Multi-activities in the Ubaye Gorges
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur / Alpes de Haute Provence
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions45.42 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Combine climbing, canyoning, and packrafting during a 4-day adventure around Lake Serre-Ponçon and in the Ubaye Valley. You'll start with a climbing session on the Roche Haut cliffs, right by the lake, before discovering packrafting on your first paddle. The next day, it's time for canyoning: swimming, floating, and optional jumps along the river, between gorges and rapids. You'll then take the time to explore the Ubaye by packraft, alternating between walking and paddling to learn how to read the river. To finish, you'll tackle the iconic Martinet-Lauzet route, before a final climbing session at sunset. A multi-sport trip to vary your activities and progress in a natural environment.
The highlights
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Combine climbing, canyoning and packrafting in a 4-day adventure
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Discover the Ubaye River through swimming, rapids, and whitewater navigation.
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Alternating shaded cliffs, gorges and Serre-Ponçon lake
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
The expert's opinion
- You practice an endurance sport at least twice a week on a weekly basis
- No prior climbing experience is necessary: there's something for everyone!
- You are comfortable in varied environments (water, heights, simple technical terrain)
- You know how to swim, but no prior experience is necessary for packrafting.
- You are able to carry a backpack weighing approximately 8kg during daily activities
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 5h
Rock climbing
- Average duration/day: 3h
Water hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
Management
French
English
I've been passionate about all paddle sports for 20 years. Whether it's on rivers, flat water, or the sea, I'm always motivated to head out into nature and share my passions! Besides that, I have a real knack for teaching, and it's a genuine pleasure to pass on what I've learned both on and off the water.
My name is Lou, and I'm a certified mountain guide (AMM), kayak instructor, climbing instructor, and cycling instructor. I'm passionate about nature, adventure, and exploration, and it's always a pleasure for me to take you through mountains and rivers. Through play and hands-on experience, my goal is to gradually guide you towards independence!
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Activity Rock climbing
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 10:00 AM in the parking lot of the Roche Haut climbing site. The morning is dedicated to climbing on a shaded cliff by the lake, with routes suitable for different skill levels. Whether you want to discover this activity or improve your skills in a natural setting, you'll benefit from instruction and all the necessary equipment. At lunchtime, we'll head to the lake shore for a picnic, with the option to go for a swim.
In the afternoon, we inflated the packrafts for our first river trip, which ended on Lake Serre-Ponçon. This gave us the opportunity to get to grips with the craft and learn basic techniques before our next whitewater outings.
At the end of the day, return to the gîte in Méolans for dinner and the night.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Water hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We dedicate the day to river trekking in the upper Ubaye Valley. Depending on the water level, we choose a route upstream when the water is high, or downstream when the flow is lower. After a safety briefing on river navigation, we enter the water for a descent alternating between swimming, floating, optional jumps, and discovering the local wildlife and natural environment.
We take a picnic break by a natural pool before continuing our journey through the gorges and accessible rapids. If some sections are too technical, it's possible to bypass them on foot.
Finally, a short walk takes us back to the vehicles, passing through the village of Serenne or along a balcony path, depending on the exit point chosen.
We then return to the cottage for dinner and a convivial evening.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Off we go for a full day of paddling on the Ubaye River! From the Maison du Bois parking lot in La Fresquière, we walk along the left bank to the Gimette recreation area, with the packraft packed in our backpacks. The path crosses a wooded area, offering a chance to observe the diverse plant life of the valley.
Once the boats are inflated, we get in the water at the end of the Thuiles rapids to practice essential whitewater maneuvers.
After a picnic by the river, we continued our descent through easy sections to the Rioclar rapids. The journey continued between gravel pits and wooded areas, where we had to observe the river and identify suitable passages. We finally disembarked at La Fresquière.
In the late afternoon, we returned to the cottage to enjoy our last evening.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We're heading out on the Martinet-Lauzet section, one of the most iconic stretches of the Ubaye River. This challenging section is for participants who have already mastered the basics of whitewater paddling. The most significant rapids are identified upstream and can be navigated on foot while carrying the boats.
After a lunch break by the water, we resume the descent through the Lauzet gorges to the exit point of La Source.
In the late afternoon, we return to the Roche Haut climbing site for a final session at sunset. You can try new routes or revisit those discovered on the first day. The trip concludes with a friendly get-together by the lake.
Day 4
Note
Walking and activity times are given as a guide and may vary depending on the weather and the pace of the group.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated at the Le Méolans gîte.
Access
We'll meet at the Roche Haut car park at 10am.
Go to the starting point
At Gap – SNCF train station , take the ZOU! regional bus line 535 to Village – Relais du Lac (stop for Le Lauzet-Ubaye)
It is possible to drive to the meeting point and leave it in a free parking lot.
If you don't have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling among participants by creating a WhatsApp group 10 days before departure: An opportunity to get to know each other before even starting the expedition!
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by two experienced and passionate guides.
- Accommodation in a comfortable, family-run guesthouse, in a shared room (single beds)
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 5
- All the equipment and gear for the different activities: packrafting, canyoning, climbing
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Local transport between the accommodation and the activity locations
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, etc.)
- Day 1 picnic
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Additional night's stay the day before arrival : CHF68.61 / person
- Additional night after the stay : CHF68.61 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
For this expedition, we provide: All packrafting equipment: packraft, paddle, helmet, life jacket, and bag. All climbing equipment: climbing shoes, harness, and helmet. All canyoning equipment: wetsuit, harness, and harness.
