Whitewater Adventures: Thrills in Safe Hands
If your children are over 7 years old and know how to swim, they are ready to experience the magic of our local river sports! At Buena Vista Rafting, we adapt our routes to offer young adventurers a fun, gentle, and fully supervised introduction to the river.
- Family Rafting: The ultimate teamwork activity! Join us on our dedicated Discovery Run (perfect for complete beginners) or the scenic Pont de Soleil Run for a bit more bounce.
- Aqua Trekking (Floating): A magical way to swim and float through the deep canyons at water level. We recommend the beautiful Tusset Route from age 7, and the majestic Couloir Samson Route from age 10 to explore the gates of the Grand Canyon.
- Beginner Canyoning: Perfect for kids who love to jump and slide into emerald pools. The mountain streams of Haut Jabron or Gours du Ray are ideal family-friendly options.
Pro Tip: Summer slots fill up very quickly. We highly recommend booking your river activities in advance to secure the best time slots for your family!
Family-Friendly Hiking and Biking
Beautiful Walks for Little Legs
The region is packed with well-marked trails accessible to children:
Near Castellane: Explore the Sentier des Siréniens (Sirenian Fossil Trail) to find ancient marine fossils, wander through the mysterious giant rock fissures of the Grès d'Annot, or hike up to spot wild marmots nesting near the breathtaking alpine Lake Allos.
Near Lake Sainte-Croix: The Sentier du Garde Canal is a wonderful, shaded, and flat walk. For a fully guided excursion, do not miss the magical tufa waterfalls of Saint-Maurin.
Effortless Exploration with Electric Mountain Bikes
At Buena Vista Rafting, we offer premium Electric Mountain Bike (E-MTB) rentals with custom itineraries adapted for families. We feature 4 different bike sizes, including 2 junior models (perfect for kids at least 140 cm tall to ride comfortably). High-quality baby seats are also available upon request!
Up in the Air: Vertical Thrills for Your Little Monkeys
If your kids love to climb and swing, the Verdon has plenty of high-altitude excitement:
- Rock Climbing: The Verdon is a world-famous climbing haven. For family lessons, connect with professional climbing schools based in La Palud-sur-Verdon, or head to the massive sandstone boulders of Annot.
- Tree Adventure Parks (Accrobranche): Local rope courses now offer incredibly diverse family fun, including ziplines, archery tag, and orienteering races. Check out Barca Park in Barrême for a great day out.
- Paragliding: Want the ultimate view over the turquoise lakes? Most local paragliding centers offer tandem flights for children starting from 4 years old alongside an instructor. ( Aerogliss in Saint André les Alpes)
Cultural and Educational Outings
A Dive into History at the Prehistory Museum
Located in Quinson, this highly interactive museum offers a fascinating journey from prehistoric times to the modern era. Children can explore life-sized reconstructions of prehistoric habitats, ancient tools, and daily objects used by our ancestors. It is a fun, educational way to spend a cooler afternoon!
The Maison Nature & Patrimoine in Castellane
Don't miss the permanent exhibition "Sirènes et Fossiles" (Sirens and Fossils). It tells the incredible story of the ancient, warm sea that once covered our alpine valley, populated by manatees and dugongs! During school holidays, free educational workshops and animations for children are regularly organized here.
Exploring Picturesque Villages and Traditional Festivals
Stroll through cobblestone streets, colorful alleys, and artisan shops in our authentic local villages. A visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, officially ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France and famous for its hanging star, is an absolute must.
Depending on the season, you can immerse your family in local culture by attending our vibrant traditional festivals:
- June: The Fête de la Transhumance (traditional sheep movement) in Castellane.
- July: The world-famous Lavender Festival on the Valensole Plateau.
- August: The immersive Medieval Festival in Colmars-les-Alpes.
- September: The traditional Fête de la Diane in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
- January: The historic Fête des Pétardiers in Castellane or the Black Truffle Festival in Aups.
Relaxation by the Water and Provençal Treats
The Verdon is the water reservoir of Provence. Wherever you look, you will see a splash of that iconic emerald or turquoise water.
Take a relaxing afternoon to rent a pedal boat, electric boat, or kayak on the pristine waters of Lake Sainte-Croix, Lake Castillon, or Lake Esparron. Build stone cairns with the little ones on the lakeside beaches, hunt for driftwood to build tiny tipis, or simply enjoy a classic Provençal siesta under the pines.
Tastes of the Verdon
Treat your family to our local culinary specialties! Savor tender Sisteron lamb, fragrant lavender honey, savory olive tapenade, and the famous local fougasse with anchovies. Local tip: while the kids devour it fresh, you might spot some local elders dipping theirs straight into their morning coffee. Don't knock it until you've tried it!
One week will definitely not be enough to experience it all... So pack your bags, lace up your sneakers, and get ready for a family getaway filled with surprises. The team at Buena Vista Rafting in Castellane is waiting to welcome you to Europe's greatest canyon!