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Published: March 3rd 2015
If you thought whitewater rafting was beyond your means, think again. Just a short flight away from northern Europe you can get the thrill of shooting the rapids for a fraction of the price of heading over to the Zambezi, Nile or Colorado rivers.
A two hour drive from the major towns of Annecy, Grenoble, Chambery or even Geneva is the Tarentaise Valley formed by the River Isère. It offers more than 23 km of whitewater or “eau vive”, as it is called in French. A two and a half, to three hour downstream trip is less than €60.00. The difficulty varies from a class II to IV and the scenery is dramatic.
If that’s not enough, and you want a bit more of a white-knuckle ride, try the Doron de Bozel. A tributary of the Isère, it’s steeper, narrower and faster and there’s not too much time to admire the towering cliffs and wooded gorge as you shoot through. This is the one for the experienced rafter - or the intrepid novice.
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- The Haute-Savoie region is an excellent holiday destination for family sports activities and there is
a special 10 km route for young rafters from aged 8 upwards. It’s a gradual descent but not without it’s fair share of rapids as well as the more gentle sections. All the equipment is provided, along with instruction and safety tips and supervision is by professional tour guides. The only requirement is being able to swim!
, the Dora Baltea - Italie is a mythical river. From its source at the foot of Mont-Blanc it maintains the power and beauty of the glaciers that feed it. Depending on the water levels, at least three different sections can be navigated and there’s time for a picnic at the water's edge at each stop. It’s a bit more expensive at €120.00 but, as it says in the website, this is a “once in a lifetime” adrenalin rush.
unah
Samra C
Great experience
I love rafting. Great experience and hope to go one day. Also I would recommend you to check this place https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4759024 Its a cottage on the river, with rafting possibilities on the same river...