Whitewater

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Rafting, hot-dogging, hydrospeeding… Get your fill of the cool water!
  • Rafting in the Ossau Valley - © Florian Monot
It all begins when the snow melts and the torrents swell with water, making the routes suitable for white-water sports.
On the mountain streams of the Pyrenees, you’ll navigate through the heart of a wild river, surrounded by lush vegetation, where you might spot a grey heron or a dipper.

Rafting on the Gave d’Ossau – in spring


A fun, family-friendly trip

From March to June, you can enjoy your first rafting trips on the Gave d’Ossau with your family. 
On the programme: a lovely, fun two-hour half-day trip between Laruns and Lake Castet, a river journey winding through bends and past gravel pits. 
You’ll learn the basics of rafting and get a taste of the thrill of the current.
 
  • Rafting in the Ossau Valley - © Florian Monot

Summer rafting

 
On the Gave de Pau
As water levels on the Gave d’Ossau are no longer high enough in summer, the Gave de Pau becomes the playground for rafting enthusiasts.
Between Lourdes and Lestelle-Bétharram, the activity is open to children aged 7 and over, offering all the thrills of a river descent, including whirlpools, rapids and a dip in the water.
It is towards the end of this route that canoeing and kayaking champions such as Tony and Patrice Estanguet, multiple world and Olympic champions, train regularly.
  • Rafting in the Ossau Valley - © Florian Monot

Practical information


Depending on the water level and the group, these routes can be tackled using various types of craft, such as rafts, airboats, hot dogs and mini-rafts.
  • The raft: an inflatable boat seating 6 to 10 people.
    The boat is very stable and can be used on most routes. The guide is on board and steers the boat.
    Everyone takes part by paddling to propel the boat forward. 
  • The mini-raft: a smaller raft, seating 4 to 6 people.
    Its smaller size makes it easier to manoeuvre. You can therefore take the helm yourself instead of the guide.
  • The ‘Hot Dog’: an inflatable two-seater canoe.
  • The airboat: a single-seater inflatable kayak.
    The airboat is much more stable than a traditional kayak.
  • The Hydrospeed: an individual river rafting activity with a foam float.
    Equipped with fins, you move along the water using your legs and arms to guide you.