Two-Day Adventure in the Verdon: From Lake Castillon to the Grand Canyon
Embark on a two-day exploration in the Verdon Gorge, far from the crowds of Lake Sainte-Croix. We start with the discovery of Lake Castillon, a turquoise gem still preserved, before immersing ourselves in the first part of the great Verdon Canyon.
This unique micro-adventure combines hiking and packrafting. We walk through impressive ridges and stone villages before navigating the canyon, a part of the Verdon accessible only by packraft. In the evening, enjoy a bivouac by the lake, a moment of relaxation in the heart of nature.
An adventure off the beaten path, far from the crowds of the Verdon Gorge.
A beautiful bivouac by the water's edge.
A small group for more sharing.
Guided by a state-certified guide, an expert of the region.
New, high-quality equipment for maximum comfort.
What is Level 2 / Dynamic?
Level 2 / Dynamic: I venture off the beaten path
You have energy and enjoy sports in general.
You are capable of enduring 5 to 6 hours of physical activity per day.
You are eager to visit unique places, far from typical tourist spots and clichés, all within an extraordinary natural setting.
The idea of embarking on an outdoor adventure while maintaining a certain level of comfort appeals to you? Choose Level 2.
What is Level 1 / Initiation?
Level 1 / Initiation: I am discovering a new activity
No specific preparation or physical condition is required for this level, as long as you feel comfortable.
Want to discover packrafting and familiarize yourself with this innovative activity, all in a natural and relaxing environment without overexerting yourself? Choose Level 1.
The price includes:
The price does not include:
For the activity:
For the evening:
Your personal belongings will be transported by our logistics team, so you won’t have to carry them.
It depends on the type of adventure. The minimum age for this adventure is 14 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.
4 to 6 people
This adventure is often led by Antoine.
If you are unable to participate in the trip for which you are registered, the following conditions apply based on the cancellation date:
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.
If Blue Secret has to cancel a trip for various reasons (such as lack of participants, unfavorable weather conditions, or inadequate water levels), you have three options:
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.
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.
To discover the region, feel free to check the tourist office website; it's a great source of information.
If you want to travel by public transport, there is a bus that runs daily between Nice and Grenoble.
You can also find more information on the local tourist office's website.
Discover some images of our hiking and packrafting adventure between Lake Castillon and the Verdon Canyon.
Discovering packrafting alongside the pioneer Antoine, with the flawless organization by Sophie, was incredible. Between thrills, breathtaking landscapes, and enriching moments of sharing, this experience is a must for nature and sports enthusiasts.
Day 1: Immersion in the Verdon – From the Peaks to the Turquoise Waters of Lake Castillon
9:00 AM – Welcome in Castellane
We meet you at 9:00 AM in the parking lot of the Castellane swimming pool. After introductions, your guide will explain in detail the program for these two days of adventure.
Panoramic Hike
Equipped with our packrafts, we will embark on a 3-hour hike along a trail winding through the ridges. The route offers spectacular views of Lake Castillon and the surrounding mountains. We will take a well-deserved break for a picnic, enjoying the magnificent scenery, before descending to the water launch point.
Lake Castillon Navigation
Once at the shores of the lake, we will have a brief session to familiarize you with the packraft. Then, it’s time to paddle! We will glide across the turquoise waters of Lake Castillon, far from the crowds, along a wild and untouched shoreline. A short stop at a local port will allow us to prepare for the night and relax before we continue our paddling journey.
Bivouac in an Isolated Cove
By the end of the day, we will reach a small hidden cove, where we will set up camp on private land. Enjoy a swim, followed by a friendly dinner by the water. The evening will end under the stars, with a peaceful night spent immersed in nature.
Day 2: Exploring the Grand Canyon of Verdon – Between White Water and Majestic Cliffs
Relaxed Morning and Transfer to the Canyon
After waking up by the water and having breakfast in the wild, we will take a short walk to enjoy a final view of the lake. Then, we’ll meet our vehicle for a transfer to the entrance of the Grand Canyon of Verdon.
Hike on the Blanc-Martel Trail
We will begin the day with a 45-minute hike on the famous Blanc-Martel Trail, a legendary route that runs along the gorges and offers breathtaking panoramas. This trail will lead us to the launch point for our white-water adventure.
Packraft Descent in the Canyon
After inflating the packrafts, your guide will provide safety instructions and teach you the basics of white-water navigation. We will then set off for a 12 km descent through the Grand Canyon of Verdon, a majestic and inaccessible place only reachable by packraft. You will navigate several thrilling rapids and drift through vertiginous cliffs. A lunch break on a secluded beach in the heart of the canyon will punctuate this unique adventure.
Return on Foot and End of the Adventure
After the descent, it will be time to deflate the packrafts and prepare for one last walk. We will climb approximately 400 meters of elevation in a 1-hour hike that will take us to the Chalet de la Maline, the final point of our adventure. From there, our minibus will take you back to Castellane, concluding these two days of escape.
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.
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.
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.
Knowing how to swim is an absolutely mandatory prerequisite.
Yes, the shoes will go in the water. It is important to note that for safety reasons, shoes are mandatory during all our adventures.
A pair of sneakers with soles, such as sports shoes, is required.
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
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.
