Classic Rafting Tour: Castellane to Pont de Soleil
The ultimate, must-do rafting descent on the Verdon River! This trip is the perfect blend of adrenaline, fun, and spectacular landscapes. You will challenge famous rapids while enjoying refreshing swimming breaks and optional cliff jumps directly into the emerald currents.
We spend 2.5 hours on the water (please allow an extra hour for equipment fitting at our base and the return minibus shuttle).
- Difficulty : Easy to moderate
- Highlights : This is our absolute classic, a star itinerary! Features continuous fun sections, the crossing of the famous "Barre Saint-Jean" rapid, white water floating, and optional jumps along the way.
Vidéo Rafting : Rafting Half-day-trip – Castellane / Pont de Soleil
Description Rafting : Rafting Half-day-trip – Castellane / Pont de Soleil
Trip Itinerary & Logistics
- Meeting Point : Appointment at our private base in Castellane! Our team will welcome you, and we will get you fully geared up before a quick 3-minute minibus ride to the launch site.
Address: 241 route de la zone artisanale, 04120 Castellane
Open directions to the Buena Vista Base - Briefing : A comprehensive safety briefing by the riverbank with your guide, a final gear check, and off we go for the adventure!
The Pont de Soleil run is the perfect introduction to discovering the famous emerald green waters of the Verdon. This classic 2.5-hour navigation plunges you into an exceptional protected natural site, ending with a relaxing arrival on the wild beach of Pont de Soleil.
On your trip program:
- Perfect Balance : An itinerary that alternates between calm waters, ideal for admiring the limestone cliffs, and dynamic rapids that will thrill sensation seekers.
- Immersion and Fun : We take our time to fully absorb the wild atmosphere of the Gorge. For the adventurous, swimming breaks, river floating, and plenty of laughs are guaranteed between rapids.
- Shuttle Return : Our driver will meet us on the beach for a smooth 20-minute minibus ride back to the base.
Important Info: EDF Dam Water Releases
To navigate a raft departing from Castellane, the EDF dam water releases must be open. If the dam is closed, we take advantage of the lower water level to explore the inside of the Grand Canyon on foot—this is our famous Water Trekking (Rando Aqua) experience!
- July & August : Dams are generally open on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Spring & Autumn : There are no fixed rules; openings depend on winter snowpack and spring rainfall.
- Backup Plan : If the dam is closed on your booked day, an outdoor activity is always guaranteed if the sun is out! We can redirect the trip to spring runs on the Haut Verdon, the Daluis Gorge, Canyoning, or Packrafting.
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates on water releases, or contact our team to discuss all available options.
Rates & Booking
- Early Season (Until July 12th) : 55 euros / person
- High Season (July 13th to August 23rd) : 60 euros / person
Want to discover other facets of the Verdon? Explore deeper into the Grand Canyon with our famous Couloir Samson Aqua Trekking tour, or switch to vertical mode in the technical Saint-Auban Canyon!
What our Adventurers say about this trip:
Super!"⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Rafting experience at Pont de Soleil more than appreciated with our guide Lila. Rapids, jumps, and swimming, we got to do so many things! Lila also shared local stories and great tips to visit Castellane and its surroundings. A dynamic and smiling team, we highly recommend!"
Thuy-ni (Google Review)
"Great rafting trip!"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Super rafting excursion accompanied by Lila who, in addition to introducing us to rafting, shared a lot about her region and experiences. A true multi-tasking guide! Top-notch welcome from the rest of the team. Thank you."
Pierre-Yves (Google Review)
"A huge thank you for this unforgettable afternoon."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"It was eye candy, adrenaline +++, and we had a great guide who reassures and ensures safety, pedagogy, and local knowledge. A huge thank you to Julien, Jean-Fi, and Sandrine for their warm welcome, smiles, and conviviality! Highly recommend! See you next time for a water trek!"
Anonymous (Google Review)
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