Packraft the Verdon Gorge in France

Your host will welcome the group at Nice Airport, where you'll hop in the van for a scenic drive through Provence to the start point of the adventure at Lake Castillon, a beautiful body of water in the Verdon Natural Park. The action kicks off straight away, with a mix of hiking and paddling on the lake, perfect for warming up ahead of the adventures to come. You'll hike some lakeside trails, and your host will run you through the need-to-knows of packrafting, including a gear check and some tuition on the lake to help you get to grips with the basics. Lake Castillon, like many other spots on the trip, is also a fantastic place for a wild swim. In the evening, you'll head to the charming village of Saint Julien du Verdon, located on the shores of the lake.

Roll out of the tent and tuck into coffee and breakfast before packing up and setting off on foot, with your packraft stowed in the backpack provided by your host. The day begins with a beautiful hike along the ridges above the lake. After about two hours of hiking, you'll reach an old abandoned village with breathtaking views of the area - the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, you'll continue the hike, descending towards the next lake of the adventure, Lake Chaudanne. Once at the water’s edge, you’ll whip the packraft out, inflate your vessel and hit the water. As you paddle out into this stunning setting, there’ll be chances to swim, and for the more daring, you can try a few jumps into the lake from the rocks! Around 90 minutes of paddling will see you to the other side of the lake, where your host’s support crew will be waiting to drive you to the charming village of Castellane, located 3 km from the lake. Set up camp here and head out to find sundowners and dinner in this lovely spot. The last taste of civilisation for a couple of days, as you'll be heading deep into the gorge tomorrow.

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day with some downtime this morning to explore the charming village of Castellane at your own pace. You can stroll through its picturesque streets, enjoy a coffee on a terrace, and perhaps take on the climb to the Roc Chapel, perched 200 metres above the village and offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley - a must-see! In the afternoon, you’ll set off to explore the Verdon Gorge from the water. Depending on the date of your trip, if the Castillon Dam is open, you’ll launch your packraft directly from Castellane and paddle down to the entrance of the canyon. If the dam is closed, you’ll embark on a floating adventure, swimming into the first section of the canyon to explore it up close and personal. Both options offer a magical and unique way to experience the gorge from within, right on the water. You'll spend around three hours paddling, navigating the first 20 km of the gorge, with its precipitous cliffs flanking the dreamy emerald waters. After the day’s adventure, you’ll head to the Chalet de la Maline, a mountain lodge nestled in the heart of the canyon. This will be your base for the next two nights. Grab a beer and settle in on the chalet’s terrace, the most welcoming spot in the Verdon, with a magical view of the gorge below and a peaceful, friendly atmosphere.

Take in the views and a delicious breakfast on the chalet terrace this morning before setting off fairly early as there’s a big day ahead. Your first goal is to reach the entrance of the canyon, located a few kilometres on foot from the refuge. Next up is a mini expedition into the first section of the canyon, a remote area inaccessible by any other means. Follow the banks of the Verdon River on foot, passing through three tunnels, and after about 45 minutes of hiking, you'll take a small trail down to the river. You’re now right in the heart of the canyon and it’s time to inflate your packraft. Your guide will offer some extra safety advice ahead of today’s challenge, as you'll encounter some white water in this part of the gorge. Launch onto the river and dive straight into the rapids, tackling fun and fast Grade 2 waters beneath the cliffs. This stretch of the adventure is a 12km descent, alternating between thrilling rapids and calmer sections, perfect for soaking in the spectacular scenery. The cliffs here are mind-blowing, some towering up to 700 metres high, more than earning the nickname ‘Europe’s Grand Canyon’. Take a break for lunch on a deserted beach, enjoying the tranquillity and beauty of this unique spot- you've earned it! Afterwards, tackle the last of the rapids before packing up your packraft and beginning the hike back, a steep, one-hour mission with around 400 metres of elevation that brings you back to the gîte. Grab a shower and settle in for another cosy evening in the heart of the canyon.

Enjoy one last breakfast overlooking the gorge from the terrace before bidding farewell to the gîte. A short drive will take you to a small hiking trail leading back into the canyon, a few kilometres downstream. After about an hour of hiking, you’ll arrive at the river at the bottom of the canyon, inflate the packrafts and you’re off on the final push of the adventure. Begin by navigating a few small rapids before reaching the end of the canyon, where the last few kilometres offer a calm stretch of water in an incredibly scenic section. Take in the breathtaking views as the canyon opens up into the stunning Lake Sainte-Croix. Your final mission is to paddle across part of the lake, where the support team will be waiting. After the crossing, head to the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for a celebratory drink, the perfect way to wrap up the adventure. You’ll return to Nice Airport in the late afternoon, where the trip concludes. What a ride!