The Canyon du Verdon, considered one of the most majestic canyons in Europe, stretches over 27 kilometers. We invite you to discover the beginning of this canyon by following the Blanc Martel trail. This unique experience will allow you to appreciate the splendor and breathtaking landscapes of the canyon from the water, offering a perspective that is inaccessible on foot. It’s an exceptional way to explore the Canyony du Verdon and introduce yourself to white-water packrafting.
Highlights of this packrafting adventure:
A unique and exclusive discovery of the Verdon Canyon, away from mass tourism.
Ideal for testing packrafting on white water.
Small groups.
Guided by a certified guide, an expert of the canyon.
Self-draining packrafts, single or double.
Level 2 / Dynamic: I venture off the beaten track
Level 2: I am the "Intermediate!"
I know how to go straight, turn, stop, and generally control my kayak or packraft.
I have already navigated on a class 2 river (mild current, small waves).
The classification of rivers is explained on the level page.
4 to 8 people
The minimum age for this adventure is around 12 years old. Please note that regardless of age, participants must be able to swim and have the required physical and/or technical level. If you have any doubts, feel free to give us a call!
This adventure is often guided by Mélody or Antoine.
You can change the date of your activity or cancel it up to 72 hours before the activity starts. To do so, send us an email at info@blue-secret.com or contact us by phone, providing your name, the date, and the activity in question. In case of cancellation, we will refund you with a deduction of 5 euros per person. However, if the deadline is not respected, the full amount of the service will be charged.
We remain, of course, available for any questions.
If, for any reason (lack of participants, bad weather, or unsuitable water levels), Blue Secret is forced to cancel the adventure, you have three options:
Please note that changing the participant’s identity can be done at any time and at no extra cost, provided that the new participant also meets all the physical and technical requirements of the adventure.
*Gift vouchers are not nominative. This means that the person of your choice can use them, but only if they also meet all the physical and technical requirements of the adventure.
To discover the region, feel free to check out the tourism office website; it's a great source of information.
If you want to come by public transport, there is a bus that runs daily between Nice and Grenoble.
You can find more information on the tourist office website as well.
Discover some images of our exploratory packraft descent in the canyon du Verdon.
An exceptional packrafting adventure with Antoine in the impressive Verdon Canyon. An outstanding guide, Antoine is not only very friendly and passionate but also extremely attentive to safety. The brand-new equipment made the experience even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this activity for those who want to explore off the beaten path. We were all alone in the middle of August!!
A huge thank you to the entire team 😘
A big thank you to Antoine and the Blue Secret team for this unforgettable discovery of the river. The best way to explore it was undoubtedly on the water, aboard these mini-rafts. The Verdon, with its dazzling colors and spectacular cliffs that reveal themselves as we progress, truly enchanted us! A truly unique experience, both fun and immersive, that allowed us to access the hidden corners of the Verdon while admiring the impressive griffon vultures soaring along the cliffs. A huge thank you for everything!
What a wonderful sporting and human adventure I experienced in the Verdon Gorges! Antoine, our guide, was not only an exceptional professional but also a true packraft enthusiast. He made sure to maintain a warm and friendly atmosphere within our small group. I’m excited to come back for another expedition!
The Welcome
Meeting at 9:00 AM at the parking lot in front of Chalet de la Maline. There, you will meet your guide, who will explain the day’s schedule before driving you to the starting point in the Blue Secret vehicle.
The Approach Hike
From 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM: We begin our adventure with an approach hike along the Blanc Martel trail. This 45-minute hike is done with our equipment on our backs (weighing about 9kg), crossing the first part of the canyon. We pass by the rapids of the Sansom corridor and the Turbine. After 45 minutes of hiking, we reach our water entry point!
Packrafting
From 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM: After a briefing on how to use the packraft, we launch onto the waters of the Verdon. The area we explore is inaccessible by foot. Although the Blanc Martel trail is nearby, we only cross it sporadically. This is the perfect opportunity for a lunch break on a secret beach.
Our journey in the packraft continues through the canyon, introducing us to the basic techniques of white-water kayaking. We then explore the beautiful and lesser-known Artuby canyon, a tributary of the Verdon, by paddling upstream for several hundred meters to admire the gorges.
In the mid-afternoon, we reach the Estellier bridge, marking the end of our packrafting journey. This bridge connects the Imbut trail to the Blanc Martel trail.
The Return Hike
From 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Once the packrafts are carefully packed away, we begin our return hike. A climb of about an hour (+400 meters of elevation) awaits us. This final leg brings us back to the parking lot where our adventure began in the morning.
Yes, it is of course possible to privatize an adventure. The price will be at least equivalent to the participation of 6 people. For a customized adventure, feel free to call our team; they will be happy to assist you.
Sure. It’s worth noting that most of our guides speak English. Some also speak Spanish. All English-speaking individuals or those who can understand safety instructions in English are welcome to join our adventures.
The minimum age is 14 years old. Please note that regardless of age, participants must be able to swim and must have the required physical and/or technical level.
We have single and double packrafts available. However, the choice of packraft type depends on the stock available. For specific requests, feel free to contact us.
Level 1: I am "The Beginner!"
I have never held a paddle before.
Level 2: I am "The Intermediate!"
I can paddle straight, turn, stop, and generally control my kayak or packraft. I have already paddled on a Class 2 river (mild current, small waves).
Level 3: I am "The Advanced Paddler!"
I navigate confidently on Class 2/3 rivers. I fully control my boat in this river class. I can assist in setting up group safety for a technical section.
Level 4: I am "The Expert!"
I navigate on Class 3/4 rivers. I can roll my boat, read a river, and set up safety for a technical section
Being able to swim is an absolutely mandatory prerequisite.
A pair of sports shoes with soles is required.
Yes, the shoes will go in the water. It is important to note that for safety reasons, shoes are mandatory during all our adventures.
The group size varies depending on the adventure. However, generally, groups range from 4 to 8 people. For safety reasons, some adventures are limited to 6 people. You will find a "group size" section on each adventure page. Feel free to consult it.
Safety is our top priority! Even if the weather isn't ideal (rain, wind, clouds, etc.), the adventure will continue as long as the participants' safety is not at risk. If the weather conditions are unfavorable along the route, the guide may set up an alternative itinerary to ensure the group's safety.
