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Experience the Ubaye’s punchy alpine rapids on a 2–3 hour raft run from Martinet to Lauzet. Guided, CE‑rated kit and clear instruction make this an accessible whitewater introduction for families and adrenaline-seekers alike.
Experience the Ubaye’s punchy alpine rapids on a 2–3 hour raft run from Martinet to Lauzet. Guided, CE‑rated kit and clear instruction make this an accessible whitewater introduction for families and adrenaline-seekers alike.
A wind like a bellows pushes cold alpine air down the Avens of the Ubaye as the guide calls the commands—left, right, forward—each stroke a language you will learn by the third rapids. Launching from the Martinet access point, the raft drops into water that remembers glaciers: clear, fast, and impatient. Spray hits faces, laughter breaks into focused paddling, and the river, bright as steel, dares you to readjust how loud you can be.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by EVP - Eau Vive Passion · Barcelonnette, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
A wind like a bellows pushes cold alpine air down the Avens of the Ubaye as the guide calls the commands—left, right, forward—each stroke a language you will learn by the third rapids. Launching from the Martinet access point, the raft drops into water that remembers glaciers: clear, fast, and impatient. Spray hits faces, laughter breaks into focused paddling, and the river, bright as steel, dares you to readjust how loud you can be.
The Ubaye cuts a characterful line through Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, a valley shaped by ice and time. The river’s channel alternates between tight, rock-bounded chutes and wider, playful pools. Barcelonnette itself carries unexpected cultural notes—19th-century émigrés who returned from Mexico left flamboyant facades in town—and the valley’s human history is as layered as the riverbed, from shepherd tracks to hydraulic engineering for mountain mills.
Geologically the Ubaye is a young, energetic watercourse; its boulder gardens and scoured rock benches tell of recent glacial retreat and periodic flood cycles. This geology makes for classic rafting: short steep drops, punchy waves, and technical rapids that reward quick teamwork. Local guides emphasize technique and safety; the offered 5 mm wetsuit, jacket, helmet, and CE-rated vest are standard issue, leaving the cold to the river and the exhilaration to you.
Practicality rules the day: the standard run is roughly 2–3 hours from rigging to return, with active paddling concentrated in a 60–90 minute core of rapids. You should be comfortable in moving water—operators ask that participants know how to swim—and possess a moderate level of fitness to handle intermittent swims or re-boarding. Groups are generally 6–8 per raft with a guide at the stern, so teamwork matters more than brute strength.
Timing and season shape the experience. Spring melt pushes flows higher and livelier; late summer mellows the rapids for families. Regardless, plan to wear quick-dry layers under the provided wetsuit, bring water shoes that grip, and stash a dry set of clothes in the meeting-area car.
Meet at the campsite access near Martinet, a short drive from Barcelonnette, where the staff fit equipment and run a clear safety briefing. Cancellation is usually allowed up to 24 hours prior; bad weather or low participation can prompt rescheduling.
The Ubaye run is deceptively simple: accessible enough for newcomers, immediate enough for adrenaline seekers. It’s an efficient mountain adventure—two to three hours of river, a solid dose of alpine scenery, and a practical, guide-led introduction to whitewater that leaves you ready for the next bend.
moderate.
2–3 hours.
Moderate fitness: expect short bursts of paddling, possible swims and re-boarding; be comfortable in moving water.
Yes—participants are expected to have basic swimming ability since the activity includes potential swims and self-rescue practice.
Yes—the operator supplies a 5 mm neoprene wetsuit, neoprene jacket or k-way, helmet, and CE-rated life vest; bring your own shoes and swimsuit.
The listing does not specify a rigid minimum; family routes are common but age and route suitability vary—confirm with the operator when booking.
For a full refund cancel at least 24 hours before departure; trips may also be canceled for bad weather or insufficient participants.
Meet at the Martinet river campsite access at the start of the Martinet–Lauzet route—staff will equip you and run the safety briefing there.
Yes—guides lead all technical maneuvers, teach paddle commands, and use CE-rated equipment; moderate fitness and following instructions ensure safety.
Barcelonnette’s valley saw seasonal shepherding and later 19th-century emigration to Mexico; returning émigrés shaped the town’s architecture and commerce.
Operators emphasize minimal-impact boating and use CE‑rated gear; stay on established river access points to reduce bank erosion and respect nesting zones.
EVP - Eau Vive Passion operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A wind like a bellows pushes cold alpine air down the Avens of the Ubaye as the guide calls the commands—left, right, forward—each stroke a language you will learn by the third rapids. Launching from the Martinet access point, the raft drops into water that remembers glaciers: clear, fast, and impatient. Spray hits faces, laughter breaks into focused paddling, and the river, bright as steel, dares you to readjust how loud you can be.
A wind like a bellows pushes cold alpine air down the Avens of the Ubaye as the guide calls the commands—left, right, forward—each stroke a language you will learn by the third rapids. Launching from the Martinet access point, the raft drops into water that remembers glaciers: clear, fast, and impatient. Spray hits faces, laughter breaks into focused paddling, and the river, bright as steel, dares you to readjust how loud you can be.
The Ubaye cuts a characterful line through Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, a valley shaped by ice and time. The river’s channel alternates between tight, rock-bounded chutes and wider, playful pools. Barcelonnette itself carries unexpected cultural notes—19th-century émigrés who returned from Mexico left flamboyant facades in town—and the valley’s human history is as layered as the riverbed, from shepherd tracks to hydraulic engineering for mountain mills.
Geologically the Ubaye is a young, energetic watercourse; its boulder gardens and scoured rock benches tell of recent glacial retreat and periodic flood cycles. This geology makes for classic rafting: short steep drops, punchy waves, and technical rapids that reward quick teamwork. Local guides emphasize technique and safety; the offered 5 mm wetsuit, jacket, helmet, and CE-rated vest are standard issue, leaving the cold to the river and the exhilaration to you.
Practicality rules the day: the standard run is roughly 2–3 hours from rigging to return, with active paddling concentrated in a 60–90 minute core of rapids. You should be comfortable in moving water—operators ask that participants know how to swim—and possess a moderate level of fitness to handle intermittent swims or re-boarding. Groups are generally 6–8 per raft with a guide at the stern, so teamwork matters more than brute strength.
Timing and season shape the experience. Spring melt pushes flows higher and livelier; late summer mellows the rapids for families. Regardless, plan to wear quick-dry layers under the provided wetsuit, bring water shoes that grip, and stash a dry set of clothes in the meeting-area car.
Meet at the campsite access near Martinet, a short drive from Barcelonnette, where the staff fit equipment and run a clear safety briefing. Cancellation is usually allowed up to 24 hours prior; bad weather or low participation can prompt rescheduling.
The Ubaye run is deceptively simple: accessible enough for newcomers, immediate enough for adrenaline seekers. It’s an efficient mountain adventure—two to three hours of river, a solid dose of alpine scenery, and a practical, guide-led introduction to whitewater that leaves you ready for the next bend.