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Whitewater
Presentation
Rafting, hot-dogging, hydrospeeding… Get your fill of the cool water!
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.
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.
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.
For the more adventurous
Head out on a day-long trip along the route between Buzy and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.
This Category 3 river takes you through the Bager d’Oloron forest, a protected area renowned for its centuries-old oak trees.
You’ll paddle along the meandering course of the Gave, which transports you into the atmosphere of an expedition into uncharted territory.
Adventure awaits with every stroke of the paddle, with the surprise of seeing a grey heron take flight or catching a glimpse of a salmon leaping from the water.
Halfway through the trip, you’ll stop for lunch on the riverbank or on the grass of a meadow.
The final section intensifies as you navigate weirs, Class 4 rapids and drops, and, if you wish, try your hand at white-water swimming in the turbulent eddies.
This route is available as a half-day trip, featuring a challenging descent between Herrère and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.
Head out on a day-long trip along the route between Buzy and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.
This Category 3 river takes you through the Bager d’Oloron forest, a protected area renowned for its centuries-old oak trees.
You’ll paddle along the meandering course of the Gave, which transports you into the atmosphere of an expedition into uncharted territory.
Adventure awaits with every stroke of the paddle, with the surprise of seeing a grey heron take flight or catching a glimpse of a salmon leaping from the water.
Halfway through the trip, you’ll stop for lunch on the riverbank or on the grass of a meadow.
The final section intensifies as you navigate weirs, Class 4 rapids and drops, and, if you wish, try your hand at white-water swimming in the turbulent eddies.
This route is available as a half-day trip, featuring a challenging descent between Herrère and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.
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.