White Water Rafting

The Pyrénées offer lots of opportunities for organized outdoor activities (rafting, body boards, rock climbing, potholing, canyoning etc…) run by centres where full tuition and all equipment is provided. These activities are on the whole for families with older children who are looking for that adrenalin rush and bit of extra excitement that perhaps a gentle canoe/kayak ride doesn’t give!

In the western Pyrénées the towns of Sauveterre-de-Béarn and Laàs, have white water rafting centres which offer ½ or whole day excursions. An ability to swim at least 25m is  essential.

         - Soeix           - Isaby            - Ecolorado            - Nature            - UR Bizia

Club Sportif d’Isaby

65260 Villelongue

Tel No: (0)5 62 92 20 77

Website: www.isaby.asso.fr  (French only)

Location: Close to Lourdes, 6km S of Argèles-Gazost
General description: Large centre offering a wide variety of activities ranging from water based options, land activities (rock-climbing, canyoning etc) and also walking/mountain biking. Costs for half a day rafting start from €30, and €55 for a full day.  Children prices start at €20.

Used by Andy's sister and family in 2005 - they really enjoyed the experience, everyone was very friendly.  The only comment they made was that you don't really get true white water rafting at this time of year....for the real thrills you need to go when the rivers are in spate in spring/autumn.  But the thrills were plenty enough for them!