Kayaking in the Briançon region

This area is popular with paddlers as it has a good choice of fine white water amidst beautiful mountain scenery.

River

 Class  Km  Cumecs Notes 
Upper Guisane 3(4-) 11 10 Fast and scenic
Lower Guisane 4 6 15 1 portage, great run!
Romanche 4+ 5 25 full-on late season
Durance Gorge  4(5) 8 15 a mini-expedition
Briançon Gorge  3 2 10 fine little paddle
Upper Durance 2 7 30 confidence builder
Middle Claree 4 4 5 fast and furious
Lower Claree 3 12 10 beautiful valley
Gyr 4+(5) 3 15 "flat out"
Onde 3+ 3 5 best early season
Gyronde 3+ 6 20 good training
Veneon 4+(5) 4 20 a hard alpine gem

The nearby Clarée is good in early summer, the middle being fast and furious. Back in the 1970's this beautiful and unspoilt valley was destined to become a motorway to the Northern Alps until a local inhabitant called Emelie Carles, petitioned successfully against this becoming a reality.

The Romanche and Vénéon boast plenty of water through to late summer being fed by the nearby glaciers. But like all glacial rivers, they are icy cold. Only part of the Romanche is runnable, as much of it runs through one of the deepest Valleys in the French Alps. This river is, therefore, only for the very experienced and morning paddles are advised when the levels are lower.

The Durance Gorge, which runs south of Briançon, is not for beginners, paddlers having to negotiate, boulders, shoots and staircase rapids. The best months are from June through to September and if the water levels are right, this is a challenging run in a spectacular and committing gorge.

This whole region is a favourite amongst kayakers and is considered one of best places to paddle in Europe. All these runs are within an hours drive of our chalets in Oz, which is a great base for a wonderful kayaking holiday.