The calm and tranquil summer waters
of the River Drome are wilder and more tempestuous in spring.
The abundant spring waters, fed by the Drome’s many tributaries,
are particularly good for canoeing.
There are also lovely canyoning routes in the area.
| The River Drome runs approximately 110
kilometers. From its source near Valdrôme (at la Bâtie-des-Fonds) it runs alongside the towns of Die and Crest, emptying eventually into the Rhone. It is the most important river of the department, or administrative region, of the Drome. 57 kilometers of this Class II river are navigable and there are no dangerous obstacles. Between Le Claps and Crest, the River Drome descends 383 meters. Spring is the best season for rafting, but you can enjoy canoeing/kayaking on the river all year. |
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| Canoeing / Kayaking | |
 In a group of friends or family, a trip along the river for a couple of hours, a day, or even several days, is a popular and easily accessible outing. Without any great physical effort, you can enjoy the great outdoors and the beautiful scenery of the Drome. The river is easily navigable from Pont de Quart to Crest For the more experienced, there are more challenging rivers, such as the Roanne, Archiane or Bez. It is easy to rent equipment from the many professional outlets in the area (see list), who will provide you with canoes, paddles, life jackets and water-tight cans (for your belongings and food) so you can enjoy your river trip in comfort and safety. The rental outlets will also usually pick you and your canoe up when you reach your destination and bring you back to base. |
Canoes
and kayaks can be rented from these outlets > click here |
| Rafting | |
| The River Drome presents no great technical
difficulties for rafting; it is fun and accessible to all, but only
in spring, as there is not enough water in summer.
Inflatable rafts are available for rent in the
area. They are very stable, consisting of a large inflated tube,
made up of four independent compartments ensuring that they will
not sink if there is a puncture, a base, and transverse tubes to
keep them rigid. They are light and buoyant. |
Contact these outlets to find out about
rentals and navigation conditions |
| Canyoning | |
 Canyoning is bound to give you a high! Descending a river by swimming, abseiling, jumping down waterfalls into deep pools, being carried along by the current or sometimes walking, canyoning can be unmitigated fun. To do it safely, however, requires technical equipment and experience. If you don’t already have them, professional guides in the area can provide both. You will need a wetsuit, neoprene gloves and slippers, a helmet, a water-tight container, ropes, harnesses, slings, descenders and carabiners. There are eight lovely canyoning sites, none of them too technical, in the Diois. See the list on the right. |
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| "Randonnée Aquatique" – Canyoning for Beginners | |
| Little sister of Canyoning, "randonnée aquatique" is a relaxing and refreshing combination of swimming, walking, jumping down waterfalls and sliding along rivers. | |