Blue secret

The entire Verdon Canyon in packraft

Blue secret

Adventure Information

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2 days, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Starting from €440

Level 3/4

La Palud sur Verdon

Group size : 4 to 6 people

The two-day expedition in the Verdon Canyon offers an unparalleled immersion into one of the most spectacular canyons in Europe. Over the course of 27 kilometers, this adventure skillfully combines trekking, packrafting, and canyoning, following the legendary Blanc-Martel trail and the Main Morte canyon.

In the evening, you will stay in the Maline chalet, offering a breathtaking view of the canyon.

The highlights of this packrafting adventure:

  • Unique and exclusive expedition in France

  • Complete descent of the largest canyon in Europe

  • Small group for more safety and sharing

  • Supervised by: 2 kayak guides and 1 canyoning guide

  • New self-draining packrafts

Need information

+33 7 65 23 02 89

Adventure Features

  • Adventure level: Level 3 / Committed

    What is Level 3 / Committed?

    Level 3 / Committed: I commit to an extraordinary adventure

    This level is designed for experienced athletes who regularly practice an endurance discipline (at least twice a week).
    You have the ability to endure a physical effort of up to 7-8 hours per day.
    Familiar with outdoor activities, even if you are not yet fully autonomous or specialized, the idea of spending the night camping in remote and remarkable locations appeals to you (you will be asked to help set up camp).
    The desire to seek nature and adventure, to revitalize and recharge in exclusive, hard-to-access places, motivates you. Unpredictable weather conditions do not scare you.
    Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure, to take on a challenge to test your limits and push yourself out of your comfort zone? Choose level 3.

  • Technical prerequisites: Level 2: 'The Intermediate

    Level 2: I am "The Intermediate"

    I have mastered the basics: moving forward, turning, stopping, and generally controlling my kayak or packraft.

    I have experience on Class 2 rivers (light waves and currents).

    The river classification is explained on the level page.

  • Minimum age to participate in this activity

    The minimum age for this adventure is 16 years old. Please note that regardless of age, the participant must know how to swim and must meet the required physical and/or technical level.

  • Price

    The price includes:

    • Supervision by a state-certified guide, an expert in the Verdon canyon. If day 2 is spent in the canyon, a second guide may be added depending on the number of participants.
    • Navigation equipment (packraft, paddle, life jacket, helmet, wetsuit, carry bag, waterproof bag).
    • Full board at the Chalet de la Maline.
    • Picnic for the first lunch.
    • All transportation from the meeting point.

    The price does not include:

    • Transportation to the meeting point.
    • Personal insurance.
  • Group size

    4 to 6 people

  • The guide

    This adventure is often led by Antoine. If we are able to do day 2 in the canyon, the descent of the Main Morte Canyon will be guided by an independent canyoning guide.

  • Equipment to bring

    For the activity:

    • Shorts, t-shirt, cap for hiking
    • Headlamp (one per two people is sufficient)
    • Folding walking poles (optional)
    • Boxer-style swim trunks to wear under the wetsuit
    • Sports shoes with a good sole (they will be used for both activities and will get wet)
    • Water bottle for the day (at least 1.5 liters per person)

    For the evening:

    • Warm clothing for the evening (with dry shoes)
    • Silk sleeping bag liner

    Your personal belongings will be transported by our logistics, so you won't need to carry them.

Cancellation policy

  • I unfortunately need to cancel my adventure, how does it work?

    If you are unable to participate in the trip for which you are registered, the following conditions apply based on the cancellation date:

    • Cancellation more than 30 days before departure: Blue Secret will provide a full refund.
    • Cancellation between 12 and 30 days before departure: Blue Secret will issue a gift voucher for the amount of the trip, valid for 12 months on all our trips. This voucher will not be refundable after its expiration.
    • Cancellation less than 12 days before departure: No refund will be possible. We recommend checking your credit card insurance terms.

    It is also possible to change the participant's name without any additional cost at any time, as long as the new participant meets all the physical and technical prerequisites of the trip.

