Whitewater activities around Pra Loup
Dive into the whitewater adventure in the Ubaye Serre-Ponçon Valley
Do you want to experience thrills in an exceptional natural setting? Then you’ll love what awaits you in the Ubaye Serre-Ponçon Valley ! Rafting, canyoning, hydrospeed… Here, white water is much more than a sport: it is an immersive experience in the middle of nature, between mountains, forests, waterfalls and wild rivers.
Located in the Alpes de Haute-Provence, between Barcelonnette and Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Ubaye is one of the best whitewater spots in France. Its big asset? A wild and undam river, which flows freely over more than 50 km of rapids. A real natural playground to surpass yourself… and have fun!
Rafting on the Ubaye Fun and sport
Not sure where to start? Rafting on the Ubaye is the ideal activity to discover white water sports in complete safety. With a guide on board, you board an inflatable raft with your small team, ready to challenge the rapids! On the Ubaye, each descent is different:
- Some courses are perfect for a family initiation, from 5 years old.
- Others are made for those who want pure adrenaline, with waves, jumps, eddies and technical passages.
The outings last between 1h30 and half a day. All equipment is provided: neoprene suit, vest, helmet, paddle. All you have to do is bring your swimsuit, a towel, and well-hung sneakers!
It is the perfect activity to share with family, friends or for unique group moments (camps, team-building…).
Hydrospeed Adrenaline Swimming
Do you want to go even further in the experience? Hydrospeed is the art of swimming in the rapids with a foam float and fins. Lying on your hydrospeed, you glide, you surf, you feel every current… It’s intense, sporty and unforgettable.
The courses, generally around 6 km, are accessible from 12 years old, provided you know how to swim well and are in good shape. You will be well supervised, with adapted equipment and clear instructions. And above all, you will enjoy direct contact with the river, in a unique atmosphere.
Hydrospeed in the Ubaye is reputed to be one of the best in France, especially in spring, when the melting snow boosts the flow.
Canyoning The Complete Adventure
Canyoning in the Ubaye is the perfect cocktail between hiking, climbing and water sports. You walk down the riverbed, rappel down waterfalls, jump into natural pools and slide down slides carved into the rock. All supervised by professional instructors.
The canyons around Pra Loup are super varied, with courses suitable for all levels:
- Families and beginners : fun courses, without much difficulty, from 8 years old.
- Thrill seekers : more challenging routes with vertical abseil runs, spectacular waterfalls and technical jumps.
All the equipment is provided (wetsuit, helmet, harness, downhill, etc.) and the guide adapts the outing to your level and your desires.
When to practice?
May to September is the big season!
- In spring, the melting of the snow transforms the Ubaye into a nervous and powerful river, ideal for sportsmen.
- In summer, the waters are softer, perfect for families or for a first approach.
A little extra: each season offers different landscapes. In spring, you go down the river with the peaks still covered in snow in the distance. In summer, it is a forest and lush nature atmosphere. In any case: you’re in for a treat!
Why is the Ubaye THE reference in white water sports?
- A free river, without dams: wilder, more natural.
- Passionate local professionals, to accompany you in complete safety.
- Courses for all levels, from the gentlest to the most extreme.
- A total immersion in a preserved and spectacular nature.
- And an atmosphere that is always friendly and relaxed, made in Ubaye!
The Ubaye Living river, unspoiled nature
The Ubaye is more than 50 km of river without dams: wild, free and full of character.
In May and June, with the melting of the snow, the river becomes powerful and playful. In summer, it reveals crystal clear water that winds between forests and rocks.
Snow plays a vital role here : it feeds the flow, shapes the rapids and makes each season unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Faut-il savoir nager ?
Yes, it is essential for all whitewater activities.
Y a-t-il des parcours famille ?
Of course! Rafting from 5 years old, canyoning from 8 years old, hydrospeed from 12 years old.
Quel équipement faut-il apporter ?
A swimsuit, a towel, and closed sneakers. The rest is provided!
Les guides sont-ils pros ?
All of them are state-qualified, with a perfect knowledge of the place.
Ready to get your fill of sensations in the Ubaye?
Rafting, canyoning, hydrospeed… choose your adventure and get ready to live a strong, fun and 100% natural moment in the Ubaye Serre-Ponçon Valley.
👉 Departures are mainly from Barcelonnette or Le Lauzet-Ubaye, a stone’s throw from Pra Loup.
Don’t wait any longer, dive into the most intense whitewater experience in the Southern Alps! Rafting, canyoning, hydrospeed… In the Ubaye, you choose your dose of adrenaline!
A free river, incredible landscapes and pros at your disposal: you’ll love it!
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