On vacation in the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes? Discover 4 places to go rafting in Nice!
Nice has been attracting crowds since the 19th century, and not for nothing! A pebbled coastline, an omnipresent culture, the sea and mountains just a stone’s throw away, sunshine all year round. It’s a dream vacation destination in summer and winter alike.
All year round, the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes offers a thousand activities to keep you entertained. Among the best things to do in Nice is rafting. Climb aboard an inflatable boat to discover the region’s best spots.
And if you don’t know where to go, Generation Voyage has put together a guide to rafting in Nice.
1. The Roya
Photo credit: Facebook – Roya Evasion
Level: intermediate
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 7 kilometers
Course
The Roya is one of the best-known rivers in the Nice region, and indeed in the Southern Alps. And with good reason: you’re in the Vallée des Merveilles, close to the Italian border. Between picturesque scenery and deep nature, your rafting session in Nice is sure to be a sight to behold.
The inflatable boat can accommodate up to eight people. It’s ideal for new adventures with friends or family. A guide accompanies you to ensure your safety, but also to show you the most beautiful places.
During your run, you’ll alternate between rapids and flats for a bit of rest. A versatile course, perfect for all profiles.
Practical information
Before going rafting in Nice, you will need to meet certain prerequisites:
- Must be at least 12 years old;
- Know how to swim;
- Be in good physical condition to withstand the descents;
- Bring sneakers, swimsuits, towels and a change of clothes.
2. The Vésubie
Photo credit: Facebook – Planète Rivière
Level: beginner or intermediate
Duration: half-day
Distance: 13 kilometers
Course
Another must for rafting in Nice is the Vésubie river. Aboard an unsinkable inflatable boat, you’ll experience incredible sensations.
You propel yourself along the course using a simple paddle. You don’t need to be a great sportsman to navigate whitewater.
At Vésubie, you can choose between half-day and full-day tours. For the half-day, head for the lower part, starting at Saint-Jean-la-Rivière and ending at Plan du Var. And if you want to venture out for the whole day, you’ll discover the many gorges, alternating between gentle moments on the flat, and others that are a little more sporty, with sustained rapids, waves and eddies.
Summer is the ideal time to experience new sensations, but spring also offers exceptional scenery when the snow melts.
Practical information
During your rafting session in Nice, several pieces of equipment are provided:
- A neoprene wetsuit;
- A life jacket;
- A helmet.
However, remember to bring closed-toe sneakers and a swimsuit.
Please note: in the event of poor weather conditions or insufficient numbers of participants, rafting sessions may be rescheduled.
3. The Var
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Hivaka
Level: beginner
Duration: 2 to 6 hours
Distance: 8 kilometers
Course
Rising in the Mercantour National Park, the Var flows into the Mediterranean just outside Nice. On your rafting trip, you’ll pass through the Gorges de la Mescla and the Var plain.
With more than a hundred kilometers of white water, the Var offers several courses:
- Entrevaux and Puget Théniers ;
- The Daluis gorges, also known as the « little Colorado of Nice » for its red cliffs.
In spring, the scenery is absolutely exceptional as the snow melts. Between two glimpses of the surrounding nature, the downhill runs are waiting to fill you up with adrenalin. Share these moments of pure bliss with family and friends. It’s the perfect activity for groups, since the inflatable boat can accommodate between four and eight people, with a guide to accompany you.
But before you start your rafting session in Nice, the instructor will explain the safety rules, how the activity works and how to handle the paddles.
Practical information
- Rafting does not require advanced physical fitness, but it is essential to be able to swim;
- You will need to bring a change of clothes , sneakers and sports shoes;
- All safety equipment will be provided by the rafting team.
4. Canyon de la Tinée
Photo credit: Facebook – Canyon Cians
Level: beginner
Duration: between 2 hours and 2 h 30
Distance: 6 kilometers
Course
A rafting session on the Tinée river means enjoying exceptional scenery. The river offers numerous canyons and other natural wonders to feast your eyes on: Cramassouri, Guercha, Burenta, the Louch waterfalls and the trou des Corneilles.
Before you climb aboard, a qualified instructor will explain the safety rules and how the activity works.
Once on the boat, enjoy exceptional experiences surrounded by family and friends. Thanks to a few flat areas between the tumultuous rapids, you’ll enjoy moments of calm before the adrenalin rush.
Rafting is fun and a team sport. The guide steers the boat while you give him or her all the instructions needed to get through the rapids.
Practical information
La Tinée is about forty minutes from Nice. To get there, take the N202 towards Digne les Bains. Follow « Isola » to reach the Tinée valley. Continue to the hamlet of La Courbaisse on the D2205.
One kilometer after the hamlet, you’ll find a parking lot on your right. Now’s the time to park and start your rafting session in Nice.