    Note: Gift vouchers are not nominative. They can be used by the person of your choice, provided they also meet all the necessary physical and technical prerequisites for the trip.

  • Blue Secret unfortunately has to cancel my adventure, how does it work?

    It should be noted that the modification of the participant’s identity can be done at any time without any additional cost, but only if the new participant also meets all the physical and technical prerequisites of the adventure.
    *Gift vouchers are not nominative. The person of your choice can therefore use them, but only if that participant also meets all the physical and technical prerequisites of the adventure.

It should be noted that the modification of the participant’s identity can be done at any time without any additional cost, but only if the new participant also meets all the physical and technical prerequisites of the adventure.
*Gift vouchers are not nominative. The person of your choice can therefore use them, but only if that participant also meets all the physical and technical prerequisites of the adventure.

  • Our local partners

    To discover the region, feel free to check the tourist office website; it's a great source of information.

  • Getting there by public transport?

    If you wish to come by public transport, there is a bus that runs daily between Nice and Grenoble.

    For more information, you can also visit the tourism office website.

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Verdon Canyon in packraft

Find the route in pictures

Discover some images from our packraft and canyoning expedition in the Verdon Canyon.

Navigation en packraft dans les Gorges du Verdon
Navigation en packraft dans les Gorges du Verdon
Navigation en packraft dans les Gorges du Verdon
Navigation en packraft dans les Gorges du Verdon
Navigation en packraft dans les Gorges du Verdon
Navigation en packraft dans les Gorges du Verdon
Navigation en packraft dans les Gorges du Verdon
Navigation en packraft dans les Gorges du Verdon
Navigation en packraft dans les Gorges du Verdon
Navigation en packraft dans les Gorges du Verdon
Navigation en packraft dans les Gorges du Verdon
They talk about it better than we do...

Our clients share their experience with you

Blue Secret

The Expedition in the Verdon Canyon

The experience in the Gorges du Verdon was absolutely extraordinary. The practice of packrafting in whitewater and the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes were truly stunning. Antoine, our guide, was exceptional, sharing his knowledge with great pedagogy and a contagious passion. These two days gave us a complete escape from our daily routine, and we returned with wonderful memories."

Hélène C.

A unique experience during these two days with Antoine, a guide who shares his passion in a magnificent environment, all while ensuring safety. Everything is in place for a true escape and reconnection with nature. I highly recommend it, a must-do, fully and without hesitation 🤩

Rémi L.

What a unique adventure in packraft with Antoine! Exploring the Verdon Gorges, away from the crowds, we felt like we were alone on Earth, an incredible feeling. We can’t wait to come back for more adventures. A huge thank you and see you soon 🙂

Estelle T.

Where to begin... An amazing experience, timeless and away from the hustle and bustle! The combination of hiking and packrafting is a brilliant idea. It gave us the opportunity to appreciate the Verdon in all its majesty and tranquility! An adventure to repeat without hesitation! Thank you, Antoine!!

Thierry F.

Details of the packraft adventure

Day 1

Meet in the morning at the parking lot of Chalet de la Maline, where a detailed briefing of the program will be given.

After a short shuttle ride with our vehicle, we begin the approach hike. We set off on a 45-minute hike on the Blanc Martel trail, crossing tunnels and immersing ourselves in nature.

We arrive at the embarkation beach around 11:30 am. After receiving instructions on packrafting, we board on the Verdon to reach a zone inaccessible on foot. We have lunch on a secluded beach at the foot of the Artuby canyon, followed by a whitewater descent (class 2/3) in the canyon. We arrive at the Estellier footbridge in the afternoon.

Once at the Estellier footbridge, we deflate our packrafts and start a one-hour climb towards Chalet de la Maline for the night. Dinner and accommodation are at the Chalet with Fabrice’s team!

Day 2

We access the Verdon Canyon through the Main Morte Canyon. This is a dry canyon with approximately 2.5-3 hours of rappelling descent to reach the Verdon. In total, it involves almost 300 meters of rappelling (if you’re afraid of heights, this route is not for you!).

