"We had fun altough english guided tour was mainly held in french."
Castellane · The Northern Gateway · In the River
Verdon Gorge Rafting & Canyoning
Get into the cold green water at the bottom of the canyon — white-water rafting, aqua-trekking and canyoning from Castellane, family-friendly to sporty.
Top pick
From
$75
per person
Free cancellation
- 4.5 / 5 Top Rated
- Round-Trip Transport From Aix · Marseille · Nice
- Photo Stops In the Blooming Fields
- Free Cancellation
The Experience
Why Raft or Canyon the Verdon
The active, in-the-river way to feel the scale of the gorge.
Highlights
- Feel the rush of cool river spray as you paddle through gentle rapids
- Experience the Verdon Gorge’s stunning limestone scenery up close
- Connect with fellow adventurers in a fun, supportive group setting
- Learn rafting basics from an experienced local guide
- Capture unique moments with optional professional photos in summer
What's Included
- Neoprene wetsuit
- Helmet
- Life jacket
- Professional guide
- Shuttle transfer after rafting
How Verdon Rafting & Canyoning Works
Meet in Castellane, gear up, and descend the river with a qualified guide.
Choose How You Want to See the Gorge
Pick a guided day trip, a boat or kayak tour on Lac de Sainte-Croix, a rafting or canyoning adventure, or a private tour — each is built around the canyon, the lake and the viewpoints.
Book in Season (May–September)
The roads, the lake and the water sports are at their best from May to September, with June and September the sweet spot for weather and smaller crowds. Combine with the lavender from late June to mid-July.
Confirm Instantly
Pay through our secure GetYourGuide booking partner — instant confirmation by email, mobile voucher, and free cancellation on most tours up to 24 hours before.
Meet Your Guide & Go
Meet at the pickup point and let your guide handle the winding canyon roads, the Route des Crêtes viewpoints, the lake stop and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Photo Gallery
In the Water at the Bottom of the Canyon
Rafts, wetsuits and the green Verdon between towering limestone walls.
Book Your Experience
Check Availability & Prices
Select your date and group size. Instant confirmation — free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Compare Verdon Rafting & Canyoning
Guided rafting, the famous aqua-trek, or a family-friendly float — compared.
| Feature | TOP PICK Castellane: Verdon River Rafting | Aquatrekking: Great Gorges | Castellane: Family Rafting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $75/per person | $81 | $81 |
| Activity | White-water rafting | Aqua-trekking / swimming | Family rafting |
| Base | Castellane | Castellane | Castellane |
| Guided | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intensity | Moderate | Active / swim | Gentle |
| Gear provided | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | First-time rafters | Adventurous swimmers | Families & kids |
| Check Availability | View Tour | View Tour |
More Verdon Rafting & Canyoning
From gentle family floats to sporty canyon descents — pick your level.
AQUA-TREKAquatrekking Gorges du Verdon Great Gorges & Canyon
The Rando Aqua is the flagship activity of the Verdon . The only possibility of visiting the Great Gorges by swimming, it is the essential activity of the region. from 8 years old
FAMILY RAFTINGCastellane: Famiy-Friendly Verdon River Rafting Experience
The activity runs on the Verdon river for a half-day, starting from Castellane. This rafting course in the Verdon’s Gorges is accessible to all. Ideal to do with family, friends.
CANOE RAFTVerdon: Canoe Rafting in the Gorges
Ride the rapids of the Verdon River by canoe-raft with a live guide.
SPORTYCastellane: Verdon Gorge Sublime Point Sporty Rafting Tour
Dive into the heart of the Gorges du Verdon. As you navigate, the course culminates at the entrance to the Samson Corridor below Point Sublime , offering breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon
Rafting & Canyoning
Feel the Verdon from the River
The view from the bottom of the canyon, not the top.
Seeing the Gorges du Verdon from a clifftop is one thing; being in the cold, green river at the bottom of it is another. Castellane, the small town that serves as the canyon’s northern gateway, is the base for the Verdon’s white-water scene — a cluster of qualified operators running rafting, aqua-trekking (the famous rando aqua, swimming and scrambling through the Grand Canyon) and canyoning on the upper river.
There’s a level for everyone. Family-friendly rafting floats take children and first-timers down gentler sections, while sporty descents near Point Sublime and dedicated canyoning trips tackle bigger water, jumps and slides. All of it is guided, with wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids provided; you just need to be a reasonable swimmer and comfortable getting wet. The water is highest and best in late spring through summer.
This is the most physical way to experience the canyon — if you’d rather stay dry, the boat and kayak tours on Lac de Sainte-Croix are calmer, and a full-day day trip keeps you on the viewpoints and in the villages. Many visitors do a viewpoint day and an in-the-water half-day across a weekend.
Guest Reviews
What Travelers Say
4.5/5
Read all 0 verified reviews
See All ReviewsReady to See the Gorges du Verdon?
Skip the self-drive logistics on the canyon's hairpin roads — let a local guide handle the route, the viewpoints, and the lake. Choose from day trips, boat and rafting tours, most with free cancellation. Starting from $75 per person.
Browse Verdon Gorge ToursVerdon Gorge Rafting & Canyoning — FAQ
Getting into the river at the bottom of the canyon.
The hub is Castellane, the town at the northern gateway to the gorge, where most operators are based. Trips run on the upper Verdon and through sections of the Grand Canyon.
Rafting descends the river in an inflatable raft; aqua-trekking (the 'rando aqua') is swimming and scrambling down the river itself; canyoning adds jumps, slides and abseils in side gorges. All are guided and use wetsuits.
Yes — you should be comfortable in water, even though buoyancy aids and wetsuits are provided. Tell the operator if you're a weak swimmer; they can suggest the gentlest option.
Family-friendly rafting trips take children (often from around 7–8 years, operator-dependent) on calmer sections. Sportier canyoning and aqua-treks have higher age and ability requirements.
Operators provide wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid. Bring swimwear to wear underneath, a towel, secure water shoes or trainers, and a change of clothes for afterwards.
Roughly spring through summer, when water levels and temperatures are best — broadly the May-to-September window. Early season can have higher, colder water; ask the operator about current conditions.
Most are half-day activities of around 2–4 hours on the water, plus briefing and changing time. Some operators offer full-day or combined options.
With a qualified guide and the right gear it's a managed adventure, not a free-for-all. Follow the briefing, stay with your group, and choose a level that matches your fitness and swimming.
Yes — many visitors pair an in-the-water half-day with a viewpoint day trip across a weekend, seeing the canyon from both the top and the bottom.
Most trips allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before, weather permitting. Confirm the policy on each booking page.
Still have questions? Email us at info@gorgesduverdon.tours