Whitewater Rafting on the Verdon with Raft Session

Raft Session Verdon runs whitewater rafting trips on the Verdon river from Castellane, a small town at the gateway to the Verdon gorge in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, about 100 km northwest of Nice. The company's address is 12 Rue Nationale in Castellane. The trip lasts about 3 hours 15 minutes on the water, and because the drive from Nice takes roughly two hours each way, it works best as a full-day excursion. The Verdon is known for clear green water, limestone cliffs and a mix of rapids and calmer stretches.

Rafting is a team activity in which participants paddle an inflatable raft under the direction of a guide. The level is moderate: basic fitness and swimming ability are needed, and participants should be comfortable in moving water. Age limits and the equipment supplied vary, so visitors should confirm both when booking. Visitors bring a swimsuit, a towel and shoes that can get wet, and a wetsuit, helmet and life jacket are normally provided by rafting operators; the operator confirms the exact kit.

Before launching, the guide gives a safety briefing covering paddle commands, how to sit in the raft, what to do if someone falls out and how to float in a rapid. Rescue is based on the guide's experience, throw ropes and the other crews on the river, and the route has road access points for evacuation if needed. The operator is listed on the Checkyeti booking platform, with prices of about EUR 70 (roughly $81) per person.

The season runs from May to September. Water levels on the Verdon depend on snow melt and on dam releases upstream, so the rapids can be livelier in late spring and calmer later in summer. Heavy rain or unsafe water levels can lead to cancellation or a change of route, so reserving a flexible date helps. Visitors driving from Nice should allow enough time for the winding mountain roads, and may want to add a stop in Castellane or at the Verdon gorge viewpoints.