After a final 45-meter rappel, we arrive at the Verdon. We then set off to navigate an inaccessible section of the river for 8 km. We tackle several rapids before the canyon widens. We then enter a calm section leading to Lake Ste Croix.

End of the expedition and return to your cars!

The second day is only feasible if the dam is closed. If the dam is open on that day, this section is too dangerous. In this case, we will organize a shuttle to take you to Castellane to descend the 22 km of the gorges with beautiful rapids!

Do you have any questions about your packrafting adventure in the Verdon Canyon?

  • Is it possible to privatize a group?

    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 tailor-made adventure, feel free to call our team, they will be happy to advise you.

  • Does the team speak a foreign language?

    Yes. Most of our guides speak English. Some also speak Spanish. All English speakers, or those who speak English well enough to understand safety instructions, are welcome in our adventures.

  • Is there a minimum age to participate in the activities?

    The minimum age is 16 years old. Please note that regardless of age, the participant must be able to swim and must meet the required physical and/or technical level.

  • Can I choose between a single or double packraft?

    We have both single and double packrafts available. However, the choice of packraft type depends on the adventure and the available stock. For specific requests, feel free to contact us

  • What are the different types of physical levels?
    • Level 1 / Initiation: I am discovering a new activity.
      No specific training or physical condition is required for this level, as long as you are in good health. Want to try packrafting and learn the basics of this new activity in a natural and relaxing setting without putting in too much physical effort?
    • Level 2 / Dynamic: I venture off the beaten path.
      You are energetic and enjoy sports in general. You are able to exert yourself for up to 5-6 hours a day. You want to discover unique places, away from tourist spots and the usual, all within a natural setting.
    • Level 3 / Committed: I embark on an extraordinary expedition!
      This level is for good athletes who practice endurance sports regularly (at least 2 times a week). You are capable of exerting yourself for 7-8 hours a day. Used to outdoor sports but not yet fully autonomous or specialized, you love the idea of sleeping in remote and exceptional locations (help with setting up camp will be needed). You seek nature and adventure to recharge in unique, hard-to-reach places. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, but it doesn’t scare you. You want an intense experience that may challenge your limits and push you out of your comfort zone.
    • Level 4 / Expert: I explore little-known lands!
      Reserved for experienced athletes who practice endurance sports intensely (more than 3 times a week). Portages can reach 20 kg, and the physical activity can last up to 12 hours a day. Adventurers accustomed to outdoor expeditions, with strong motivation and mental resilience. Progressing in isolated environments that can become very demanding if weather conditions turn extreme. Geographic isolation means limited rescue resources. These are ambitious projects where achieving the goal and ensuring group safety depend on everyone's commitment. Solidarity is key!
  • What are the different types of technical levels?
    • Level 1: I am "The Beginner!"
      I have never touched a paddle.
    • 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 (light current, waves).
    • Level 3: I am "The Advanced!"
      I navigate with ease in Class 2/3 waters. I fully control my craft in this river class. I can help set up collective safety for a technical section.
    • Level 4: I am "The Expert!"
      I navigate in Class 3/4 waters. I can eskimo roll, read a river, and set up safety for a technical section.
  • Is it necessary to know how to swim?

    Knowing how to swim is an absolutely mandatory prerequisite.

  • Will my shoes go in the water?

    Yes, the shoes will go in the water. It is important to note that for safety reasons, shoes are mandatory during all our adventures.

  • What type of shoes do I need?

    A pair of sneakers with soles, such as sports shoes, is required.

  • What is the group size for an activity?

    The group size varies depending on the adventure. However, in general, 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 check it out

  • What do we do in case of bad weather?

    Safety is our priority! Even if the weather is not ideal (rain, wind, clouds, etc.), the adventure will proceed as long as the participants' safety is not at risk. If the weather conditions are problematic along the route, the guide may implement an alternative itinerary to avoid endangering the group.
    If no alternative route can be set up, the adventure will be canceled.

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