmelt off the surrounding Alps, which means faster currents and more powerful rapids. July and August are warmer and more accessible for families.
Are the tours guided in English?
Yes, every single tour on this page is guided in English. Several also run in French and Italian. Check the language field on each listing to confirm before booking.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -0.1°C | 77.8 mm | Possible |
| February | 1.3°C | 96 mm | Possible |
| March | 1.8°C | 103.2 mm | Poor |
| April | 5.9°C | 96 mm | Possible |
| May | 9.9°C | 87.9 mm | Possible |
| June | 15.3°C | 81.1 mm | Good |
| July | 19.4°C | 29.1 mm | Peak |
| August | 19.7°C | 33.8 mm | Peak |
| September | 15.2°C | 66.2 mm | Good |
| October | 9.8°C | 116.5 mm | Possible |
| November | 4.1°C | 117.1 mm | Poor |
| December | 0.6°C | 38.1 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wetsuits and helmets are standard issue from operators on the Ubaye, so leave the gear at home. Bring a swimsuit, secure water shoes or old trainers with ankle support, and a dry bag for your phone. For the half-day "Sporty" descent, add a change of warm clothes for after.
Getting there
Most tours meet at Méolans-Revel (Le Martinet, 04340) or Le Lauzet-Ubaye (Font Basse, 04340), both accessible by car via the D900 road along the Ubaye valley from Barcelonnette.
See also
White Water Rafting elsewhere
Updated March 2026