River Trekking in Couloir Samson in the Verdon Gorge (from 10 y.)

What to Expect

Join us for a river trekking in the Couloir Samson from 10 years old. After getting acquainted with your equipment and a short 25-minute minibus journey, you will find yourself at the starting point of the activity, Point Sublime. The anticipation builds as you take a brief 5-minute walk along the renowned "Sentier Martel" to reach the bed of the Verdon River and enter the stunning Couloir Samson, a narrow canyon approximately 10 metres wide. On your left, you will be greeted by the sight of "Le Grand Duc," one of the Verdon's most famous climbing sites, boasting a spectacular 300-metre vertical climb.

As you enter the Couloir Samson, the water is calm, offering the perfect opportunity to get into a floating position. Soon, you will encounter the first boulder inviting you to try a jump, although this is not compulsory. After about 20 minutes of progress, you will arrive near the magnificent open cave known as Baume aux Pigeons. Here, the currents begin to pick up, but the water remains channelled, keeping your swimming trajectory clear. Further along, you will navigate the first labyrinth, where faster currents demand you to slalom between the boulders. Your skilled guide will be by your side, expertly describing the best trajectories and guiding you through the most impressive sections, including siphons and other giant potholes.

As you approach the end of the route, you will exit the water just before the Trescaire towers, where the canyon opens up, offering the chance to spot griffon vultures soaring over the lookouts at Rancoumas or gliding along the large red walls below Route des Crêtes. You might also catch sight of intrepid climbers and base jumpers in action. The adventure concludes with a 20-minute return walk along the Martel trail, passing through two long tunnels carved into the rock in the early 20th century for a hydroelectric project.

Tour facts

• Canyon: Verdon Gorge

• Difficulty level: moderate

• Total duration: 4 h

• Time in canyon: 2 h

• Jump height: up to 6.5 meters

• The jumps are not mandatory

How to Get There

• Meeting place: at our base in Castellane

• Meeting time: 10 minutes before departure

• Car parks nearby: at the meeting place (free)

Included Services

• Certified canyoning guide

• Socks, overalls and neoprene jacket, helmet and waistcoat

• Transfer by minibus from our base to the site

Requirements

• Minimum age: 10 years

• Minimum age to participate alone: 14 years

• Minimum height: 135 cm

• Be able to swim 25 m without any flotation aid

Bring Along

• Swimsuit

• Pair of sneakers that can go in the water (not water shoes or sandals)

Good to Know

• Not suitable for toddlers, pregnant women and the elderly

• In case bad weather prevents the activity from taking place, you will receive a full refund or be able to reschedule the activity

• In low season, activities on the Verdon depend on whether the dams are open. The information is confirmed the day before: rafting if open, aqua hiking if closed

• Outside of July and August, EDF only informs us of the water flow rate at 5:30 PM the day before. When booking, you must also be willing to go rafting in case the dams are opened.