Alpine White-water

Alpine white water for the novice through to the advanced paddler is available within 400 metres of our Les Vigneaux apartments. This accommodation offers secure storage for canoes and equipment, off-road parking, good hot showers and space to dry out your gear after a great day on this area's remarkable rivers and lakes. This area also boasts 300 days of sunshine a year so you can get warm again after a day in the glacier fed rivers!

The Gyronde, Onde and Gyr

The river Gyronde, which is the closest river to access from the apartments, is formed by the merging of the rivers Gyr and Onde. From early May to September this river is a mecca for paddlers from around the world. There is also a slalom course at l'Argentière la Bessée (5km away) which hosts the European Kayak Championships in early July each year. This year the Championships will be held on June 30th and 1st-2nd July, 2006.

See Le Stade d'Eau Vive for more details.

Between Vallouise and Les Vigneaux the Gyronde gives approximately 5km of grade II and III white water. Please note that it is essential that you get out at the wooden signposted bridge just before Vigneaux as the short section of water after this is grade VI+! The next section downstream brings you to the Vigneaux rapids at class IV/V for 1 km which are then followed by the “Rapides des Vigneaux à la Durance” at grade II for a further 4 km.

The water in the Gyronde is glacier fed so you need to be prepared for cold water, especially early in the season. The best period for access is from the beginning of May to the end of August.

Further up the valley in the shadows of the Ecrins mountain ranges you will find the rivers Gyr and Onde.

The Gyr has a 4km section from Les Claux to Vallouise of grade II followed by grade IV/V water.

The Onde, one of the most beautiful rivers in the area, offers numerous rapids of grade IV/V, followed by 5km of grade II/III up to the barrage in Vallouise. This river is best navigated during June and July as outside of these months the water may be too low.

If rapids are not enough to tire your out then you can round off your day playing on the brilliant Rabioux wave on the Durance.

Other great rivers that are easily accessible from our apartments are:

• Durance

• Clarée

• Guil

• Romanche

• Ubaye

Miles and miles of challenging paddling...come and try it for yourself.