Durance P3 : from Briançon to Prelles
Briançon
Durance P3 : from Briançon to Prelles
0h30
Duration4735m
Distance1196m
AltitudeClass :
Rating : II - III
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Description
This descent is ideal for less experienced navigators. It starts on the first kilometers of the Durance valley, and lasts for about 5 km of class II-III, presenting no particular difficulty. The descent allows to exit the town of Briançon, progressively leaving behind towns, roads and civilization.
Considered as an initiation itinerary, the descent only includes a class III rapid, and can be navigated may through october, depending on water levels.
Upon arriving in Prelles, follow the signs to disembark at the campsite on the right bank.
Once on shore, take the dirt road perpendicular to the river to cross the campsite. At the end of the piste, take a right towards the road going back to Briançon.
Considered as an initiation itinerary, the descent only includes a class III rapid, and can be navigated may through october, depending on water levels.
Upon arriving in Prelles, follow the signs to disembark at the campsite on the right bank.
Once on shore, take the dirt road perpendicular to the river to cross the campsite. At the end of the piste, take a right towards the road going back to Briançon.
- Towns crossed : Briançon, Puy-Saint-André, Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières, and Villar-Saint-Pancrace
Gear
Wet suits are strongly recommended (glacier waters can reach under 4°C)
Helmet and life jacket are mandatory
Inflatable kayaks are not suitable and strongly advised against
Helmet and life jacket are mandatory
Inflatable kayaks are not suitable and strongly advised against
Recommandations
Important information :
- Careful with water flow variations at the end of the descent, due to the presence of the hydroelectric plant
- Careful with floods after a storm
- Careful with logjams, especially at the beginning of the season
- Please take your trash with you
Attention : Experience is required in order to navigate these rivers without professional supervision. This information is provided for general guidance. Checking weather reports, water levels, flow rates and conditions before embarking is under your responsability. The tourism office and the national park will not be held responsable in case of an accident.
If you have doubts, please ask a professional. Kayak schools, instructors and renting shops of the valley are here to help you.
Mountain Rescue : dial 112
Weather report
Water levels at l’Argentière : https://www.rdbrmc.com/hydroreel2/station.php?codestation=1125
- Careful with water flow variations at the end of the descent, due to the presence of the hydroelectric plant
- Careful with floods after a storm
- Careful with logjams, especially at the beginning of the season
- Please take your trash with you
Attention : Experience is required in order to navigate these rivers without professional supervision. This information is provided for general guidance. Checking weather reports, water levels, flow rates and conditions before embarking is under your responsability. The tourism office and the national park will not be held responsable in case of an accident.
If you have doubts, please ask a professional. Kayak schools, instructors and renting shops of the valley are here to help you.
Mountain Rescue : dial 112
Weather report
Water levels at l’Argentière : https://www.rdbrmc.com/hydroreel2/station.php?codestation=1125
1 point of interest
FloraThe alpine anemone
The alpine anemone or the alpine pulsatilla blooms here in the spring. It is a plant with a downy covering of white hairs on the large drooping flowers which are dark purple, contrasting with the bright yellow of the numerous stamens, and with very indented leaves. In summer, its fruits with a long pappus, or tuft, form a feathery seed head atop the stem. Although it is frequently found in localised areas, it is nevertheless a rare species dependent on steppe meadows in the Durance valley.