rafting and aqua trekking in the verdon
Rafting & Aqua Trekking in the Verdon Gorges — Tonton Rafting
The Verdon is one of Europe’s great canyons. Turquoise water, limestone cliffs, wild landscapes. Two hours from Nice. Two hours from Marseille. Most people drive past it. You should stop.
My name is Christophe. I have been guiding on the Verdon since 1999. I work alone — no staff rotation, no back-to-back groups, no corporate structure. Just me, the river, and a maximum of 8 people per trip.
If you are looking for a conveyor belt experience, I am probably not for you. If you want to actually see the Verdon — really see it — call me.
📞 +33 6 18 25 26 18
Two Activities. Done Properly.
I offer two things. That is all. But I do them well.
Rafting in the Verdon Gorges
Sit in an inflatable raft, paddle through rapids, discover the canyon from the river. Suitable from 6 years old. Two routes available — a discovery trip for families and beginners, and a sportier descent for those who want more.
Aqua Trekking — River Floating in the Verdon
No boat, no paddle. You swim and float downstream through the canyon, in a wetsuit, carried by the current. Access places no road, no path, no boat can reach. Suitable from 8 years old. The most immersive thing you can do in the Verdon.
Why Choose a Small Independent Guide?
Most operators in the Verdon Gorges run industrial-scale tourism. Dozens of rafts on the water at the same time, guides you meet five minutes before departure, groups assembled from strangers.
Tonton Rafting is different — and deliberately so.
- One guide : me. Christophe, on this river for over 20 years.
- Small groups only. Maximum 8 people per trip, never combined with another group.
- No rush. If something is worth stopping for, we stop.
- Languages : French and English.
This is not a marketing promise. It is just how I work, and have always worked.
Practical Information
| Location | Castellane, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, 04120 |
| From Nice | 2 hours |
| From Marseille | 2 hours |
| From Aix-en-Provence | 1h30 |
| Season | April to October |
| Languages | French & English |
| Group size | Maximum 8 people |
| Prices | From 50 € / person |
What People Come For
Families with children — both rafting and aqua trekking are accessible from 6-8 years old. The Verdon is genuinely one of the best places in France to introduce children to the outdoors.
Couples and friends — a half-day on the river is one of those experiences that is hard to forget and easy to talk about.
Solo travellers — you are welcome. I will find you a group, or we go alone. Call me.
Experienced adventurers — the sporty rafting descent (Point Sublime route) and the Couloir Samson aqua trekking are serious activities in serious landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Tonton Rafting based? All activities depart from Castellane (04120), a small Provençal village at the gateway to the Verdon Grand Canyon, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of southern France.
Do I need experience to do rafting or aqua trekking in the Verdon? No experience needed for either activity. Rafting is accessible from 6 years old, aqua trekking from 8 years old. You need to be able to swim for aqua trekking.
What is the difference between aqua trekking and rafting? In rafting, you sit in an inflatable boat and paddle. In aqua trekking (also called river floating), you are in the water — swimming, floating, walking — with a wetsuit and buoyancy vest. Much more immersive, no paddling required.
How many people are in a group? Maximum 8 people per guide. You will not be merged with another group. Ever.
Is Christophe a certified guide? Yes — I hold a State Diploma in canoeing, kayaking and associated disciplines, with the UF8 qualification required for high-gradient rafting. I have been practising whitewater sports for over 30 years.
When is the best time to visit for rafting or aqua trekking? June to September for the best conditions. April, May and October are also possible — quieter, cooler, and at reduced prices.
How do I book? Call or text directly : +33 6 18 25 26 18. Or use the contact page. I usually reply the same day.
About the Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon — sometimes called the Grand Canyon of Europe — cut through the limestone plateau of Haute-Provence for 25 kilometres, reaching depths of up to 700 metres. The river runs turquoise blue-green, coloured by minerals dissolved from the rock.
It is one of the genuinely spectacular natural landscapes of France, and one that most tourists see only from the road above. The best way to understand it is from the water.
Castellane, the nearest town, sits at the eastern entrance to the canyon — a quiet, authentic Provençal village with a rock-perched chapel and a good market on Wednesdays.
Ready? → Contact Christophe
Whether you are seeking adrenaline, fun with kids, or a complete outdoor experience, our activities combine rafting, aquatricking, aquatic hiking, and hiking in a safe and breathtaking environment.