Kayaking "The Grand Canyon of the Europe"

South of France Expedition
On its path from the mountains of Haute Provence to the sea, the Verdon cuts through a number of limestone gorges. The most spectacular and beautiful of these is the Gorge du Verdon. This is the famous ‘Grand Canyon’ of Europe. The descent of this class 2-4+(5) canyon is like a mini expedition. Because of its length (34 kilometres), difficulty and nature (portages and scouting) It is a paddling experience on a scale that is found nowhere else in Europe.

Adventure or Ordeal
Some paddlers on their first descent have taken over 8 hours or more to finish it, others have even had to leave their boats and come back the next day. However, Canoe Control guides with intimate knowledge of the gorge can make the journey an adventure and not an ordeal, increasing your safety and decreasing the time needed to complete it. The gorge has been very well documented in many guidebooks; please refer to White Water South Alps by Peter Knowles for a more detailed description.

Guide and Safety Boater per Trip
This trip can be taken as a complete package as part of the structure of our Alpine courses in the summer, or when we are in Provence in April and early May. It also can be taken as a completely separate trip. Although this is a guided trip each paddler will need a sound skill level (solid class 3+ 4 with a good roll). A good fitness level and a degree of mettle are necessary.  The trip will consist of one guide and safety boater per four clients.

Prep-Day
Releases from the dam at Castellan are usually every Tuesday and Friday during the spring and summer. Timetabled Verdon Gorge trips will normally be offered on the Friday, with a preparation paddle the day before. However group bookings for Tuesday are possible. We do not offer this trip as a one-day package. The prep-day is of great importance for training and skill review. Clients already on a Canoe Control week can join this trip, however there will be a supplementary fee.

For a full description including itinerary see the info sheet.

Kayaking The Verdon Canyon 2012

Electricity de France (EDF) release (spring/summer) from its barrage at Castellane into the Verdon (pre-Canyon) then into the Grand Verdon Canyon twice a week Tuesday and Friday. Releases and levels of the release can be a little random as EDF do not confirm until about two days before, if they are going to make a release. However releases within French Holidays mid July mid August are more reliable. Prime release level 15-20 Cumecs however, at 40 Cumecs the main Canyon is a little strong but the Pre-Canyon is a great fun run. Releases can vary from 5 to 40+ cumecs.

Note: If the releases are only twice weekly Tues/Fri. There is insifficent water the days prior or after the release, to paddle either the main Gorge or the Pre-Canyon. When the water level in the main gorge is very low its becomes very dangerous because many more sphons are exposed

Verdon Gorge (Provence) Kayak Preparation and trip
In April/May the prep day will be on a suitable river in Alpes Hautes Provence

Dates 2012
April 23-24 April
April 30-01 May

Price based in Provence
£265.00 per person (minimum of 3 on the trip)
£695.00 Group rate (3-4 persons)
- Includes two nights use of CC one person tents and sleeping mat (not sleeping bag)
- Includes CC Mini bus and driver
- Includes CC Guide and Safety Boater
- Excludes Camp Fees or any Meals

We can arrange Hotel accommodation if prefered 

Verdon Gorge (South French Alps) Kayak Preparation and trip
In June, July, August. The preparation day will be in the French Alps, river Durance catchment

Dates 2012
June 11-12 June
June 18-19 June
July 16-17 July
July 23-24 July
August 06-07 August
August 13-14 August

Price based in South French Alps
£295.00 per person (minimum of 3 on the trip)
£750.00 group rate (3-4 persons)
- Includes CC Guide and Safety boater
- Includes CC Mini Bus and Driver (saves on shuttle time)
- Includes Preparation day and Gorge day
- Includes one night camp fees 
- Includes use of CC one person tents with sleeping mat (not sleeping bag)
- Excludes any meals or food for the trip 

Extras
Boat hire
£40.00 boat per day
£20.00 per day for full paddling equipment
Airport transfer from Turin (Verdon trip run from Alps) available
£200.00 per person (single person supplement group reductions available)
£95 per person flight transfer from Nice (Verdon trip run from Provence) but free on our week long package

Insurance
We offer a great insurance package just click on the insurance icon for details

Dates
Based on the EDF (France Electric) dam release above Castellane.