Enjoy white water sports in the Grand Massif!

Among the sports you can enjoy during your stay in the original four-season resort of Flaine in Haute-Savoie, why not try some refreshing white-water sports in summer? Are you an athletic, good swimmer and a thrill-seeker? Take advantage of the richness of the Alpine environment to try rafting, canorafting, hydrospeed or airboat in the rapids of the Haut-Giffre valley. Home to countless freshwater springs, the mountains abound with rivers, torrents, waterfalls and lakes for whitewater sports. The Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval ski area in the immediate vicinity of Flaine is a perfect example. Numerous activities are programmed here during the summer season. All levels of ability are catered for by professional instructors, and most are available from the age of twelve. Find out more about the different white-water sports you can try during your next stay in the heart of the Grand Massif!

© ArtmannWitte / Shutterstock

Haut-Giffre

Situated in the Mont Blanc region, around thirty kilometres from the resort of Flaine, the grandiose Haut-Giffre valley is an ideal location for a wide range of physical activities. Surmounted by peaks reaching an altitude of three thousand metres, the valley is characterised by its unspoilt flora and fauna.

Hidden in its green and rocky setting, the river Le Giffre rises in the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, near Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. The Giffre is largely fed by melting snow. This Alpine torrent is renowned for water sports such as rafting, Airbaot, Canorafting and hydrospeed. You'll also discover the superb Gorges de Tines, a benchmark for whitewater and the famous "giant's potholes" from which its name derives (the Savoyard patois word for pothole is "tine").

The Giffre is particularly busy from May to June, when the snow melts. This is when rafting and hydrospeed are particularly popular. At the height of the summer season, during July and August, the waters of the Giffre become calmer and are perfectly suited to more family-oriented activities, such as Canoraft and Airboat.

As you can see, the Vallée du Giffre has everything you need for a great time in the water. Find out more about some of the best white-water activities to try out.

© LENS-68 / Shutterstock
Hôtel LAPIAZ & Spa - FLAINE Flaine
Booking.com

Hôtel LAPIAZ & Spa - FLAINE

Located in Flaine, Hôtel LAPIAZ & Spa - FLAINE offers 3-star accommodation, a bar, spa and wellness centre.
8.9 Superb
From
£92
See the offers

Canoraft in the heart of the Grand Massif

Here's a fun water activity that's accessible to anyone aged twelve and over. The Canoraft is a two-seater inflatable canoe that you steer with the person of your choice. You set off in several canorafts, followed by a state-certified instructor.

Canorafting is ideal in July and August, and promises breathtaking scenery. Don't miss out on this ideal activity with family or friends for unforgettable white-water moments.

Le canorafting, une variante de rafting en canoë sur les rivières agitées de montagne

- © Esteban Photography / Shutterstock

Hydrospeed on the Giffre Valley torrents

This time, you'll be taking on the rapids of the River Giffre as part of a group, but alone on your float! Wearing a reinforced wetsuit and a pair of flippers, you'll be supported by a foam float. Maximum thrills guaranteed, especially when the flow of the Giffre is at its maximum!

Then it's off to swim in the white water through the rocks, carried along by the force of the mountain. You're guaranteed to experience a maximum of intense sensations. Hydrospeeding is best done in May and June, when the rapids are at their peak. The minimum age is 12.

Rafting on the Giffre

Are you on a family holiday in the Vallée du Giffre and looking for a fun and refreshing activity during July or August? Try rafting on the Giffre.

Climb aboard an eight-seater inflatable boat (a raft) steered by the helmsman and sail as a group in a magnificent natural setting! You'll have some wonderful memories to share with family and friends.

Whitewater rafting in the French Alps

- © litchi cyril photographe / Shutterstock

Climb aboard an eight-seater inflatable boat (a raft) steered by the helmsman and sail as a group in a magnificent natural setting! You'll have some wonderful memories to share with family and friends.

The Airboat in Haute-Savoie

Finally, we'd like to round off this presentation of white water sports in the superb Vallée du Giffre with the Airboat. This one-seater inflatable boat promises a multitude of sensations, all on your own!

The two summer months are the best time to try this fun and refreshing activity, which is accessible from the age of 12.

Airboat, autre sport extrême d’eau vive à pratiquer notamment en montagne

- © Pafnuti / Shutterstock

Practical information

This is the place to be if you're looking for an introduction to the joys of water sports. Located in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, this school offers an introduction to the main white water sports activities. Accompanied by a professional instructor, enjoy a fun, refreshing and intense activity in the mountains, either on your own or with friends or family!

Nunayak Rafting's guides will help you discover rafting, canorafting, canyoning and many other activities, depending on what you want to do, the season and the conditions of the day.

Nunayak Rafting Address: 50 Route du Fer-à-Cheval, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (next to the Tourist Office, along the Giffre)

Website: [Click here!)[https://haute-savoie-rafting.com/?utm_source=easyvoyage)

by Jude JONES
Need a hand? take a look at our guide
Flaine
Flaine
Latest news
Cardiff
The best hotels in Cardiff
London
All there is to do in London in October
Cork
A day trip in West Cork
Cork
Volvo Cork Week, a glimpse into Cork’s sailing races
Rome
Explore the Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest roads in Rome
Read more articles
Best cities