🏔️ Castellane and the Haut Verdon: canoe rental for adventurers 🚣♂️🔥
- Sep 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 1
Fancy a heart -pumping canoe trip down the Verdon ? Welcome to Castellane , the whitewater sports capital of the Haut Verdon. It's all here: a turquoise river, sporty rapids, soaring cliffs, and a mountain atmosphere.
👉 Whether you are tempted by canoe rental in Castellane , a kayak paddle trip as a couple or rafting with friends , it is the perfect spot for adventure.
⚡ Why choose Castellane for a canoeing trip?
🌊 A sporting playground : class II to IV rapids, ideal for dynamic canoeing.
🏞️ A postcard setting : Alpine cliffs, hilltop villages and spectacular gorges.
🚣 Varied activities : canoe rental, hot dog kayak, rafting, hydrospeed… impossible to get bored.
👨👩👧 Routes for all profiles : families, couples, groups of friends or experienced athletes.
🚤 Canoeing and kayaking routes from Castellane
🔹 Discovery descent – Castellane → Pont de Soleils (4 km)
Duration: ~1h30
Level: sports initiation
Perfect for testing out the Castellane canoe rental and experiencing the first rapids.
🔹 Sporty descent – Castellane → Rougon (8 km)
Duration: ~2h30
Level: advanced
A mix of calm waters and fast passages. A must for a Verdon kayak paddle trip.
🔹 Full descent – Castellane → Point Sublime (15 km)
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Level: expert
The great classic of Castellane kayak descents , reserved for seasoned athletes.
🏔️ Castellane and the Haut Verdon: canoe rental for adventurers 🚣♂️🔥
🌊 Rafting, hydrospeed and hot-dog kayaking: alternatives to canoeing
In Castellane, paddling doesn't just rhyme with canoeing and kayaking:
Rafting → ideal for families or friends, fun atmosphere guaranteed.
Hydrospeed → for the daring, equipped with a float and fins.
Hot dog (inflatable kayak) → fun, sporty and very easy to handle.
💧 Water level and quality during EDF releases
During the releases, the level of the Verdon rises rapidly and stabilizes, providing an ideal flow for canoeing, kayaking, or rafting. The rapids become more powerful but remain perfectly passable with the right equipment.
In terms of quality, the Verdon retains its unique emerald green color , due to the limestone sediments. The water is clear, fresh (12 to 15°C in summer) and clean, as it comes from natural reservoirs upstream.
⚠️ EDF releases: essential information before booking
Canoeing and kayaking in Castellane depends on EDF water releases:
💧 Without letting go → river too calm, sometimes impossible to go down.
🌊 With release → the flow increases, the rapids appear and the descent becomes sporty.
📅 When? Usually Tuesday and Friday, from May to September .
📲 Where to check? On the EDF website – Verdon water release information or directly at local water sports centers.
👉 Tip : Book your Castellane canoe rental right on these days to enjoy a truly thrilling descent.
📊 Comparison of canoeing and kayaking trips in the Verdon
Departure city | Available courses | Recommended audience | Average duration | Highlights | Practical tips |
Castellane | 4 km (discovery), 8 km (sporty), 15 km (full) | Sporty families, couples, groups, experienced athletes | 1h30 to 5h | Class II-IV rapids, alpine cliffs, mountain atmosphere | Reserve EDF release days (Tuesday/Friday) |
Rougon | 8 to 12 km | Sportsmen, adventurers | 2 to 3 hours | Narrow gorges, intense rapids, Point Sublime nearby | Technical route → ideal with a guide |
La Palud-sur-Verdon | Supervised kayaking and rafting courses | Sports enthusiasts, thrill seekers | 2h to 4h | Spectacular views from the cliffs, wild atmosphere | Wear sturdy closed shoes |
Sublime Point | 15 km (Castellane → Point Sublime) | Experienced athletes | 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. | Exceptional panoramas, complete descent | Early departure recommended to avoid fatigue |
Quinson / Esparron (Bas Verdon) | 5 to 8 km (lakes and lower gorges) | Families, beginners, children | 1h to 3h | Calm water, ideal for paddleboarding and swimming | Perfect except for EDF releases → water always passable |
🧰 Prepare well for your canoeing trip in Castellane
🎟️ Book your canoe-kayak on EDF release days .
