Looking for a thrill? Here’s where to go rafting in the Morvan Natural Park!
The Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan is located in the heart of the Morvan, in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region. The Morvan, France’s green lung, is a preserved, authentic and wild natural site. The white waters of the Cure and its tributary the Chalaux, which cross the Morvan, have a very good reputation for white-water sports, especially during water release periods.
These two spots combine adrenaline and nature discovery, with all the subtleties of the Morvan Regional Nature Park. The Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan is also the closest rafting site to Paris (2h30), and easy to reach from major cities such as Lyon (2h30), Dijon (1h30) and Nevers (1h30).
So, are you ready to discover the thrills of whitewater? We tell you all about where to go rafting in the Morvan Natural Park.
Good to know
Rafting involves navigating fast-flowing rivers in an unsinkable inflatable boat. The boats generally accommodate 6 to 8 people, plus an instructor. Six river classes classify spots according to difficulty. Class I rivers are the easiest, and Class VI the most technical.
Now that you know that, let’s find out where to go rafting in the Morvan.
Le Chalaux
Photo credit: Facebook – AN Rafting Morvan
Level: easy, from 7/8 years of age (may vary according to service provider), ability to swim and immerse – class III with some class IV passages.
Duration: approx. 2h15, including 1h15 in the water
Distance: approx. 5 kilometers, depending on service provider and package chosen.
Price: average €45 per person (adult rate)
Best period: April to October
The Chalaux is the main rafting spot in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. This river, a tributary of the Cure, crosses the Morvan Regional Nature Park, and combines calm passages with more tumultuous eddies. It’s a mecca for white-water sports.
Total relaxation on this site of natural beauty. The descent passes through woods and the river is framed by large stones covered with green moss. The road is quite far away, ensuring total calm and immersion in the heart of nature, with the possibility of spotting birds, fish… Le Chalaux is therefore the perfect spot if you’re looking for a place to go rafting in the Morvan Natural Park.
Course
In the heart of the wilderness of the Parc du Morvan, a descent that introduces you to the thrill of white water in the Morvan forest. The base is either Chalaux, the village bearing the same name as the river, or Plainefas/Chaumeçon, depending on the provider. Departure is usually from the Plainefas dam.
The route leads through deciduous and thorny forests, over granite boulders. A descent in the heart of nature, far from roads and houses. Thrills guaranteed with class IV rapids and passages.
This manoeuvrable river alternates between calm passages and narrow waterfalls with higher water flows. There are several stages on the programme, some of them technical, such as the « ball pool », the « 400-metre passage », the « calf loss » and the « Courtibas passage ». The Chalaux descent is also renowned as a stage in the French and European canoe-kayak downhill championships.
The course takes place in an exceptional natural setting. But for even more white-water rafting in the Morvan Park, there’s also the cano-raft option. A tandem descent in a two-person boat with a navigation guide. A perfect way to learn this type of navigation.
Departure from the Chalaux base, minimum age 14, sporting level and experience recommended. Private boat trips are also available. Several options are available, including the « cacahuète » mini sport raft for 3 people, or private rafting for 4, 5 or 6 people. A perfect formula for a descent with family or friends.
Several formulas are available:
- Classic formula: for a crew of up to 7 people. Average price 45€ for adults and 37€ for children under 10;
- Summer family package: for a fun family outing with a guide. From three people including one minor child. Average price €40 for adults and €37 for children under 10.
Practical information
Descents are supervised by state-certified guides. They generally run from April to October. To go rafting, you need to be able to swim 25 meters, immerse yourself and be in good physical condition. You’ll need to bring your own sneakers, bathing suit, towel and change of clothes.
Life jackets, neoprene wetsuits and helmets are provided. The advertised prices include navigation equipment, supervision, equipment and transport from the base to the departure & arrival point. A briefing will be given by the instructor before departure.
La Cure
Photo credit: Facebook – Evasion Rafting Morvan
Level: class III with class IV passages from age 10 upwards
Duration: approx. 2h15, including 1h15 in the water
Distance: 5/6 kilometers
Price: approx. €45 per person (adult rate)
Best period: April to October
The Cure is a tributary of the Yonne and flows through the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Among its 34 tributaries is the Chalaux, renowned for its whitewater sports. The gorges de la Cure are also popular for whitewater sports, but also for climbing, hiking and visiting caves and archaeological sites.
Course
The landscape is similar to that of the Chalaux descent, with lush greenery and granite rocks. Departure is from the nautical base at Plainefas, in the commune of Saint Martin du Puy. For thrill-seekers, several rapids await you, including the « 7 taureaux » and « le saut du Gouloux ». Here, too, you can enjoy the beauty of nature, with its dense undergrowth and moss-covered rocks.
You can also enjoy a tandem descent in a cano-raft, a combination of rafting and canoeing. A two-seater craft for thrills and, above all, for perfecting your skills, in duo with a guide. Average price 50 euros, from age 14.
Practical information
Descents are supervised by state-certified guides. Rafting generally takes place from April to October. You need to be able to swim 25 meters, immerse yourself and be in good physical condition to go rafting. You’ll need to bring your own sneakers, bathing suit, towel and change of clothes.
Life jackets, neoprene wetsuits and helmets are provided. Prices include sailing equipment, supervision, equipment and transport from base to start & finish point. You’ll also take part in a pre-departure briefing with the instructor.
From now on, rafting in the Morvan will hold no secrets for you. Enjoy your session!