White-water sports in Savoie – Our guide for adventurers

3 min readPublished on 9 October 2026

In short

Four white-water sports can be enjoyed around the campsite in Savoie: rafting on class II to V rapids, hydrospeed on a floating board, kayaking for all levels, and canyoning in Alpine gorges. Local providers supervise each activity.

Key takeaways

  • Rafting: class II to V rapids, family or extreme routes depending on your level.
  • Hydrospeed: descending on a floating board, alone or with a guide.
  • Kayaking: rentals available, calm or fast routes, access to Alpine lakes.
  • Canyoning: abseiling, natural water slides and jumps into pools, all levels.
  • All these activities are supervised by professional guides, booking recommended in high season.

White-water sports are an excellent way to discover the magnificent landscapes of Savoie while getting exercise and having fun. With its many rivers and Alpine lakes, the region is a true paradise for white-water sports enthusiasts. In this article, we explore the different white-water sports available around our campsite in Savoie, including rafting, hydrospeed, kayaking and canyoning.

rafting in Savoie

Rafting in Savoie

Rafting is a very popular white-water sport in Savoie. The region's crystal-clear rivers and class II to V rapids offer varied routes for all levels. Experienced guides can take you on rafting routes of different difficulty, from family-friendly runs to extreme routes for the most adventurous.

Rafting is ideal for groups of friends or families looking for an exciting, fun experience in a magnificent setting.

Hydrospeed in Savoie

If you are looking for an even more intense experience, you will love hydrospeed. Hydrospeed is a white-water sport practised with a floating board, which lets you ride down the river carried by the currents. You can go alone or with a guide.

Savoie's rivers offer perfect routes for beginners as well as the more experienced.

Kayaking in Savoie

Kayaking is an exciting white-water sport that offers thrills and great freedom of movement. In Savoie, you can rent kayaks to paddle down Alpine rivers. Savoie's rivers offer routes for all levels, from calm paddles to the most extreme rapids.

Kayakers can also discover the region's magnificent Alpine lakes. 5 km from our campsite, Les Versants d’Aime leisure park also rents kayaks and paddleboards in a safe, family-friendly setting.

canyoning in Savoie

Canyoning in Savoie

Canyoning is a water activity that involves descending gorges by following the riverbed. It combines abseiling, natural water slides and jumps into natural pools. Canyoning is ideal for anyone looking for a water adventure and a unique experience in Savoie's Alpine landscapes. Experienced guides can take you on routes for all levels, suitable for beginners and the more experienced alike. See our selection of the 5 best canyoning spots in Savoie.

Our advice before you start

In Savoie, white-water sports offer incredible experiences for extreme sports fans and nature lovers. Whether you want to raft down a river, explore gorges canyoning, paddle on lakes in a kayak or test your skills at hydrospeed, the Savoie region has everything you need for an unforgettable water adventure. The region's professional guides can help you choose the activity that best suits your skills and level of experience. They can also guide you through the magnificent Alpine landscapes and give you tips to make the most of your experience safely.

If you are a beginner, we recommend that you start with routes suited to your level and go with an experienced guide. Guides know Savoie's rivers and routes perfectly, letting you make the most of your experience while ensuring your safety.

Finally, it is important to consider the weather before planning your activity. Weather conditions can affect rivers and lakes, making some routes dangerous. Guides can help you plan your activity according to the weather and the state of the rivers.

In short, Savoie is an ideal region for white-water sports fans. Beginner or experienced, you will find activities suited to your level and skills. The region's magnificent Alpine landscapes, combined with the thrills of white-water sports, offer a unique and unforgettable experience for every adrenaline-seeking adventurer. Do not hesitate to explore all the options available and enjoy everything Savoie has to offer in white-water sports.

Providers around the Eden campsite

On the map below, you will find some providers around our Eden de la Vanoise campsite for enjoying white-water sports in Savoie safely:

SébastienSébastien’s tip

These sports depend heavily on the river's flow, which varies greatly with snowmelt and the weather of the moment. Before booking, call the provider directly to check that the water level suits your slot, rather than relying only on the photos on their website.

Sébastien

Written by Sébastien - Owner of the Eden de la Vanoise campsite

since 1987Tarentaise, Vanoise, motorcycling

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