👟 Closed-toe shoes or water sandals to avoid slipping.
🦺 Mandatory vest provided by rental companies .
🛶 Paddle and waterproof container included (for picnic, towel, dry clothes).
📦 Small waterproof bag recommended for phone and personal belongings.
🧢 Cap, sunscreen, glasses with cord.
💧 1 to 1.5 L of water per person .
🥪 Snacks or picnics for breaks.
🧣 Lightweight windbreaker or UV-resistant t-shirt depending on the weather.
👉 With this checklist, your canoe-kayak rental in Castellane becomes a sporty, safe and enjoyable adventure.
💶 Price of a canoe-kayak rental in Castellane
Half-day canoeing: €35 to €45/person
Kayak Hot-Dog Verdon: €40 to €55
Rafting Castellane: €35 to €50
Hydrospeed: €45 to €60
Multi-activity pack (2 days): from €120
👉 These prices include equipment and supervision. Online booking is recommended, especially in summer. (Indicative prices)
🚣 Canoe and kayak rental companies in Castellane
Some local water sports centers where you can book:
🏞️ Aqua Bond Rafting
🛶 Aqua Verdon
🌊 Canoeing-Kayaking Castellane
🏕️ Haute Provence Outdoor
⚡ Raft Session Castellane
💡 All provide complete equipment (paddle, vest, helmet, wetsuit) + return shuttle included.
🌟 After canoeing: what to see in Castellane?
The Roc de Castellane : exceptional panorama.
The Route des Crêtes : breathtaking view of the gorges.
The hilltop villages : Rougon, La Palud-sur-Verdon, Trigance.
The Provençal market : friendly atmosphere and local products.
🚀 Conclusion, an experience not to be missed in Castellane
🏔️ Castellane and the Haut Verdon: canoe rental for adventurers 🚣♂️🔥.
If you're looking for a sporting activity in the Verdon , canoeing and kayaking in Castellane is a must. Between the rapids of the Haut Verdon , alpine cliffs and turquoise water, each descent promises adrenaline and spectacular landscapes .
👉 Whether you are a beginner looking for a discovery descent in a Castellane canoe or an experienced athlete aiming for the full route to Point Sublime , book your adventure on a day when the EDF Verdon is released to enjoy an ideal flow and unique sensations.
❓ FAQ – Canoe-kayak rental Castellane Verdon
💶 How much does a Castellane Verdon canoe rental cost?
Prices vary from €35 to €45 per person for a classic canoe or kayak trip from Castellane, equipment included.
👨👩👧 Can we go canoeing with the family in Castellane?
Yes, some short courses (4 km) are accessible from 8 years old, perfect for a safe family outing.
📅 What are the best days for a Castellane Verdon canoe trip?
Tuesdays and Fridays, during EDF releases, offer the best conditions to enjoy dynamic rapids.
📲 Should you book your Castellane canoe-kayak rental in advance?
Yes, especially in July and August: online booking is essential to guarantee your place.
🐕 Can you canoe down the Verdon with a dog?
No, canoeing in Castellane is too dangerous for animals because of the rapids and variable flow.
🛶 What is the difference between canoeing and kayaking in the Verdon?
Canoeing is practiced sitting or kneeling with a single paddle, while kayaking is practiced with a double paddle. Both are available for rental in Castellane.
👟 What equipment should you bring for a canoe trip to Castellane?
Closed-toe shoes, swimsuit, sunscreen, and drinking water are required. Rental companies provide paddles, life jackets, and waterproof containers.
⏱️ What is the average duration of a Castellane Verdon canoe trip?
Depending on the route, allow from 1h30 for 4 km to 5h for the full descent to Point Sublime.
🌊 Can you canoe down Castellane Verdon without leaving EDF?
No, the river is too calm. To experience a real kayaking or canoeing adventure, you have to choose a day to release the water.
🚗 How does the return journey work after a canoe-kayak rental in Castellane?
All nautical bases include a return shuttle to Castellane after the descent, convenient for collecting your vehicle.
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