Rafting and fly fishing on the Ubaye River – a complete alpine river immersion

The Ubaye Valley in the French Alps is well known for its rafting descents.
But the river is not only experienced from the raft — it can also be discovered from the banks, by observing currents, seams, insect life… and by practising fly fishing.

This is the idea behind this experience: combining rafting with guided fly fishing to discover the river in a more complete and immersive way.

Two complementary ways to read the river

Rafting allows you to feel the power of the water and its movement.
Fly fishing, on the other hand, invites you to slow down and understand the details: depth, currents, insect activity and quiet holding areas.

By combining both, you gain a much broader understanding of the river.
You are no longer just descending it — you are discovering a living environment.

Guided by a professional of both rafting and fly fishing

This experience is based on a key element:
it is led by Guillaume Mary, a certified whitewater guide and professional fly fishing guide.

This dual expertise makes it possible to:

• adapt the navigation to interesting river sections
• choose the right moments to stop and fish
• help anglers read the water more effectively
• and create a coherent experience from start to finish

This is not simply two activities combined, but a different way to approach the valley.

Who is this experience for?

These outings are mainly designed for:

• fly anglers wishing to discover the Ubaye in a new way
• river and nature enthusiasts
• visitors looking for a more immersive and personalised day
• or small groups wanting to combine rafting with an introduction to fly fishing

Depending on conditions, the day may alternate between rafting sections, fishing stops and time spent observing the river environment.

Discover the river differently

Si l’Ubaye est souvent citée parmi les grandes rivières de rafting en France, ce n’est pas un hasard.
ElleThis approach remains true to the spirit of the valley:
taking time, adapting to conditions and focusing on an authentic river experience.

👉 If you would like to learn more about these rafting and fly fishing outings, you can explore my fly fishing guiding trips or visit my dedicated fly fishing website Esprit Rivières, focused on mountain river fly fishing in the Alps.

When is the best time to go rafting on the Ubaye River? Spring or summer

The Ubaye Valley is one of the top whitewater destinations in France, but one question comes up again and again: when is the best time to go rafting?

Between the powerful snowmelt waters of spring and the sunny days of summer, each season offers a very different experience. Here’s how to choose the one that suits you best.

Rafting in spring – the river at its wildest

From May to early July, the Ubaye is fed by melting snow from the Alps.
Water levels are higher, the current is stronger, and the river shows its full character.

This is the ideal period for:

• people looking for stronger sensations
• sporty groups and active travellers
• those who want to discover the river in its most natural form
• friends or adventure-minded visitors

In spring, the descent feels more dynamic and powerful, the mountains are lush and green, and the experience remains very authentic.

Rafting in summer – sunshine, fun and accessibility

From July through September, water levels gradually drop and the river becomes more accessible while remaining playful.

This is the perfect season for:

• families
• first-time rafters
• holidaymakers looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation
• enjoying the warm summer atmosphere of the valley

There is usually more time for swimming, enjoying the riverbanks and taking in the scenery.

Spring or summer – two faces of the same river

There isn’t one “best” season.
There are simply two different ways to experience the Ubaye:

• in spring, a more powerful and sporty river
• in summer, a more playful and accessible one

In both cases, the goal is the same: to share a moment in nature, in the heart of the valley, far from everyday noise and routine.

Still unsure which period suits you?

Si l’Ubaye est souvent citée parmi les grandes rivières de rafting en France, ce n’est he easiest solution is often to discuss it directly with your guide.
Depending on your level, expectations and travel dates, he can recommend the most suitable descent.

👉 You can explore the different rafting options on the Raft’Ubaye activities page, or get in touch directly to discuss your trip.

Why the Ubaye River is one of the best rafting rivers in France

Located in the southern French Alps, close to the Italian border, the Ubaye Valley has long been considered one of the country’s top whitewater destinations.
Every year, visitors from across France and abroad come to discover this alpine river, known for being both wild, technical and accessible.

So what makes the Ubaye so special for rafting?

A natural, alpine river still shaped by the mountains

Unlike some regulated rivers, the Ubaye remains a living mountain river, fed by snowmelt and alpine springs.

Its flow changes through the season, the rapids evolve, and each descent feels genuine.
That is part of its appeal: you are navigating in a real natural environment, not an artificial course.

A rare variety of sections in one single valley

The Ubaye offers several navigable sections, each with its own character:

• accessible routes for discovery and first experiences
• more dynamic sections for those seeking stronger sensations
• the famous Martinet–Lauzet run, often considered one of the most beautiful rafting sections in France

This variety allows each outing to be adapted to the group, while always enjoying spectacular alpine scenery.

A striking landscape between forests, peaks and light

Rafting on the Ubaye is not only about the rapids.
It is also about moving through a preserved alpine valley, surrounded by forests, mountains and traditional villages.

In spring, the valley is lush and vibrant.
In summer, the light becomes warmer and the atmosphere more relaxed.

In every season, the experience remains deeply connected to nature.

A river respected by guides and whitewater enthusiasts

Si l’Ubaye est souvent citée parmi les grandes rivières de rafting en France, ce n’est If the Ubaye is regularly cited among France’s great rafting rivers, it is for good reason.
It combines several qualities rarely found together:

• a true alpine river
• varied sections
• a strong natural setting
• an experience suited to different levels

For many guides and paddlers, it remains one of the most complete whitewater destinations in the country.

Discover the Ubaye for yourself

Whether you are looking for your first rafting trip or a more immersive river experience, the valley offers many possibilities.

👉 You can explore the different rafting trips on the Raft’Ubaye activities page, or get in touch directly to discuss the outing that suits you best.

Why choose a small independent rafting base on the Ubaye River

When looking for a rafting trip, most people compare prices, routes or photos.
But one factor can completely change the experience without always being obvious at first: the size and philosophy of the structure you choose.

Between a large organised rafting centre and a small independent base, the atmosphere and the way you experience the river can be very different.

A more personal and human approach

In a small independent structure, the welcome is often simpler and more direct.
There is usually more time to talk, understand the group’s expectations and adapt the outing accordingly.

It’s not about being better or worse — it’s simply a different approach.
The experience often feels closer to a guided river outing than to a standard activity.

A stronger connection with the valley and the river

Smaller bases are often located close to the river, with a lighter organisation and a more flexible rhythm.

This allows the outing to follow the day’s conditions more naturally:
weather, water level, group energy and the overall atmosphere of the valley.

Sometimes the difference is subtle, but it often leads to a more immersive experience.

A guide present from start to finish

lIn an independent setup, the guide is usually involved throughout the whole experience:
welcome, equipment, briefing, navigation and return.

This continuity creates a simpler relationship and makes it easier to adapt the outing during the descent, depending on how the group feels and how the river behaves that day.

A different way to experience rafting

Si l’Ubaye est souvent citée parmi les grandes rivières de rafting en France, ce n’est pas un hasard.
Choosing a small independent rafting base is not just about choosing an activity.
For many people, it means looking for:

• a more authentic outing
• a natural pace
• direct contact with the guide
• a deeper connection with the river

For some, this is what turns a simple rafting trip into a real mountain experience.

Discover the Ubaye in a different way

If you are looking for a more personal and river-focused experience, it is always possible to discuss your plans directly beforehand.

👉 You can explore the different rafting trips on the Raft’Ubaye activities page, or contact me directly to talk about your outing on the Ubaye River.