The Verdon Gorge is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, with over a million visitors every year. Spectacular landscapes, featuring canyons with steep and often overhanging walls.
Even though there are several activities to do to discover the Verdon gorge, river hiking is a very good way to have fun and enjoy nature.
So why not try this activity?
What is river walking or aqua-hiking?
Aquatic hiking, also called Vendredi, is a type of hike that takes place in the water. It can be practised in any type of body of water, such as a lake, a river or even the sea.
With this water activity, it is possible to explore areas in the canyons that are not accessible other than on foot but in the water. Certain places are not accessible on dry land, so traditional hiking is not an option. Only aqua hiking is compatible with these passages, which are often obstructed by boulders.
Aqua jogging is a great way to exercise while enjoying the scenery.
What is the difference between canyoning and water hiking?
Canyoning generally involves descending a canyon using a variety of different techniques, including abseiling, sliding, swimming and jumping.
Gorge walking is quite similar, but it takes place rather in shallower waters and it does not require abseiling equipment. This activity is less physical than canyoning.
What is floating?
‘Floating’ is simply another term for water hiking, just like ‘aqua rando’ or ‘aqua randonnée’.
The name comes from the flotation vests that participants wear during the trip, which allow them to float in the water and be carried along by the current. These are high-buoyancy vests, which resemble lifejackets.
Who is the river hiking suitable for?
Aqua hiking is the perfect activity for anyone who’d like to discover the stunning scenery of the Verdon Gorges. Whether with friends, family or children, you don’t need to be particularly fit to go on this hike. Of course, you must be able to swim. We offer a route suitable for children aged 6 and over. Please feel free to Contact us If you would like to find out about any contraindications or if you have any questions, our team is here to help.
Adventures not to be missed if you love white water!
What’s an aqua-hike like?
Before setting off on the adventure, the guide will kit you out and explain the instructions and safety guidelines for walking through the gorges.
Next, it's time for water hiking! Walking, swimming, jumping, climbing—plenty of fun activities to enjoy as a group.
As well as walking, you will let yourselves float in the crystal-clear water of the Verdon thanks to your high-buoyancy jackets.
Jumping into the natural pools and climbing the canyon walls are optional. If you’re not the adventurous type, you can simply enjoy the moment by walking and floating along with the current.
What equipment is needed for water hiking?
The guide provides you with complete equipment to make the most of the cold water of the Verdon:
- A high-buoyancy buoyancy aid
- A safety helmet
- A 5 mm neoprene wetsuit
- A 5mm neoprene jacket
- Neoprene socks
You will need to provide the following items on your side:
- A swimsuit
- Tennis-style trainers that can go in the water and in which you will feel comfortable
- A bath towel
When to go water hiking?
From mid-June until early September, water hiking is possible.
Obviously, this activity depends entirely on the weather conditions, but above all on water releases from the EDF dam. The flow of the River Verdon must be at a minimum, meaning there must have been no water releases. You therefore need to keep an eye on the weather and any water releases if you want to go aqua-hiking.
Our water hiking trails in the Verdon
THE DISCOVERY TRAIL IN THE VERDON
- Ages 6 and over
- A half-day activity: duration 3 hours
- Leaving from Castellane, we’ll take you to the Samson couloir – a 20-minute coach ride away.
- Ideal for families with children
- To book your activity, click here.
THE HALF-DAY ROUTE IN THE VERDON
- Ages 10 and over
- Half-day activity: duration 3.5 hours
- Meet at Castellane, then travel by minibus to the Couloir de Samson
Enjoy a half-day of Canyoning From mid-June until the beginning of September
English (UK)