Example itinerary
This is just an example itinerary aimed at a competent grade III paddler but can easily be adapted for lower or higher levels. We can chop it and change it around to suit you and can adapt for a mixed ability group as well! This area has a suprising amount of variety for its size!
It is designed to be progressive so that by the end of the week you are taking on some of the more technical rapids!!!
The instructors will also adapt it as the week goes on to take into account your abilities and desires and the river levels. As you know the same river can seem like two very different animals with different amounts of water flowing down it!!
Arrive and settle in to accommodationWe'll come and meet you (if we haven't already seen you on the transfer) to go through the week, have a little welcome drink, and answer any questions you have.
Kayak the DracUsually we will meet for kayaking in the afternoon when the levels are higher but it depends on the conditions at the time.
To start the week, a trip down the Drac will sweep away your kayaking cobwebs.
It is the main river of the Champsaur valley and is grade II - III but can get up to grade IV in high water. The rivers Drac Noir and Drac Blanc are it's two main tributaries (these are kayakable in their own right but are more technical grade III - V maybe later in the week!).
There is also a slalom course on the Drac just near the get in point that is a good spot for practising and remembering your strokes!
After that the descent is a long, gentle paddle with the occasional wave or stopper to play on.
Kayaking the SeveraisseThere are a couple of options for get ins and get outs on the Severaisse depending on whether you want to stick to grade III or go for some grade IV rapids.
The Severaisse drains many of the glaciers of the Ecrins National park and although a relatively small river it keeps it's levels through to August.
As Peter Knowles says in his guide to the Southern Alps - the Severaisse is 'pure dead brill' and 'very friendly'. It's a fast and continous alpine river with nothing major to worry about and it makes an excellent introduction to alpine paddling.
After your trip down the Drac yesterday you and the guides will have a good idea of your ability aso you can make an informed choice based on the river levels!
Whichever you choose, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps. The river runs down the valley of Valgaudemar which is 24km long with 3000m+ mountain giants towering above you on both sides.
Kayak the BonneThis is a beautiful river running through the Valbonnais valley, famous for its tight steep gorge.
Peter Knowles sums it up beautifully,"A beautiful, tight, commiting gorge. Blue water, black rock and lush green vegetation. Like a Scottish river but warmer!"
Again there are several choices of get ins and get outs with grade II, grade III and IV and even a grade V section. The grade III / IV section takes you through an impressionable narrow gorge that is well worth doing but you are commited once you start!
The micro climate here is wetter than the Valgaudemar valley where you paddled the Severaisse and you will notice the difference in the scenery.
High Ropes Adventure and HydrospeedWith your feet well and truly waterlogged, a bit of adventure of a different sort may be on the cards.
Europe's biggest high ropes adventure course is here in the Champsaur Valley and it would be a shame not to try it! There are a range of different courses you can do from a 'discovery' to an 'extreme' and there are also courses for children. Have a look at our high ropes adventure page for more information.
Hurtle down the zip wires, climb over the spider nets and negotiate the wobbly bridges high up in the trees!
After a good lunch to refuel your batteries, we'll let you get your feet wet again.
Hydrospeed is ace fun. Wearing flippers and a wet suit, you hurtle down the rapids on a specially adapted surf board. If you would rather kayak again, it is no problem to kayak alongside your fellow hydrospeeders!
Kayak the SouloiseThe Souloise is a really spectacular river surrounded by limestone cliffs and dramatic scenery. It is a technical river of grade IV /V so not for everyone, but a real challenge and buzz for more experienced paddlers. The river goes through a couple of gorges and eventually ends up in the Lac du Sautet. There is at least one necessary portage not to be missed!
By now you and the guides will have a very good idea of your abilities and they will be able to advise you on whether the Souloise is a good idea or not!
Alternatives locally include the Drac Blanc (grade III+) or the Drac Noir (grade IV). Or you can travel a bit further afield to the Durance which is grade III - IV or the Ubaye which is grade II - IV - both high volume powerful rivers - lots of fun
Free / Choice Day
This is your last day so you decide what you would like to do.
If you are exhausted and want to even up your tan marks, then a full day of sunbathing by the lake is a good option!
However, you have probably well and truly got the alpine river bug by now and may have a particular river that you want to try. Or you may want to have another go at the Bonne or the Severaisse, or try the Drac Noir or Drac Blanc or get on that favourite playspot you discovered on your last descent.
Or if you want to stay in the water but get out of your kayak, why not have a go at hydrospeed - for a really close experience with the water!
And if you have had enough of water and want to try something totally different, we can organise a day
canyoning, a
via ferrata or even a
paragliding taster.
Please note any organised activities you choose to do on this day are not included in the price.
GoodbyeThis is the sad day that we say goodbye.....
