Waters

The Pays des Écrins offers courses adapted to all levels, from the modular whitewater stadium of L’Argentière-La-Bessée to the more challenging rivers of the Gyr. Each site benefits from professional supervision and simple logistics: equipment for rent on site, qualified guides and partner clubs (CRFCK, Kayak L’Argentière).

L’Argentière-La BesséeWhitewater Stadium

At the white water stadium of L’Argentière-La-Bessée, the Durance offers a 400 m slalom pool. It is the ideal place to discover the basics of kayaking or work on your eskimo in complete safety. Internationally renowned, it has hosted the European Canoe/Kayak Championship and the World Rafting Championship.

Vallouise-Pelvouxthe wave, the Gyr and the Gyronde

Upstream from Pelvoux–Vallouise, the Gyronde and the Gyr, which originate from glaciers, feature technical rapids (Class IV) before easing into Class II–III rapids, making them more accessible, while L’Onde—with its permanent rapids accessible as soon as the snow melts—offers an ideal playground for experienced kayakers.

Briançon to Embrun The Durance

The Durance, 50 km long between Briançon and Embrun, first unfurls a peaceful section to Saint Clément sur Durance (class II braided river) then the wave trains follow one another until Embrun. This route crosses the gorges of the Durance under the Prelles dam (class V), at the foot of the cliffs then, at the exit of the gorges, the difficulty drops and offers a perfect route to discover kayaking, rafting or canoeing with the family or between beginners.

Rogier VANRIJN

Access is easy via the N94 or the SNCF stations of L’Argentière-La-Bessée and Briançon. As for accommodation, campsites, gîtes or refuges are available throughout the territory. The nearby Natura 2000 areas remind us of the importance of practicing without leaving a trace.

In terms of seasonality, May-June has sustained flows, suitable for experienced riders; July-August remains the safest period for baptisms and supervised courses; September-October offers calmer waters and reduced attendance. Navigation is prohibited in winter.

Fancy some sliding, ropes and splashing? Canyoning in the Pays des Écrins is a dose of freshness in the middle of the mountains. Beginner, curious or verticality enthusiast, everyone will find canyon at their own level.

L’Argentière-La Bessée The Fournel

Ideal for beginners, the Vallon du Fournel can be practiced between June 15 and September 15 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Over 1 hour and 30 minutes of descent, the water gushes out in a setting of jagged cliffs, punctuated by small slides, optional jumps and abseiling of less than 5 m. Its regulations are strict: the presence of a qualified guide is mandatory to guarantee your safety.

Marking the southern border of the Pays des Écrins, this technical canyon reveals impressive waterfalls, the highest culminating at 38 m. Linking slides and sustained abseiling, it is aimed at seasoned practitioners, perfectly at ease in rope maneuvers.

Vallouise-PelvouxThe Little Eychauda

Accessible from 10 years old, this canyon of about 3 hours combines turquoise water, abseils under waterfalls and fun passages in the boulders. Without a compulsory jump, it allows you to familiarise yourself with verticality while enjoying a panorama of the Pelvoux valley.

In the heart of the national park, this demanding wild canyon first unfolds narrow and aerial passages, before a spectacular finale with a 45 m waterfall. Reserved for experts accompanied by an experienced guide, it offers a unique adventure at the foot of the peaks.

In spring (May-June), the often high flows reserve the most challenging canyons for supervised and experienced practitioners, while in summer (July-August), the water is softer, conducive to family outings and introductory courses – just remember to book 48 hours in advance to guarantee your place. In autumn (September-October), you will enjoy a preserved setting, low light and fewer visitors, offering ideal conditions to admire the colours and geology of the Écrins.

Whatever your choice, each outing must be carried out under the responsibility of a qualified guide, who will provide you with the complete equipment (5 mm neoprene suit, helmet, harness and safety device). However, bring closed trainers suitable for water, a swimsuit and a small snack to recharge your batteries. In 2025, the indicative prices vary from €50 for the Fournel to around €120 for the Chichin. Finally, make sure to respect the protected areas managed by EDF and the Écrins National Park: follow the markings, do not damage the vegetation and do not leave any trace of your passage.