There are a large number of rafting and canoeing companies based in Castellane (thirty minutes drive from Les Basses Beaumettes), making trips down the well-known Verdon Gorge a popular option. The local companies use a wide variety of rivers - both the upper and lower Verdon and the less well-known Gorges Cians and Daluis with their fantastic red rock formations.

There are lots of different options from rafts and canoes, including one and two person canoes and kayaks, and a peculiar rubber-ring which they call "le tubbing".  Aqua rando is also popular and involves walking and swimming down the river with flippers and a float. With all of the above you descend the river for a morning or afternoon and are then brought back to Castellane by mini bus afterwards.

Regardless of your choice of craft, the spectacular scenery, beautiful green water and exciting rapids will leave a memorable impression. There are usually plenty of options for swimming on the way. The only equipment you need to bring with you is an old swimsuit and old trainers as the banks of the river are rather pebbly.

For more information, check out the websites of companies based in Castellane:

• Buena Vista
• Aqua Viva
• Sports Passion Verdon
• Aboard Rafting
• Montagne & Rivière
• Gite de la Baume this website has nice photos and good general info about the water sports available in the area.
• General water sports information around the Verdon Gorge area

Based at La Colle Sur Loup

• Aqua Reve

It goes without saying that there are many many more possibilities for doing your own thing. For those who want to bring their own canoes to explore the local rivers, Simon Dawson has some photos of a trip down the Verdon Gorge here.

Nearby Lac de Castillon with its stunning turquoise water is worth visiting just to see that water that colour really does exist.

Other Water sports

There are canoes, pedalos and windsurfers for hire on Lac de Castillon (thirty minutes drive), have a look at the website for the Base Nautique at St Julien du Verdon, where you can have sailing lessons. There are lots of nice swimming and sunbathing spots by this stunning lake.

Closer to home, in St Auban, you can sit and sunbathe by the river which goes through the Clue de St Auban.

The nearest swimming pool is in Castellane (thirty minutes drive).