The upcycling spirit, handmade gear and zero-waste at the base
Giving a second life to materials
At Buena Vista, we believe in repairing rather than replacing. During the winter, our base in Castellane transforms into a workshop. The vast majority of our outdoor furniture, including our tables, benches, and the bar, is handcrafted using upcycled materials and driftwood collected during the winter season along the shores of Lake Castillon.
Sustainable innovations by our river guides
Our crew puts their talents to work for the environment. Alexis, our multi-talented guide, built a clever and spacious solar-powered shower, allowing you to rinse off after your trip with water naturally warmed by the Provence sun. Furthermore, every winter, we meticulously stitch, glue, and repair our neoprene wetsuits and life jackets to maximize their lifespan and reduce waste.
Banning single-use plastic and composting
Fighting plastic pollution is a daily priority for our team. We have completely banned disposable cups at our refreshment bar in favor of reusable Eco-Cups. We provide clear recycling stations for glass and packaging, and we warmly encourage you to bring reusable water bottles. Finally, organic waste goes straight into our compost bin to enrich our organic vegetable garden, which grows the cherry tomatoes and homemade pesto our guides share during after-rafting drinks.
Field clean-ups, green logistics and local sourcing
Keeping the riverbanks and the canyon clean
We love the Verdon River, and we take its cleanliness personally. Throughout the summer season, Lolo and our team of drivers always carry trash bags in the shuttle vans to pick up any litter left behind in parking lots or along river access trails. Whenever riverbanks or canyon trails require attention, our guides volunteer for targeted garbage collection runs to keep the environment pristine.
Smarter transportation to lower carbon emissions
To limit unnecessary driving and lower carbon emissions on our narrow mountain roads, we optimize our travel routes. Whenever possible, especially for canyoning trips, full-day aqua trekking, and hydrospeed, we meet you directly at the activity site rather than making you drive back and forth to our main office in Castellane. We also actively encourage and organize carpooling among our guests.
Supporting local businesses and French craftsmanship
Supporting the local economy and sourcing eco-certified gear is central to who we are. Our ultra-light packrafts are custom-made by Mekong in the neighboring Drôme region, and our electric mountain bikes are assembled right here in France. Our paper brochures are printed locally using eco-friendly vegetable-based inks, and our webmasters are based in nearby villages. We also keep our supply chain strictly local, from village shops to the fresh, organic, homemade meals cooked for our guides by Pauline from the local bistro La Guinguette à Paulette.
A regulated natural wonder: protecting the canyon
Preserving the ecosystem on a daily basis
The Verdon Gorge is a highly protected natural area with strict environmental regulations. As outdoor professionals working on the river every single day, our mission is to ensure that adventure and environmental respect go hand in hand. To prevent riverbank erosion and protect local plant life, our guides always use the official, designated access trails to reach the water.
Environmental awareness and camping regulations
Before getting on the water, our team will give you a quick brief on basic outdoor ethics, such as leaving no trash behind, keeping noise levels down, and respecting wildlife distances, especially near the cliffs where wild vultures nest. To keep this canyon pristine, please also remember that wild camping, campfires, and overnight bivouacking are strictly prohibited by law throughout the entire Grand Canyon area. By choosing Buena Vista Rafting, you are supporting a locally owned, eco-conscious business that genuinely cares for the environment.